Hossam Abdelmaguid converted Egypt’s fourth successful penalty kick to help knock off Australia in the World Cup Round of 32 from Dallas on Friday.
The win was the first-ever for Egypt in a World Cup knockout round. They had entered the tournament without a win in the competition in three previous appearances. A victory over New Zealand in the group stage ended that drought.
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The match required penalty kicks because neither side could find a second goal through 120 minutes of action.
Egypt struck first 20 minutes into the match from Emam Ashour. A set piece to the side of Australia’s penalty box was blocked, but the Pharoahs retained possession and Karim Hafez sent a cross that found an unmarked Ashour for the opening goal.
The deficit forced the Socceroos to try and find ways to unlock the Egyptian defense. A lack of finishing in the final third kept a door open for Egypt to record a second goal and end the match.
Australia’s work for an equalizer finally paid off 10 minutes into the second half. Aiden O’Neill’s free kick landed just in front of the six-yard box and flicked off Egypt defender Mohamed Hany’s head for an own goal.
There have now been a record 13 own goals during the 2026 World Cup, one better than the 2018 tournament. Hany was also responsible for an own goal during Egypt’s 1-1 draw with Belgium during the group stage.
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Australia’s grip on the game slipped late in the second half as Egypt pushed for a winner. Their best opportunity came in the fifth-minute of stoppage time as Ramy Rabia’s header from in close was tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Patrick Beach to help force extra time.
The teams continued to push for a winner in extra time, but neither could break through. In fact, neither could get a shot through as the sides blocked a combined four shots on goal, keeping the match tied.
Prior to the end of the second period of extra time, Australia manager Tony Popovic made a goalkeeping change, subbing in Mathew Ryan for Beach with an eye on penalty kicks.
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The move did not pay off as Egypt scored on all four of their attempts, while Australia saw Harry Souttar sail the first attempt over the bar and then 18-year-old Lucas Herrington hit the cross bar. Those missed opportunities opened the door for Abdelmaguid to send Egypt through to the Round of 16.
Egypt will now play the winner of Friday’s Argentina-Cape Verde match on Tuesday in Atlanta.
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