For over 90 years of participating in the World Cup , Egyptian football has always been known as one of Africa's leading nations, but it has never progressed far in the finals. Therefore, when the referee blew the final whistle in the penalty shootout, it was considered by all the stadiums and in the international media as one of the most memorable moments of the 2026 World Cup.
After a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes, Egypt defeated Australia on penalties to secure their place in the Round of 16. This was not just a victory, but a milestone marking the biggest step forward for Egyptian football at the World Cup. The Guardian described it as "a historic night" for the North African team, as they advanced beyond a knockout stage match for the first time in the tournament.
For the first time, history is being rewritten.
According to FIFA statistics, prior to the 2026 World Cup, Egypt had only participated in the finals three times – in 1934, 1990, and 2018 – but had never advanced beyond the group stage. Reaching the knockout stage this year was already their best achievement in history, and the victory against Australia further elevated that milestone.
This was the first time "The Pharaohs" won a knockout match at the World Cup and also the first time they reached the top 16 teams in the world . (Source: FIFA World Cup Statistical History).
Many Middle Eastern newspapers consider this achievement to be equivalent to winning the African Cup of Nations for Egyptian fans, as it concludes a nearly century-long wait.
 |
It's no longer Salah's team.
For many years, whenever Egypt was mentioned, the first name that came to mind was always Mohamed Salah . The Liverpool striker has almost become the sole icon of Egyptian football.
But the 2026 World Cup is telling a different story.
Reuters noted before the match that Salah remains the team's most important spiritual leader, but Egypt's current strength comes from the balance between the lines, their defensive organization, and their collective fighting spirit. (Source: Reuters, Salah starts for Egypt against Australia , July 3, 2026).
This was quite evident in their match against Australia. Despite their opponents constantly pressing with long balls and a physically demanding style of play, Egypt maintained a well-organized formation, limited space, and patiently waited for opportunities to counter-attack.
In particular, in the penalty shootout, the Egyptian players showed commendable composure by successfully converting their decisive penalties after Australia lost their advantage early on with their first missed shot.
If fans used to say "Egypt has Salah," this year's World Cup shows that Salah has a team capable of sharing the responsibility.
The victory of courage
Looking at the match's progression, Australia was by no means inferior. The Oceania representatives controlled the ball more at many points and created numerous dangerous situations.
However, the difference lies in their ability to withstand pressure.
According to The Guardian 's post-match analysis, Egypt maintained composure during difficult moments, particularly in extra time and the penalty shootout. Australia, on the other hand, allowed psychological pressure to take hold from the very first penalty kick.
In a league where the skill gap between teams is narrowing, composure in crucial moments often becomes the difference-maker.
African football continues to make its mark.
Egypt's victory also extended the positive run of results for African representatives at the 2026 World Cup.
Following the 2022 World Cup, where Morocco achieved a remarkable feat by reaching the semi-finals, African football continues to demonstrate that the gap with the world's leading football nations is narrowing.
No longer relying solely on physical strength or speed, African football teams are increasingly improving their tactical organization, game control abilities, and international experience.
That progress is reflected in the fact that many African teams have advanced beyond their group stages and created quite a few surprises against opponents from Europe or Oceania.
Egypt is the most recent example.
A great challenge lies ahead.
Egypt's journey will undoubtedly become more difficult in the next round. If Argentina overcomes Cape Verde as predicted by experts, Mohamed Salah and his teammates will have to face one of the top contenders for the championship.
That would be a completely different test.
However, simply reaching the round of 16 would be enough to make the 2026 World Cup the most successful tournament in Egyptian football history.
More importantly, the victory against Australia shows a shift in how this team is perceived. While previously Egypt was often seen as a team dependent on a single star player, they are now proving they can compete as a cohesive, disciplined, and resilient team.
The World Cup is still ahead, and Egypt's journey could end in the next round. But whatever the outcome, the night they overcame Australia will be remembered as the moment Egyptian football officially entered a new chapter in its history.
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/ai-cap-viet-lai-lich-su-world-cup-2026-414065.html
