- 1 Australia vs Egypt: outsider showdown in Arlington for a place in the last 16
- 2 The Socceroos are banking on their solid shape despite the absences
- 3 Egypt wait on Mohamed Salah’s fitness
- 4 Probable lineups:
- 5 World Cup 2026 Prediction: Australia vs Egypt
- 6 First, a word on our predictions
- 7 No commitment from us
- 8 Information can change
- 9 Your role
- 10 Responsible gambling comes first
- 11 Legal age
- 12 About the images
Australia vs Egypt: outsider showdown in Arlington for a place in the last 16 
Australia and Egypt meet on Friday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington in a round-of-16 tie that looks set to be tight, tense and tactical. Both finished second in their groups, and the Socceroos and Pharaohs are chasing a shot at the last eight. Australia will lean on recent experience in knockout football. Egypt, meanwhile, are still hunting a place in the world top 16 that has been out of reach for almost a century.
Tony Popovic’s side had a mixed group stage in Group D, beating Turkey 2-0 before falling to the United States 2-0 and sealing their spot with a no-nonsense 0-0 draw against Paraguay. Egypt, by contrast, stayed unbeaten in Group G. Hossam Hassan’s men held Belgium 1-1, beat New Zealand 3-1 and shared the points with Iran 1-1, missing top spot only on goal difference. The stakes are huge for two nations who have met just once before, in a friendly back in 2010.
The Socceroos are banking on their solid shape despite the absences 
Australia reached the last 16 in 2006 and again in 2022, where they gave eventual champions Argentina a real scare, and they arrive here with the calm of a side that knows the routine. Tony Popovic will be without Jacob Italiano (groin) and veteran Mathew Leckie (hamstring), but he still has a well-drilled unit and could name the same XI that held Paraguay.
Defensive solidity will be the key for the Socceroos, with Harry Souttar and the highly rated young centre-back Lucas Herrington leading the way. In midfield, Jackson Irvine’s experience will be vital in setting the tempo. Up front, all eyes are on 20-year-old sensation Nestory Irankunda. Already on the scoresheet at this World Cup and with 6 goals in 18 caps, the Bayern Munich man is the main spark to unsettle the Egyptian back line.
Egypt wait on Mohamed Salah’s fitness 
For Egypt, this 2026 World Cup is already a huge success after the nightmare of 2018, when they lost all three games. The Pharaohs have not reached the last 16 of a World Cup since 1934, so history is there for the taking. But the medical room is busy: Hossam Abdelmaguid (head), Mohamed Abdelmonem (ankle), Ahmed El Fotouh (hamstring) and Hamdy Fathy (groin) are all doubtful, while midfielder Mohanad Lasheen is suspended after picking up too many yellow cards.
The biggest worry of all, though, is Mohamed Salah. Hurt in the hamstring against Iran, the Liverpool star is in a race against time to be fit to start on Friday. There is still hope for the captain, but Egypt will also need Omar Marmoush to be on top form if they are to carry a threat. Against Australia’s organised shape, the Pharaohs will need patience and grit, especially if their attacking leader is anything less than fully fit.
Probable lineups:
Australia: Beach ; Circati, Souttar, Herrington ; Bos, O’Neill, Irvine, Behich ; Volpato, Irankunda, Metcalfe
Egypt: Shobeir ; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Hafez ; Ateya, Saber ; Ziko, Salah, Ashour ; Marmoush
on MathODDS
World Cup 2026 Prediction: Australia vs Egypt
Under 2.5 goals
This round-of-16 clash looks a cagey one between two sides built on balance and discipline. Tony Popovic’s Australia showed in the group stage that they can shut a game down, with two clean sheets in three matches and that very functional 0-0 draw with Paraguay. With a place in the last 16 on the line, the Socceroos are unlikely to take needless risks and will trust their back line to do the heavy lifting.
Egypt’s uncertainty over Mohamed Salah’s fitness should also push Hossam Hassan towards caution. Missing several key defenders and Lasheen in midfield, the Pharaohs will first look to stay secure at the back and avoid conceding early. With Australia physical but not always blessed with invention, and an Egyptian side that could be weakened in attack, space should be at a premium in Arlington. This has the look of a low-scoring match, likely decided by a moment or a set piece.
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