Egypt reach the World Cup knockouts for the first time and draw Australia
A first-ever World Cup knockout berth for the Pharaohs, sealed unbeaten in Group G, sets up a last-32 clash with Australia’s Socceroos.
Jun 27, 2026
Egypt are through to the World Cup knockout rounds. A 1-1 draw with Iran in front of a sold-out crowd in Seattle on Friday was enough to secure second place in Group G, sending Mohamed Salah and his team-mates into the last 32 and setting up a meeting with Australia.
It was the result Egypt needed, and they went a long way towards getting it inside the opening five minutes. Mahmoud Saber put them ahead early, but their lead did not last. Ramin Rezaeian levelled for Iran in the 14th minute, and from there both sides settled for a point that suited Egypt far more than it suited their opponents. Iran, who drew all three of their group games, must now wait to see whether they sneak through as one of the best third-placed teams.
A long wait ends
For Egypt, the draw carries real historical weight. They have reached the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in their history, the sixth African nation to make it through at this tournament. One of the continent’s oldest and most decorated sides, with a record number of Africa Cup of Nations titles, they had never before survived a World Cup group. They have done so this time without losing a game, finishing behind only the group winners Belgium.
Salah has been central to the run. The forward scored and set up another in the 3-1 win over New Zealand that gave Egypt their first World Cup victory of any kind, and his presence alone makes them a side nobody in the knockout bracket will want to face. Around him, a disciplined defensive shape has given Egypt a platform, and against Iran they showed they can protect a result when they have to.
Australia await
The reward is a last-32 tie with Australia in Dallas on July 3, kicking off at 11:30pm IST. The Socceroos came through Group D in second place, and on paper it is the kind of draw Egypt will fancy. They are organised and hard to beat, but they lack a match-winner of Salah’s class, and Egypt will go into the game believing a place in the last 16 is there for the taking.
Getting out of the group was the first target, and Egypt have managed it. The harder questions start now, but a team that has waited this long to reach a World Cup knockout match will not be daunted by the next one.