Australia vs Egypt – Predicted lineup and team news

In partnership with

The Football Faithful

·3 July 2026

Australia vs Egypt – Predicted lineup and team news 

Australia face Egypt in the World Cup last 32 at Dallas Stadium on Friday evening, with a place in the round of 16 against Argentina or Cape Verde their reward for winning.

Tony Popovic’s side secured second in Group D with a goalless draw against Paraguay, advancing with four points after what had been a tense and unpredictable group campaign. Egypt, with five points and a better goal difference, arrive as the slight favourites. Australia have beaten this opposition once in their history — they have not won a competitive meeting.

OneFootball Videos

Australia team news

Two absences are confirmed heading into this fixture. Jacob Italiano is out with a groin problem that has kept him sidelined since before the Paraguay game. Mathew Leckie has also not recovered from the hamstring issue that ruled him out of the group finale. Both were significant options for Popovic and their absence narrows his selection choices on the flanks.

Lucas Herrington is expected to continue at centre-back after building a strong understanding alongside Harry Souttar and Alessandro Circati across the group stage. The 23-year-old has been one of Australia’s standout performers. Patrick Beach continues in goal behind the back five, with Jordan Bos and Aziz Behich as the wing-backs.

Nestory Irankunda leads the attack. The 20-year-old Watford forward scored against Türkiye on matchday one — he is Australia’s youngest-ever World Cup scorer — and his pace and directness on the counter are the Socceroos’ clearest route to goal.

Cristian Volpato and Connor Metcalfe, who also scored against Türkiye, complete the front three. Aiden O’Neill and Jackson Irvine provide the midfield structure. Popovic is expected to name an unchanged XI from the Paraguay draw.