Australia vs Egypt: World Cup 2026 Preview

July 3, 2026. 9:00 PM. Arlington. AT&T Stadium.
World Cup 2026. Round of 16

Australia - Egypt

Where to watch: MEGOGO

Shown: Lashin (Egypt)

Injured: Italiano, Leki - Salah (?), Fati (?), Fatouh (?), Abdelmonem (?)

Australia vs. Egypt: Betting Odds

One of the most unpredictable matches of the World Cup's round of 16 will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Friday night. Australia will face Egypt. A win here gives the soccer teams a chance to repeat their best result at the World Cup. The Egyptians have already surpassed their previous achievements, but they refuse to stop. The winner will next face either Argentina or Cape Verde.

Australia

Geography aside, Australia remains the last Asian team in this tournament. They have reached the knockout stages for the third time overall and for the second time in a row. A sensational first match against Turkey, thanks to goals from Irankunda and Metcalfe, set the tone. The defeat to the USA was no disaster, and the draw with Paraguay was as expected. Now the team is aiming to reach the last 16 again. Success against Egypt would rewrite history; Australia has never progressed beyond the group stage before.

Both previous exits came against eventual champions Italy and Argentina. Another meeting with the Albiceleste would captivate Popovic's team, despite the slim chances. Australia plays the underdog role perfectly, maintaining compactness in defense. Two clean sheets in three group games underline that strength. The attack has lacked sharpness of late, with the last two matches ending goalless, but the team has the speed to punish mistakes, as was shown against Turkey.

This is only the second meeting between these teams. Australia lost the first friendly match in 2010 0-3.

Egypt

Egypt, the record African champions, have long been considered one of the continent's worst World Cup losers. The Pharaohs failed to win a single game in their first three tournaments. That changed in 2026 with a comeback victory over New Zealand. Those three points were the best moment of the group. They were followed by draws with Belgium and Iran. Both times Egypt lost the lead. They almost lost in the final against the Asian team, but were saved by an offside.

This result secured their first ever place in the round of 16 and a seemingly favorable match. Egypt's style is reminiscent of New Zealand's, but with better players. Unlike their opponents, the Pharaohs have not left the goal in the balance, but they have scored in every match. Salah and Marmouch remain key players. Salah has already scored here, while Marmouch remains without goals. Ashour, Zizou, Trezeguet and Saber have scored in his place.

Omar may have to take on more responsibility. Salah suffered an injury in the match against Iran, which has called into question his availability. The last World Cup showed how much damage Salah can do when he is not on the pitch; Egypt lost all three of their group stage matches.

Australia vs Egypt: Predicted Lineups

Australia are without injured duo Italiano and Lekki. Egypt face more uncertainty. Lashin is suspended after receiving yellow cards. Salah, Fati, Fatou and Abdelmonem are all injured, although most expect the captain to start.

Australia vs Egypt: Prediction author

The sides look evenly matched. Any result will surprise few. Expect few goals as both are prioritizing a historic result.