Egypt defeated Australia on penalties 4‑2 after a 1‑1 draw in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup, marking Egypt's first ever World Cup knockout match victory. Mohamed Salah captained the Egyptian side in the match.

Hossam Abdelmaguid scored the deciding penalty in the shootout, according to Al Arabiya, while France24 reported that Mohamed Salah scored a penalty using a panenka technique. Al Arabiya also noted that Mathew Ryan replaced goalkeeper Patrick Beach late in extra time and did not save any of Egypt's four penalty shots.

Egypt is set to face Argentina in the round of 16, as reported by Al Jazeera. France24 added that Egypt could meet either Argentina or Cape Verde in that round.

Al Arabiya reported that the 2026 World Cup is Egypt's fourth appearance and the first with a 48‑team format. The outlet also said Australia has a knockout record of zero wins and three losses. PulseSports.ng reported that Australia is appearing at its seventh World Cup and is chasing back‑to‑back round of 16 finishes after reaching that stage at Qatar 2022, while also noting that Egypt advanced beyond the group stage for the first time in its World Cup history. AllAfrica reported that Egypt faced major injury concerns ahead of the round of 32 match with Australia, with captain Mohamed Salah among three key players being monitored.