Egypt’s Pharaohs have joined Atlas Lions of Morocco in the round of 16, making it the second African team to qualify for the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Morocco defeated Australia 4-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Dallas Stadium in Texas.
The high-stakes last-32 clash ended 1-1 after a gruelling 120 minutes, forcing the encounter into a penalty shootout to separate the two sides.
The Pharoahs started brightly against Australia and took a well-deserved lead in the 13th minute when Emam Ashour rose highest to power home a header from a cross by Mohamed Hany. The Pharaohs maintained their slim advantage until the break, capitalised on by defensive solidity and the attacking threat of a fit-again Mohamed Salah.
However, Australia responded with renewed vigour in the second half, relying heavily on aerial bombardment to unnerve the Egyptian defence. Their persistence paid off in the 55th minute when Aiden O’Neill whipped a dangerous free-kick into the penalty area, forcing Hany into a costly error as he accidentally headed the ball into his own net for Australia’s equaliser.
The match evolved into an attritional battle in the closing moments, with Patrick Beach, the Australian goalkeeper, putting up a spectacular performance. Beach pulled off a stunning left-palm reaction save in the dying minute to deny a goalbound Egyptian header and push the match into extra time.
With neither team able to break the deadlock during the additional 30 minutes, the match proceeded to penalties. During the shootout, Australia faltered under the immense pressure as Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington both missed their spot-kicks. Meanwhile, Mahmoud Saber, Ramy Rabia, Mohamed Salah, and Hossam Abdelmaguid all converted cleanly for Egypt to seal a famous 4-2 victory.
