Date: Friday, July 3, 2026
Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, United States
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 32
Australia and Egypt go head-to-head in Arlington with a place in the World Cup last 16 up for grabs, where either Argentina or Cape Verde await the winners.
The Socceroos finished second in Group D behind co-hosts USA, while Egypt impressed by ending as runners-up in Group G, narrowly missing out on top spot behind Belgium.
Australia has arrived in Dallas 🐨 pic.twitter.com/Tw2SDlBHe8
— Dallas Texas TV (@DallasTexasTV) July 1, 2026
Match Preview
Australia’s campaign has been built on resilience rather than flair.
Tony Popovic’s side began with a convincing 2-0 victory over Turkey before suffering a defeat by the same scoreline against hosts USA. A hard-fought goalless draw against Paraguay in their final group match was enough to secure qualification for the knockout stages.
The Socceroos are no strangers to this stage of the competition, having reached the round of 16 in both 2006 and 2022. They pushed eventual champions Argentina close in Qatar four years ago and will be hoping to go one step further this time around.
Egypt, meanwhile, have been one of the surprise packages of the tournament.
The Pharaohs opened their campaign with an impressive 1-1 draw against Belgium before defeating New Zealand 3-1 and then earning another point in a 1-1 draw against Iran.
They missed out on top spot in Group G only on goal difference and head into the knockout rounds unbeaten.
This is only Egypt’s fourth appearance at a World Cup finals and they are aiming to reach the last 16 for the first time since 1934.
Form Guide
Australia – World Cup Form
W L D
Australia – Last Six Matches
W L D W L D
Egypt – World Cup Form
D W D
Egypt – Last Six Matches
D W L D W D
Team News
Australia remain without Jacob Italiano and Mathew Leckie, who are both sidelined through injury.
Tony Popovic could opt to stick with the side that drew against Paraguay, with highly-rated defender Lucas Herrington expected to keep his place in the back three.
Much of Australia’s attacking threat will once again rest on the shoulders of Nestory Irankunda, who has already found the net at this tournament.
Egypt have several fitness concerns ahead of the clash.
Captain Mohamed Salah is a doubt after suffering a hamstring issue against Iran, although there remains optimism that he will be fit enough to start.
The road back begins… and the King is coming back stronger 👑🇪🇬#egyptnt#FIFAWORLDCUP pic.twitter.com/560G4puGq0
— Egypt National Team (@EgyptNT_EN) July 1, 2026
The Pharaohs will definitely be without midfielder Mohanad Lasheen, who is suspended after accumulating yellow cards.
Predicted Lineups
Australia (3-4-3)
Joe Gauci Beach; Alessandro Circati, Harry Souttar, Lucas Herrington; Jordan Bos, Aiden O’Neill, Jackson Irvine, Aziz Behich; Cristian Volpato, Nestory Irankunda, Connor Metcalfe.
Egypt (4-2-3-1)
Mostafa Shobeir; Mohamed Hany, Ahmed Ramadan Ibrahim, Rami Rabia, Karim Hafez; Mohamed Ateya, Marwan Saber; Zizo, Mohamed Salah, Emam Ashour; Omar Marmoush.
Players to Watch
- 🇦🇺 Nestory Irankunda – One of Australia’s brightest young talents and a constant threat in attack.
- 🇦🇺 Harry Souttar – The defensive leader who will be crucial against Egypt’s forwards.
- 🇪🇬 Mohamed Salah – Egypt’s talisman and match-winner if fit enough to start.
- 🇪🇬 Omar Marmoush – Has enjoyed an excellent tournament and offers pace and creativity.
Head-to-Head
The two nations have met only once previously, with Egypt recording a 3-0 victory in an international friendly in 2010.
MaltaSport Prediction
This could prove to be one of the most evenly matched ties of the Round of 32.
Australia are well organised and difficult to break down, but Egypt have looked more dangerous going forward throughout the tournament. Much could depend on the fitness of Mohamed Salah, whose presence significantly boosts the Pharaohs’ chances.
Even if Salah is not fully fit, Egypt’s attacking options may just give them the edge.
Prediction: Australia 1-2 Egypt
Goalscorer tip: Omar Marmoush to score anytime.
