Record African champions Egypt face-off against Australia in their Round of 32 clash at the 2026 World Cup tournament, hoping to reach the last 16 for the first time in their history.
Ayomide Oguntimehin looks ahead to the July 3 clash at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington.
Australia vs Egypt match preview
Australia have advanced to the knockout rounds of the World Cup for another tournament and will be looking to advance this time around. The Socceroos finished second in Group D of the tournament behind the United States on four points after their three matches.
They recorded a shock 2-0 win over Turkey in their opening game before losing 2-0 to USMNT in their second game. A goalless draw against Paraguay in their third group game sealed their place in the Round of 32.
⏭️ Our #FIFAWorldCup Round of 32 clash will be against Egypt in Arlington, Texas 👊
🇦🇺 v 🇪🇬 – 3.7.26 – 1:00pm local
🇦🇺 v 🇪🇬 – 4.7.26 – 4:00am AEST📱💻📺 Live on SBS & SBS On Demand#Socceroos pic.twitter.com/T5YAumUd43
— CommBank Socceroos (@Socceroos) June 27, 2026
Egypt, on the other hand, have only reached the knockout rounds for the first time in their history. Despite their dominance on the African scene, they had previously never progressed beyond the group stage at the World Cup.
However, a thrilling final group game against Iran sealed their place in the Round of 32. The Pharaohs began their campaign against Belgium, recording a 1-1 draw, before sealing a 3-1 win over New Zealand in their second game of the tournament.
Australia vs Egypt Head-to-Head
- 17.11.2010 – Egypt 3-0 Australia
Egypt recorded a 3-0 win over Australia when both sides met in an international friendly match in 2010.
Best betting odds
Away (Egypt) to Win – 2.52 (via 1xBet)
Maestro ✨⚽#egyptnt#FIFAWORLDCUP pic.twitter.com/0OSpLZAsLx
— Egypt National Team (@EgyptNT_EN) June 29, 2026
Prediction
The presence of Mohamed Salah gives Egypt an extra advantage over Australia, which could be enough to seal their passage to the Round of 16.
Recent form: Australia
Australia have been inconsistent in recent outings, winning just two of their last six matches, recording two draws and losing two times as well.
The Socceroos have managed just two clean sheets during this period, although they have failed to find the back of
the net in half of those games.
👀🇪🇬
#egyptnt#FIFAWORLDCUP pic.twitter.com/5G901IYQq9— Egypt National Team (@EgyptNT_EN) June 28, 2026
Recent form: Egypt
Egypt, meanwhile, have improved in recent games and have only lost one of their last six games across all competitions, a 2-1 defeat to Brazil in a World Cup warmup match.
The Pharaohs are unbeaten so far at the World Cup, although they have conceded in all of their games while they have only won once.
Player to watch
Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Salah and four other Africans to fight for Golden Ball at the 2026 World Cup
Mohamed Salah has been one of the most exciting players at the World Cup so far, and has already made three goal contributions already.
The 34-year-old will be a major threat in attack against Australia with his pace and constant runs behind the defence, as he looks to make further history for his country.
