2026 FIFA World Cup: Socceroos take on Egypt in blockbuster round-of-32 clash

Cristian Volpato very nearly gave Australia the perfect start!

In Australia’s first sight on goal, the winger unleashed a vicious curler which clipped the top of the crossbar.

‘4: AUS 0-0 EGY

Egypt have managed to get their foot on the ball more throughout the very early exchanges.

‘2: AUS 0-0 EGY

We are now under way in Dallas!

Australia has kicked off, with proceedings started by Nestory Irankunda rolling the ball back to Harry Souttar.

0’: AUS 0-0 EGY

Advance Australia Fair has been belted out in Dallas, with the Socceroos’ travelling supporters making themselves well and truly heard.

And Egypt’s fans responded in kind.

We are now just minutes away from the start of the game!

The teams are now in the tunnel as we near 10 minutes to kick-off.

Of course, the stadium which is normally home to the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys is packed to the rafters.

It is always truly remarkable to see the numbers of people who turn out at odd hours to take in the World Cup, and today looks no different.

Australia coach Tony Popovic is backing in continuity in the hopes of leading the Socceroos to their first ever World Cup knockout win.

“Everyone’s pulled up well. All the players are excited,” Popovic said.

“The boys who are starting want to build a strong foundation and we’ve definitely got guys who can come on and make an impact.

“There are many reasons (for sticking with the same XI). There was good cohesion in that game against Paraguay, but not just that. I think with this game coming up, the opponent, everything combined and how fresh the boys are, this is a group who can start the game.”

The big news from Australia’s opponents is that superstar winger Mohamed Salah has been passed fit to start the game after suffering a hamstring strain in their final group stage game.

Further forward, Manchester City striker Omar Marmoush has also been restored to Egypt’s starting side.

Egypt XI: Mostafa Shobeir, Mohamed Hany, Ramy Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim, Karim Hafez, Hamdy Fathy, Marwan Attia, Emam Ashour, Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Ziko, Omar Marmoush.

Tony Popovic might have pulled a trademark selection surprise by doing nothing at all with his starting side.

For the first time in his 22-game tenure in charge of the national side, the Socceroos coach has named an unchanged side.

The XI will be the same one which held on for a 0-0 draw against Paraguay last week.

Australia XI: Patrick Beach (goalkeeper), Jordy Bos, Alessandro Circati, Lucas Herrington, Aziz Behich, Aiden O’Neill, Jackson Irvine, Connor Metcalfe, Cristian Volpato, Nestory Irankunda

And welcome to our live coverage of Australia’s blockbuster World Cup round-of-32 clash with Egypt in Dallas!

The starting XIs have been named and we will have both for you shortly.