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Australia and Egypt are searching for their first-ever World Cup knockout win when they meet in the round of 32 in Arlington on Friday night.
Both teams finished second in their respective groups, with Australia runners-up to co-hosts USA and Egypt to Belgium.
The winners of this clash will be rewarded with either world champions Argentina or the tournament's surprise package Cape Verde in the round of 16.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions, as well as our best football world cup betting offers.
Australia vs. Egypt key stats
- Australia have won just once in five games in all competitions (D2, L2).
- Egypt have lost just once in seven matches across all competitions (W3, D3).
- Australia lost their previous two World Cup knockout games in 2006 and 2022.
Australia vs. Egypt preview: Pharaohs to edge through?
| Australia | vs | Egypt |
|---|---|---|
| 27 | FIFA Ranking | 29 |
| Mathew Ryan (104) | Most Caps | Mohamed Salah (119) |
| Jackson Irvine, Mathew Leckie (14) | Most Goals | Mohamed Salah (68) |
| 780 | Total Caps | 870 |
| 76 | Total Goals | 131 |
| 0 | Uncapped Players | 2 |
Australia have reached back-to-back World Cup knockouts for the first time, having also done so in 2022.
Not many may have had them to finish second in a group that also contained Paraguay, who have knocked out four-time winners Germany, and underperformers Turkey.
Still, the Socceroos have shown that they are difficult to beat after picking up four points and keeping two clean sheets.
However, Tony Popovic's side only scored twice themselves which will be a concern, while Jacob Italiano and Mathew Leckie have both been ruled out of the tournament.
Egypt's player concerns are even more severe as Mohamed Salah is a doubt, while Mohamed Abdelmonem and Ahmed Fatouh could also miss out through injury.
Mohanad Lasheen is also suspended for the Pharaohs, so there are plenty of headaches for Hossam Hassan to try and sort out.
Still, they will still have the confidence to beat Australia in their first-ever World Cup knockout game, having picked up five points in the group stage including an impressive 1-1 draw against Belgium.
Egypt scored more than twice as many goals as the Socceroos did too, and will believe their additional firepower can get them through.
Australia vs. Egypt form guide & betting tips
| Australia | vs | Egypt |
|---|---|---|
LDWLD |
Form | WLDWD |
| 3 | Goals For | 7 |
| 4 | Goals Against | 5 |
WLD |
World Cup 2026 | DWD |
Whispers predicts: Australia 0-1 Egypt
Egypt are favourites to win and progress to the round of 16, and based on their superior form and firepower, we are backing Egypt to win at 31/20 (2.55).
Australia scored just twice in the group stage and have only netted three times in five games in all competitions, so BTTS – No at 8/11 (1.73) also appeals.
With Salah a doubt for the match, Egypt may rely on Trezeguet for inspiration in the final third after registering two goal contributions (G1, A1) in the group stage.
Trezeguet to score or assist at 21/10 (3.10) is therefore our final pick, and our scoreline prediction of a 1-0 Egypt win is available at 11/2 (6.50).
> BTTS – No at 8/11 (1.73) | Likelihood: Probable
> Egypt to win at 31/20 (2.55) | Likelihood: Possible
> Trezeguet to score or assist at 21/10 (3.10) | Likelihood: Possible