Australia will lock horns with Egypt in a 2026 Fifa World Cup round-of-32 encounter at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, USA, on Friday with a place in the last 16 at stake.
Kick-off is at 8:00 pm CAT.
CURRENT FORM
The Socceroos are in a resilient mood after grinding out a 0-0 draw with Paraguay in their final group D match on 25 June, finishing the group stage with one win, one draw and one defeat.
As a battle-hardened side known for their physical intensity, defensive organisation and never-say-die spirit, Australia advanced as runners-up on goal difference and head into the round of 32 ready to fight for a historic first-ever World Cup knockout-stage victory.
Meanwhile, Egypt, the knockout phase debutants, wrapped up their group G campaign on a strong note, finishing second after a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Iran on 27 June.
Egypt will bring their trademark counter-attacking threat, defensive discipline and the world-class quality of Mohamed Salah as they aim to reach the round of 16 for the first time in their history.
TEAM NEWS
Australia will head into the clash with a 24-player squad under Tony Popovic after attacker Mathew Leckie and defender Jacob Italiano were ruled out through injury.
Teenage sensation Nestory Irankunda remains available to provide pace on the counter.
Egypt are sweating on Mohamed Salah’s fitness after the captain suffered a hamstring strain against Iran and his participation is under late assessment, but he is likely to be risked.
Omar Marmoush is expected to shoulder much of the creative load, with Mahmoud Trezeguet fully fit to support the attack.
WHAT WAS SAID?
Australia head coach Tony Popovic
“The staff, the players – just a wonderful young group of men – and now we go to Dallas and we’ll try and do something special," Popovic said after their draw with Paraguay.
“One wonderful achievement, from the backing of the FA all the way through to the staff, the players, the fans. It’s a special day… You can have opinions on how the game was played, or what we both thought we needed, but we at no stage felt that we were playing for a draw. I thought we controlled the game quite well, and were in control, and had the better opportunities.”
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan
“I spoke with Salah and, God willing, the injury doesn't seem serious," Hassan said as he provided an update on Salah.
"He assured me it would be fine, that it's not a serious injury. I trust my players because their level is very high, whether it's Mohamed Salah, Marmoush or others. We are ready for Australia – they are a good side, but we have our own qualities.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Nestory Irankunda, Australia: The 20-year-old winger started on the bench but came off it to score a stunning long-range goal against Türkiye and consistently stretched defences with his blistering pace and direct dribbling.
Against Egypt, he can harm them by exploiting spaces behind their full-backs, especially if Mohamed Salah is limited, forcing Egypt to drop deeper and creating chaos in transition.
Mohamed Salah, Egypt: The Pharaohs captain scored one goal and provided two assists in the group stage with his trademark dribbling and delivery, even while managing minor fitness issues.
Against Australia, he can terrorise them with his pace on the break, precise crossing, and ability to unlock compact defences, forcing the Socceroos to sit deeper and creating opportunities for Omar Marmoush and Trezeguet.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The two sides have met twice in history:
1987 — President’s Cup (friendly tournament) in Seoul, South Korea: Australia 0-0 Egypt (Australia won 4-3 on penalties).
2010 — International Friendly in Cairo, Egypt: Egypt 3-0 Australia.
This Friday’s clash will be their first-ever competitive fixture and first World Cup encounter.
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