Egypt aims to keep World Cup dream alive against Australia

02/07/2026

DALLAS, July 2: Egypt will look to continue its World Cup journey and make history when it faces Australia at 9:00 p.m. today at the Dallas Stadium in Texas in the Round of 32.

The Pharaohs enter the match with strong ambitions of reaching the Round of 16 for the first time in their history, a milestone no previous Egyptian generation has achieved in past editions of the tournament.

However, Egypt will be hit by key defensive absences, with left-back Ahmed Abu El-Fotouh and defender Mohamed Abdel Monem ruled out through injury, while Mohamed Lasheen is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards. These setbacks are expected to force head coach Hossam Hassan to adjust his defensive lineup.

Hossam Hassan said after the match against Iran that his squad has the quality to compensate for the missing players, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to execute the game plan in crucial fixtures. He is also expected to make several changes to the starting XI.

Australia, coached by Tony Popovic, relies on physical strength and defensive discipline, along with key players such as Nestory Irankunda and Harry Souttar, who play in the English Premier League, giving the side a balance between solidity and attacking threat.

The two sides have met twice previously in friendly matches, with the first ending in a goalless draw in 1987, and the second seeing Egypt claim a 3–0 victory in 2010.

The winner will advance to face Argentina, the world champion, or Cape Verde in the Round of 16.