Atlanta, July 4, 2026
Egypt eliminated Australia from the FIFA World Cup in a penalty shootout and will face defending champions Argentina in the next round.
In a dramatic duel, Emam Ashour gave the Egyptian promotion team the lead as early as the 13th minute. In front of 70,244 spectators in Atlanta, a match developed that could only be decided after 120 minutes and a penalty shootout.
Early lead and late equalizer
Mohamed Hany conceded an own goal in the 55th minute, which meant the equalizer for the Australian team, the so-called 'Socceroos'. After that, it remained tense for long stretches of the second half and extra time, without any further decision in regulation time.
The Australians opted for a goalkeeper change in the 119th minute, replacing the previously strong Patrick Beach with Mathew Ryan. However, this tactical move did not pay off, as match reports indicated: «that a goalkeeper change from the previously strong Patrick Beach to Mathew Ryan in the 119th minute did not pay off».
