The Round of 32 encounter ended 1-1 after regulation and extra time, with the winner decided through penalties
NEW YORK: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-July 4th, 2026) Egypt celebrated a landmark moment in its football history after defeating Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout to secure its first-ever knockout-stage victory at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The Round of 32 encounter ended 1-1 after regulation and extra time, with the winner decided through penalties.
Hossam Abdelmaguid converted the decisive spot-kick to send Egypt into the Round of 16, while Australia's Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington missed their penalties, allowing the Pharaohs to seal a memorable victory.
Following the match, Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan dedicated the historic win to the Palestinian people.
Speaking after the game, Hassan said he prayed for peace and success for the Palestinians and asked for mercy upon those who had lost their lives. He added that the victory belonged not only to the Egyptian people but also to their Palestinian brothers.
After the final whistle, Hassan was seen carrying both the Egyptian and Palestinian flags on the pitch, while Egypt's players celebrated by performing a collective prostration in gratitude.
The victory was also widely celebrated in Gaza, where videos shared on social media showed Palestinian football fans watching the match in displacement camps and bomb-damaged neighbourhoods before celebrating Egypt's qualification with scenes of jubilation.
Egypt's dramatic triumph over Australia secured a place in the Round of 16, marking the country's first victory in the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup. The team will now face either Argentina or Cape Verde in the next round as it continues its historic campaign in the tournament.
