Australia vs. Egypt Picks and Prediction for Friday, July 3, 2026
Use Code SSWC Australia and Egypt meet in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Friday at 2:00 PM ET on FOX. Australia advanced from Group D after defeating Turkey, drawing Paraguay, and losing to the United States. Egypt finished second in Group G after drawing Belgium and Iran while defeating New Zealand. Australia enters the knockout stage with one loss in its last five matches, while Egypt is unbeaten in its last five contests. Check out today's free World Cup picks.
Australia Hoping Defense Holds Up
Australia reached the knockout stage by relying on a disciplined defensive approach throughout the group phase. The Socceroos opened with a 2-0 victory over Turkey before falling 2-0 to the United States and closing with a scoreless draw against Paraguay. Australia averaged just 0.67 goals per match but also conceded only 0.67 goals per game, showing how difficult the team has been to break down.
Connor Metcalfe and Nestory Irankunda have each scored once during the tournament, while Patrick Okon-Engstler has contributed an assist. Australia has created only 0.81 expected goals per match and averaged just 38% possession, preferring to stay compact defensively before looking for opportunities on the counterattack.
Manager Tony Popovic knows his side will likely spend stretches without the ball against Egypt. Australia's back line has performed well throughout the tournament, recording two clean sheets in three group matches. If the Socceroos can remain organized and take advantage of set pieces or transition opportunities, they have a chance to continue their World Cup run.
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Injuries: No injuries have been reported for Australia.
Egypt Looking to Continue Unbeaten Run
Egypt enters the Round of 32 full of confidence after an unbeaten group-stage campaign. The Pharaohs opened with a 1-1 draw against Belgium before defeating New Zealand 3-1 and finishing with another 1-1 draw against Iran. Egypt averaged 1.67 goals per match while controlling possession 56% of the time and consistently creating dangerous attacking opportunities.
Mohamed Salah remains the focal point of Egypt's attack with one goal and two assists during the tournament. Mostafa Zico and Emam Ashour have each added a goal, giving Egypt scoring threats from multiple positions. Although Egypt has allowed three goals through three matches, the attack has been productive enough to overcome occasional defensive lapses.
Egypt also enters this matchup unbeaten in five consecutive matches dating back to pre-tournament friendlies. The combination of Salah's creativity and the team's balanced attack gives Egypt an edge against an Australian side that has struggled to generate consistent offense.
Injuries: No injuries have been reported for Egypt.
Recent Head-to-Head
The most recent meeting between these nations came in an international friendly in 2010, when Egypt earned a 3-0 victory. Friday's matchup marks the first-ever meeting between Australia and Egypt at the FIFA World Cup.
Australia vs. Egypt Match Pick
- Egypt Moneyline (+150)
Egypt enters the knockout stage playing the better overall soccer and has shown more balance throughout the tournament. Salah continues to be the team's biggest difference-maker, while Egypt has received scoring contributions from several players during group play. Australia deserves credit for its defensive organization, but the Socceroos have struggled to create scoring chances consistently. If Egypt controls possession and forces Australia to defend for long stretches, the Pharaohs should create enough opportunities to advance to the Round of 16.
Australia vs. Egypt Over/Under Pick
- Under 1.5 Goals (+135)
This projects as one of the tighter Round of 32 matchups. Australia has built its tournament around defensive discipline, allowing only two goals in three matches, while Egypt has also shown a willingness to stay patient in close contests. Australia has scored only two goals during group play and will likely approach this match conservatively. With knockout pressure encouraging both teams to avoid mistakes, a 1-0 Egypt victory will cash under.
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