NEW YORK – Egypt secured their first-ever knockout-stage victory at the FIFA World Cup 2026, defeating Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a thrilling Round of 32 encounter ended 1-1 following regulation and extra time.
With the scores level after 120 minutes, the match was decided on penalties, where Hossam Abdelmaguid converted the decisive spot-kick to send Egypt into the Round of 16. Australia’s Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington missed their penalties, allowing the Pharaohs to complete a historic victory.
The win marked Egypt’s first triumph in the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup and secured the African side a place in the pre-quarter-finals.
Following the match, Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan dedicated the landmark victory to the Palestinian people.
Egyptian head coach Hossam Hassan brought a Palestine flag onto the pitch after Egypt’s historic victory over Australia pic.twitter.com/eaO37UUp8V
— Leyla Hamed (@leylahamed) July 3, 2026
Speaking after the game, Hassan said he prayed for peace and success for the Palestinian people and asked for mercy upon those who had lost their lives. He added that the victory belonged not only to the people of Egypt but also to their Palestinian brothers.
In emotional scenes after the final whistle, Hassan walked onto the pitch carrying both the Egyptian and Palestinian flags, while Egypt’s players celebrated the achievement by performing a collective prostration in gratitude.
The team’s gesture drew widespread attention on social media, where supporters praised the tribute made after Egypt’s historic achievement.
The celebrations were not limited to Egypt. Videos shared on social media showed Palestinians in Gaza watching the match in displacement camps and war-affected neighbourhoods before celebrating Egypt’s victory with scenes of joy despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Egypt will now face either Argentina or Cape Verde in the Round of 16 as they continue their historic FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, aiming to extend their remarkable run in the tournament.
Argentina edge Cabo Verde in extra-time thriller to reach Round of 16
