ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Egypt have become the second African country to qualify for the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.

The Pharoahs beat Australia 4-2 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 after 120 minutes.

Emam Ashour opened the scoring in the first half, before Mohamed Hany’s own goal levelled the game in the 55th minute.

It’s a first ever World Cup knockout win for Egypt and they will face either Argentina or Cape Verde next.

Morocco were the first African team to progress into the Round of 16 and they will take on co-hosts Canada.

Six countries from the continent have already been eliminated.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

FIFA is considering switching the 2026 World Cup last-16 match between co-hosts Mexico and Egypt to a 7pm BST kick-off time on Sunday, due to thunderstorms in Mexico City.

The game, which will be played at the Azteca Stadium, was initially scheduled to start 6pm local time on Sunday (1am BST on Monday).

Latin America broadcaster Claro Sports reports that due to forecasts of heavy thunderstorms and rain in the area, the match has been moved to an earlier time.

Andres Vaca, a commentator for Mexico’s official World Cup broadcaster TUDN, has also announced that the kick-off time for Mexico vs England has moved to the earlier time.

FIFA has yet to officially confirm the switch.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Egypt booked their place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup after defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw after extra time in Friday’s playoff clash.

The Pharaohs looked on course for victory after Emam Ashour fired them ahead in the 13th minute, finishing from close range after meeting Karim Hafez’s inviting cross.

Australia, however, fought back in the second half and drew level in fortunate circumstances when defender Mohamed Hany inadvertently diverted a free-kick into his own net in the 55th minute, forcing the contest into extra time.

Both sides created chances to settle the tie during the additional 30 minutes, with Egypt coming closest as Mohamed Salah, Rami Rabia and Haissem Hassan were all denied by inspired goalkeeping from Australia’s Patrick Beach.

At the other end, Australia piled on late pressure but failed to find the breakthrough as the encounter headed to a penalty shootout.

Egypt held their nerve from 12 yards, converting through Mahmoud Saber, Rami Rabia, Mohamed Salah and Hossam Abdelmaguid.

Australia responded through Jackson Irvine and Awer Mabil, but Harry Souttar blazed his effort over the crossbar before Lucas Herrington struck the woodwork, handing Egypt a deserved victory.

The result capped a resilient performance by the North Africans, who dominated possession for long spells and created the clearer scoring opportunities despite Australia’s spirited resistance.

Salah, Egypt’s captain, remained influential throughout the contest, orchestrating several attacking moves and calmly converting his spot-kick to keep his side in control during the shootout.

The victory sends Egypt into the World Cup Round of 16, while Australia exit the tournament after pushing the African side all the way through 120 minutes before falling in the decisive penalty shootout.