Australia faces Egypt in the knockout stage of the World Cup 2026 on Friday at 1pm local time. This match marks a pivotal moment for the Socceroos, who aim to advance beyond the last 32 for the first time in World Cup history. In previous tournaments, Australia exited in the first knockout round, losing to the eventual champions in 2006 and 2022.
Australia's World Cup History
Australia has participated in the World Cup multiple times, successfully reaching the knockout stage twice. In both instances, they lost their opening match in the knockout round to the eventual champions: Italy in 2006 and Argentina in 2022. This historical trend raises questions about whether the Socceroos can break the cycle this year.
The team has shown significant growth, and their performances in the group stage indicate they are ready to challenge for victory. With a strong squad and tactical improvements, Australia hopes to secure their first knockout win.
Egypt's World Cup Ambitions
Egypt, often referred to as the Pharaohs, enters the knockout stage with aspirations of making a deep run in the tournament. They are currently placed at odds of 500-1 to win the World Cup, reflecting both the challenges they face and the potential for an upset.
