Australia vs Egypt lineups: Confirmed team news, predicted XIs, injury latest for World Cup 2026

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Evening Standard

·2 July 2026

Australia vs Egypt lineups: Confirmed team news, predicted XIs, injury latest for World Cup 2026

Mo Salah is a doubt for knockout clash

Egypt have several fitness concerns for Friday’s World Cup last-32 clash with Australia, including Mohamed Salah.

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Pharaohs captain Salah is among a number of players being assessed after sustaining a hamstring injury during the draw with Iran. The Liverpool forward remains a doubt, although there is optimism he could recover in time to start if he responds well before kick-off.

Hamdy Fathy (groin), Hossam Abdelmaguid (head), Mohamed Abdelmonem (ankle) and Ahmed El Fotouh (hamstring) are also being monitored, with their availability likely to be determined closer to the match.

Egypt will definitely be without midfielder Mohanad Lasheen, who is suspended after receiving a yellow card against Iran. His absence means head coach Hossam Hassan is expected to make at least one change to his starting line-up.

The Pharaohs will hope to have Salah available as they attempt to progress to the next round, but with several key players facing late fitness tests, Hassan may have to alter his plans before naming his side for the knockout encounter.

Mohamed Salah

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Australia will be without Jacob Italiano and Mathew Leckie.

Italiano remains sidelined with a groin problem, while Leckie continues to recover from a hamstring injury, leaving the pair unavailable for their first knockout match.

Head coach Tony Popovic is expected to keep faith with much of the side that saw off Paraguay. Highly rated central defender Lucas Herrington is set to retain his place in defence after another composed performance.

Nestory Irankunda is also expected to lead the attack. The 20-year-old has enjoyed an impressive start to his international career, scoring six goals in 18 appearances for the Socceroos. He has already found the net once at this summer's tournament and will again be one of Australia's main attacking threats.

Australia have impressed with their organisation and defensive resilience during the group stage, and Popovic may be reluctant to make unnecessary changes as his side look to reach the last 16.

Australia predicted XI: Beach; Circati, Souttar, Herrington; Bos, O'Neill, Irvine, Behich; Volpato, Irankunda, Metcalfe

Egypt predicted XI: Shobeir; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Hafez; Ateya, Saber; Ziko, Salah, Ashour; Marmoush

Time and date: 7pm BST on Friday, July 3, 2026

How to watch: BBC One and iPlayer