Egypt Qualifies for Round of 16

The Pharaohs of Egypt became the second African team to qualify for the round of 16, in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Atlas Lions of Morocco were the first Africans to qualify for the round of 16 after edging out the Netherlands 3-2 on penalty shootouts.

The Egyptians who also beat the Socceroos of Australia on penalties have never gone this far in their previous World Cup participation.

The Pharaohs took the lead in the 13th minute with a header from Emam Ashour. But the goal was cancelled and brought back the Australians on level terms as the Socceroos equalised on the 55th minute.

The game remained on 1-1 even after 120 minutes, thereby ending in penalty shootouts.

The Australians missed their first and fourth spot kicks, while the North Africans scored all four and joined fellow North Africans Morocco as the only two African teams to reach the round of 16 in the 2026 World Cup.

“If somebody was going to do it, it would be me,” Mohammed Salah of Egypt after the match concerning his spot kick which was the 3^rd for Egypt.

“I am more experienced than others and I wanted to give them confidence. I decided last minute, I had to do it.”

The emotional laden Mohammed Salah said “It’s history,”

“I told the boys before the game that this is the biggest stage you can play on. Enjoy it and don’t let the pressure get to you.”

Source: MRA