Both Australia and Egypt will be looking to reach the 2026 World Cup last-16 when they meet on Friday at 7pm (UK time).
Australia booked their spot in the knockout stages as the Group D runners-up, although that went down to the wire. The Socceroos did open their tournament with a win, beating Turkey 2-0 in their first game. But they lost 2-0 to co-hosts United States in their next match, which was seen as the battle for first place. Australia only need a draw in their final game against Paraguay to secure their spot in the knockout stages — a result that was good for both teams. And they played out a goalless draw, with Australia finishing second on goal difference.
Egypt were another team to finish second in their group, only losing out on top spot on goal difference. The Pharaohs went unbeaten in their three matches, starting with a draw against Belgium, though they were points dropped thanks to an own goal. They then had to come from behind to beat New Zealand in their second game, which went a long way to securing their spot in the knockout stages. Second place, and knockout football, was secured thanks to a 1-1 draw with Iran in Egypt’s final match.
This will be the third game between these two sides, but only the second this century. Egypt won that game 3-0, a friendly in 2010.
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Australia vs Egypt team news
Australia team news
Tony Popovic rang the changes for the draw against Paraguay last time out, while trying to keep enough quality in the team to avoid a draw. So we may see some reversions for this starting lineup. Lucas Herrington is expected to drop out of the back three, with Cameron Burgess coming back in to replace him. Burgess will be joined by Harry Souttar and Alessandro Circati as normal, with Patrick Beach in goal.
Jacob Italiano and Mathew Leckie have both been ruled out for the rest of the World Cup due to injuries, which did play a part in the changes against Paraguay. Jordan Bos switched over to right wing-back, with Aziz Behich coming in on the left. That partnership is likely to continue, with Paul Okon-Engstler and Aiden O’Neill in the middle.
Mohamed Toure is expected to return to the front line, replacing Cristian Volpato from the last game. But there will be some reshuffling. Toure will lead the line, with Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe playing the supporting roles.
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Egypt team news
Hossam Hassan will be without Mohanad Lasheen, who picked up his second yellow card of the tournament last time out. It will be a blow for Egypt, with Lasheen having started all three matches. But that wasn’t the only blow. Mo Salah asked to come off in the second half against Iran due to a hamstring injury, and is now a doubt for this game.
Mohamed Abdelmonem also had to come off injured in the first half, while Ahmed Fatouh also picked up a knock despite finishing the match. Abdelmonem will be easy enough to replace, as he had come in to give Yasser Ibrahim a rest. So Ibrahim will return to the backline, which may still look far from full-strength. Karim Hafez could come in at left-back, with Mohamed Hany on the right. Hamdy Fathy is back in training after an injury issue, but Ramy Rabia may keep his spot at centre-back to reduce risk.
With Lasheen suspended, Marwan Ateya is expected to return to the midfield to partner Mahmoud Saber. Zizo could replace Salah as the No.10, with Emam Ashour returning to the left wing. Omar Marmoush should lead the line, leaving Mostafa Ziko to drop back to the right.
Australia vs Egypt predicted lineups
Australia (3-4-3): Beach; Souttar, Burgess, Circati; Bos, Okon-Engstler, O’Neill, Behich; Metcalfe, Toure, Irankunda.
Egypt (4-2-3-1): Shobeir; Hany, Rabia, Ibrahim, Hafez; Saber, Ateya; Ziko, Zizo, Ashour; Marmoush.
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