Egypt prepares to face Australia in World Cup 2026 Round of 32

Egypt secured its place in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after finishing second in its group with five points, drawing with Belgium, beating New Zealand 3‑1 and drawing with Iran. The Pharaonic side will meet Australia in the knockout stage on Friday at Dallas’s AT&T Stadium.

Australia’s coaching staff, including assistant Hayden Fox, highlighted the threat posed by Mohamed Salah and Omar Mermosh, while Egypt’s coach Tony Popovic is focusing on tactical preparation. Egypt is coping with injuries to key players: midfielder Hamdi Fathi is nearing a return, but forward Ahmed Fetouh suffered a serious muscle tear and is unlikely to play, prompting the inclusion of defender Karim Hafez in the left‑back role. The match will be a decisive test of Egypt’s ability to progress to the last‑16.

Both teams have analyzed each other's recent performances, with Egypt aiming to exploit gaps behind Australia’s attacking full‑backs and to maintain defensive solidity against a physically robust Australian side.