Cairo: Egypt's national football team qualified for the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw on Friday evening at Dallas Stadium within the round of 32. With this victory, Egypt achieved a historic milestone by reaching the round of 16 for the first time in its World Cup history. According to State Information Service Egypt, regular and extra time ended in a 1-1 draw. Egypt initially took the lead in the 13th minute through an accurate header by Emam Ashour following a cross from Karim Hafez, before Australia equalized in the 55th minute through a Mohamed Hany own goal. During the penalty shootout, the national team successfully converted four penalties via Mahmoud Saber, Ramy Rabia, Mohamed Salah, and Hossam Abdelmaguid, while Australia missed two attempts, securing the Pharaohs' advancement. Egypt now awaits the winner of the match between Argentina and Cape Verde in the round of 16.