Australia vs Egypt predictions and betting tips – Tight tussle in Texas

Australia and Egypt both achieved their first goal at this World Cup by advancing to the knockout phase, yet neither side will want their journey to end here. Tony Popovic and Hossam Hassan will both see this as a winnable game for their respective teams.

Can Egypt build on its solid group stage showing by triumphing in the round of 32, or will Australia come out on top in Arlington?

• Australia to qualify – 11/10 with bet365 
• Under 0.5 goals first half – 5/4 with BetVictor 
• Nestory Irankunda to score anytime (including extra time) – 11/4 with Sky Bet

Australia vs Egypt head to head overview

• Date: Friday 3rd July.
• Kick-off: 7pm.
• Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, USA.
• Where to watch: BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
• Referee: TBC.
• VAR: Yes.
• Last meeting: 17th November 2010; Egypt 3–0 Australia.
• Last 2 matches: Australia – 0 wins; Egypt – 1 win; Draws – 1.
• Favourite to win: Egypt.

Australia vs Egypt predicted lineups

• Australia expected lineup: Beach, Circati, Souttar, Burgess; Italiano, O’Neill, Irvine, Bos; Volpato, Toure, Irankunda.
• Egypt expected lineup: Shobeir; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Fatouh; Attiah, Ashour, Saber; Ziko, Marmoush, Trezeguet.

Australia vs Egypt predictions

In a way, this has already been a successful World Cup for Egypt.

Despite appearing in the tournament for the first time way back in 1934, the Pharaohs had never won a game on football’s biggest stage before they beat New Zealand 3-1 in Group H.

After drawing with both Belgium and Iran, Egypt ended the group stage in North America unbeaten, advancing to the knockout phase in second place. This is now the furthest it has ever gone at a World Cup.

The same is not true for Australia, who were runners-up in Group D with four points to their name. The Socceroos reached the round of 16 in both 2006 and 2022, and they are now aiming to match that achievement this summer.

There were plenty of positives for both teams to take from their performances in the first part of the tournament.

Australia delivered a defensive masterclass to beat Turkey 2-0 on matchday one. They lost to the USA by the same scoreline subsequently, but Tony Popovic’s men were the better team in a goalless draw with Paraguay last time out.

Egypt similarly exceeded expectations in their first outing, holding Belgium to a 1-1 draw. That was followed by the aforementioned victory over New Zealand, before Egypt made sure of a top-two finish by drawing 1-1 with Iran.

Egypt have been dour at recent World Cups and Africa Cups of Nations, but Hossam Hassan has introduced a more proactive approach this time around.

Australia, for their part, had less possession than their opponents in two out of three Group D games. They are perfectly happy to sit in their shape before breaking forward at speed in transition. It will be fascinating which strategy bears fruit in this last-32 encounter.

Australia vs Egypt betting tips

Australia face Egypt at the AT&T Stadium with both teams targeting a place in the round of 16.

Slight surprise in store

Egypt are the favourites to win this game, but Australia look overpriced. The Socceroos might not triumph in 90 minutes, yet we like their chances of advancing to the next round.

It is true that Hassan has turned Egypt into a more front-footed team, but they are still at their most dangerous with space to run into. Australia will deny them that.

The Socceroos are patient without the ball. Their discipline and diligence against Turkey and Paraguay was admirable. Popovic’s players will frustrate Egypt here, especially with Mohamed Salah expected to miss out through injury.

It will then come down to whether or not Australia can capitalise on one or two of their counter-attacking opportunities. At the price listed, the Socceroos are the best bet.

Back Australia to qualify at 11/10 with bet365

Hard-fought first half

This is unlikely to be a free-flowing, high-scoring match. There were under 2.5 goals in five of Australia and Egypt’s six games in the group stage and that is a likely outcome here too.

The first half will be particularly cagey. Neither side will take undue risks or overcommit in attack.

The comfort blanket of a group stage in which two-thirds of the teams go through has been removed. We are now into do-or-die territory.

One mistake could end Australia or Egypt’s World Cup adventures. Expect a hard-fought but largely uneventful opening 45 minutes.

Tip under 0.5 goals in the first half at 5/4 with BetVictor

Who will find net?

With Australia set to play on the counter-attack against Egypt, Nestory Irankunda will be their key player.

The Tanzania-born winger was Australia’s principal attacking outlet in that excellent victory over Turkey. His ball-carrying will be equally important in the round of 32.

Irankunda opened the scoring in that match, advancing at pace and then finishing coolly past Turkey goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir. 

The anytime goalscorer market will no doubt be dominated by bets on Omar Marmoush, but Irankunda is the best value pick.

Go for Nestory Irankunda to score any time (including extra time) at 11/4 with Sky Bet

Australia vs Egypt latest odds

Find the latest Australia vs Egypt betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.

More World Cup 2026 predictions

We have plenty more World Cup 2026 predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.

Important historical facts about Australia and Egypt for betting

Australia only scored two goals in the group stage, its lowest return at a World Cup since 1974.

Egypt have lost just one of their last eight fixtures. Both teams have scored in only two of Australia’s last eight matches.

About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

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