Egypt face Australia at Dallas Stadium on Friday evening in the World Cup last 32, with a place in the round of 16 the prize and history beckoning — the Pharaohs have not reached that stage of the competition since 1934.
Hossam Hassan’s side came through Group G unbeaten, finishing second behind Belgium on goal difference with five points from three matches. They bring defensive discipline, a clear counter-attacking identity and, fitness permitting, one of the most dangerous attacking players at this tournament.
Egypt team news
Mohamed Salah is the major fitness concern. The Liverpool forward picked up a hamstring problem during the 1–1 draw with Iran in Egypt’s final group match and has been assessed by the team’s medical staff in the build-up to this fixture.
There is genuine hope he will be fit to start, though a decision may not be confirmed until closer to kick-off. Should he be available, he starts. His influence across the group stage was decisive — a goal against Belgium, two assists against New Zealand and three shots on target across 218 minutes of football.
Four other players are being monitored with injury concerns. Hamdy Fathy (groin), Hossam Abdelmaguid (head), Mohamed Abdelmonem (ankle) and Ahmed El Fotouh (hamstring) are all doubts, though none are first-choice starters in the predicted XI. Mohanad Lasheen is suspended after collecting a yellow card against Iran.
Mostafa Mohamed Shobeir continues in goal behind a back four of Ahmed Hany, Mohamed Ibrahim, Mohamed Rabia and Mahmoud Hafez. Amr Ateya and Nasser Saber form the midfield double pivot.
Mahmoud Ziko operates from wide right, Mostafa Mohamed Ashour from the left, with Salah in the number ten position behind Omar Marmoush. The Frankfurt striker has been Egypt’s most dynamic attacking force after Salah and carries an xG of 0.83 from 211 minutes in the group stage without yet finding the net.
Egypt predicted lineup
Egypt possible starting XI (4-2-3-1): Shobeir; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Hafez; Ateya, Saber; Ziko, Salah, Ashour; Marmoush
When will the match kick off?
The FIFA World Cup last-32 match kicks off at 19:00 BST on Friday, 3 July 2026.
How to watch Australia vs Egypt?
The match will be broadcast live on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK.
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