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Egypt Beat Australia on Penalties to Reach World Cup Round of 16

July 4, 2026 By BeatzHive Editorial 2 min read

Mohamed Salah’s Panenka Penalty Sends Egypt Into World Cup Round of 16 After 4-2 Shootout Win Over Australia

Egypt have made history at the FIFA World Cup, defeating Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout to advance to the Round of 16 for the very first time in the nation’s football history. The Pharaohs, who had been locked at 1-1 after 120 minutes of play at Dallas Stadium, were propelled into the knockout stage by a composed and cheeky Panenka effort from star forward Mohamed Salah, joining Morocco as the second African side to reach the last 16 of this tournament.

Ashour Goal Meets Hany Equaliser

Egypt made a bright opening, breaking the deadlock as early as the 13th minute through Emam Ashour, who powered a header beyond Australian goalkeeper Patrick Beach. Salah, making his return from a hamstring injury, was instrumental in the build-up to the goal and his presence gave the Egyptian squad a visible boost throughout the contest.

Australia threatened to equalise in the 25th minute when Cristian Volpato’s strike clipped the top of the crossbar, but Egypt held their narrow advantage into half-time. The second half brought increased Australian pressure, and it eventually paid off in the 55th minute — though in unfortunate fashion for Egypt. Defender Mohamed Hany turned an Aiden O’Neill free kick into his own net, levelling the scores. Notably, the own goal made Hany the first player in World Cup history to score two own goals in the same tournament.

With both sides searching for a winner, Beach pulled off a stunning stoppage-time save to deny Ramy Rabia’s header, sending the game into extra time. Salah had a golden chance to settle matters in the additional period but fired over the bar with his right foot, leaving the tie goalless at the end of 120 minutes.

Shootout Drama and a Historic Triumph

Australia head coach Tony Popovic made a bold tactical move before the shootout, withdrawing Beach in favour of veteran goalkeeper Mat Ryan — who had not featured at all during the tournament — specifically to face the penalties. The gamble did not pay off, as Ryan was unable to stop any of Egypt’s four attempts.

Australia’s effort in the shootout was equally troubled: Harry Souttar blazed his penalty over the crossbar, while Lucas Herrington struck the post. Salah, stepping up for Egypt’s third kick, produced the defining moment of the night — delicately chipping the ball down the centre of the goal in Panenka style, leaving Ryan with no chance and confirming Egypt’s historic progression. The Pharaohs will now face either Argentina or Cape Verde in the next round.

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