Nigeria, July 4 -- Egypt became the second African nation, after Morocco, to book a place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time in Dallas.

Friday's victory marked Egypt's first-ever win in a World Cup knockout match and ended a run of four consecutive penalty shootout defeats.

The Pharaohs made the brighter start despite surviving an early scare when Cristian Volpato's long-range strike rattled the crossbar before Rami Rabia produced a crucial last-ditch tackle to deny Jordan Bos.

Egypt struck first in the 13th minute through Emam Ashour, who stooped low to head home Karim Hafez's inviting cross at the far post.

Although Australia enjoyed more pos...