Australia knocked out of 2026 World Cup by Egypt in penalty shootout

Australia's Socceroos were eliminated in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing 4‑2 on penalties to Egypt following a 1‑1 draw after extra time in Arlington, Texas. Coach Tony Popovic had swapped 22‑year‑old goalkeeper Patrick Beach for veteran Mathew Ryan in the 119th minute, a tactic modeled on Louis van Gaal’s 2014 substitution, but Ryan failed to save any penalties.

In Melbourne, police reported several arrests after flares were set off at live‑screening sites. Four people were charged with possession of dangerous flares and a teenager was detained pending further inquiry. Authorities said crowd behavior was generally peaceful despite the disappointment of the loss.