The North Africans progressed for the first time in their history after a frantic 1-1 draw with Iran, who also qualified following the draw as the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams.
While Egypt have now been drawn to face Australia, Iran will come up against Switzerland. The Pharaohs head into the knockout rounds unbeaten at the World Cup.
The Pharaohs showed resilience in a fiercely contested encounter, overcoming sustained Iranian pressure before celebrating qualification after a stoppage-time winner for Iran was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
Egypt won’t be afraid of anyone
Speaking after the game, the Egypt tactician revealed his happiness after the team finished the group stage unbeaten and went further to reveal their readiness to face everyone in the remaining stages of the tournament.
“We’re unbeaten and we’re proud of that. I said from the start that it would be a tough group stage,” said Hossan as quoted by FIFA.com.
“It’s an honour to get through to the next round. I’d like to thank my players, because they’ve brought immense joy to our fans. I’m not thinking about our next opponent; we’re ready to play against anyone.
“We’re capable of playing our own style of football, of adapting, respecting every opponent. We won’t be afraid of anyone.”
Hossan added: “Mohannad Lashin will be absent due to suspension after receiving his second yellow card, and Hossam Abdel-Magid is still suffering from injury, but we have 26 players and they are all up to the task.”
FIFA World Cup 2026
The 2026 World Cup is taking place from June 11th to July 19th in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament features 48 national teams and is played at 16 modern stadiums.
Match schedule and times | Group tables | How to watch the World Cup | World Cup Format | Past winners of the World Cup
Salah asked to be substituted
Speaking on his decision to substitute Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian legend said: “Salah asked to be substituted himself, which means he felt something.
“We are waiting for the medical staff’s report to determine the extent of the injury, and we hope Hamdi Fathi will be ready to play in the next match.”
He concluded: “I am not worried about any absences, and we have a distinguished group of players, and I trust everyone’s ability to compensate for any shortcomings.
“If I were afraid of injuries, I would not be able to coach the Egyptian national team, and I have great confidence in all the team members.”
Egypt midfielder Mahmoud Saber said they are ready to face Australia in the Round of 32.
“I am very proud to take part in the World Cup, the greatest stage of football. We had a great result tonight from this match and we are proud to make it to the knockout stage and make all Egyptian fans happy,” said Saber after the game.
“It is a huge privilege to score in the World Cup. We will study Australia very well and we will try to be ready for the next match.”
Egypt are making their fourth appearance in the tournament, having played in the 1934, 1990, and 2018 editions.
In 2026, Egypt achieved unprecedented milestones by securing their first-ever World Cup match victory (beating New Zealand) and reaching the knockout stage.
