Egypt, a World Cup to remember: they beat Australia and pushed Argentina hard
Egypt left their mark on the 2026 World Cup. They beat Australia on penalties in the round of 32 and in the last 16 only bowed to Argentina after a thriller they lost 3-2. A brave campaign that enhances African football.
The 2026 World Cup confirmed the rise of African football, and Egypt were among its best ambassadors. The Pharaohs reached the last 16 after eliminating Australia in the round of 32: a 1-1 settled on penalties, where Egypt were ruthless (4-2).
In the last 16 they met Argentina, one of the favourites, and far from shrinking, Egypt took them all the way. The match finished 3-2 to the Albiceleste, a razor-thin scoreline that shows how close the Pharaohs came to a huge upset against the world runners-up.
That honourable exit sums up Egypt's tournament: going toe to toe with the big names and losing only on details. In a World Cup in which as many as eight African sides reached the round of 32, Egypt's was one of the most creditable runs.
African football has been closing the gap for years, and campaigns like this one —and those of Morocco or Cape Verde— are the best proof. Egypt left without a prize, but with the feeling of a team that no longer fears anyone. Check the data and the World Cup bracket on our site.