Canberra, July 3 -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to the Socceroos after their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended in heartbreaking fashion on Friday (Local Time), saying the team had made the nation proud despite a penalty shootout defeat to Egypt in the Round of 32.

Australia's hopes of reaching the last 16 were dashed after they lost 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes in Dallas, with Egypt advancing to the knockout stage for the first time in the country's history.

In a post on X following the defeat, Albanese praised the team's efforts throughout the tournament and wrote, "Heartbreaking way to exit the World Cup after a great tournament- all Australians are proud of our @Socceroos."

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