​Hossam Abdelmaguid converted Egypt’s fourth successful penalty kick to knock off Australia in the World Cup Round of 32 in Dallas on Friday, delivering Egypt its first knockout-round victory in World Cup play. The Pharaohs had entered the tournament without a knockout-win in three prior appearances, finally ending that drought after a group-stage win over New Zealand. The match went to penalties after 120 minutes produced no second goal for either side.
Egypt struck first, 20 minutes in, when Emam Ashour bundled home a rebound from Karim Hafez’s cross after a blocked set piece in Australia’s box. The Socceroos chased an equalizer but were unable to finish their chances, keeping Egypt in the contest.
Australia drew level 10 minutes into the second half as Mohamed Hany inadvertently redirected Aiden O’Neill’s free kick into his own net. The own goal capped a record-breaking tally at the tournament, with 13 own goals across the 2026 World Cup, one more than in 2018. Hany also had an earlier own goal for Egypt in the group stage against Belgium.
Late in the second half, Egypt nearly clinched it when Ramy Rabia’s header was superbly saved by Patrick Beach in stoppage time, taking the match to extra time. Both sides pressed in extra time, but neither could convert, with a combined four shots on goal blocked.
Before the second extra period ended, Australia coach Tony Popovic brought on Mathew Ryan for Beach to prepare for penalties. The plan backfired as Egypt scored on all four attempts, while Australia missed Harry Souttar’s first kick and 18-year-old Lucas Herrington hit the crossbar, smoothing Abdelmaguid’s decisive moment.
Egypt will face the winner of the Argentina-Cape Verde match on Tuesday in Atlanta for a place in the quarterfinals.