Australia’s journey in the World Cup could become particularly thrilling if they manage to defeat Egypt. Such a victory would set up a potential encounter with one of the tournament’s standout teams, featuring arguably the greatest player to have graced the sport.
The stage is set for a thrilling contest as the Socceroos prepare to face Egypt at Dallas Stadium this Saturday at 4 am AEST. With both teams closely matched, this World Cup Round of 32 game promises to be one of the most fiercely contested showdowns.
This fixture is more than just another match; it is a pivotal moment in the footballing histories of both nations. Fans can catch the live action on SBS and SBS On Demand, or join fellow supporters at one of the many live sites across the country hosting screenings.
Egypt’s Pharaohs will be making their debut in a World Cup knockout stage, while Australia aims to secure their first-ever victory in this crucial phase of the competition.
According to the FIFA rankings, with Egypt at 26 and Australia at 28, the matchup is expected to be intensely competitive. A win for Australia could indeed elevate their World Cup narrative to new, spectacular heights.
Here’s how the Socceroos’ path to a World Cup victory could unfold (odds: 1 per cent).
The 46 per cent
The Opta supercomputer, which forecasts outcomes of sports tournaments, has predicted that the Socceroos have a 46.02 per cent chance of beating Egypt.
With a win, Australia will qualify for the Round of 16 and will play the winner of the match between Argentina and Cape Verde, who will face off on Saturday at 8am.
Opta predicts Argentina and its superstar, Lionel Messi, have more than an 87 per cent chance of winning that match.
But Cape Verde has already achieved the impossible by qualifying from the group stage, after the tiny debutante nation stunned the world to draw with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.
The Round of 16 match is scheduled to be played in Atlanta on 8 July, at 2am AEST.
The 11 per cent
Let’s consider the possibility that the Socceroos pull off a miracle and beat the winner of the Argentina-Cape Verde match.
Then they will have to fly to Kansas City to play in the quarter-finals on Sunday July 12, at 1pm AEST. Opta gives an 11.2 per cent chance of this happening.
The other team in the quarter-final will be one of Switzerland, Algeria, Colombia and Ghana. Opta gives Colombia the highest chance among the four.
The 4 per cent
There’s no harm in dreaming, so let’s dream on.
Let’s say the Socceroos make it past the quarter-finals — something the supercomputer gives a 4.47 per cent chance of.
They’ll then play the World Cup’s semi-final at 5am AEST on 16 July in Atlanta.
The other team in the semis will be one of Brazil, Norway, Mexico, or England, with the winners of Brazil-Norway and Mexico-England meeting in the quarter-finals on Sunday 12 July.
According to Opta’s prediction, Brazil has the highest chance of qualifying.
The 1 per cent
And finally, there is the 1.06 per cent possibility that the Socceroos beat all their opponents and qualify for the final.
The final will take place on Monday 20 July, at 5am AEST, in New York.
Opta predicts that France and Argentina have the highest chances of playing in the final, with France having a 45.44 per cent chance of winning the tournament.
You can watch all 104 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ live, free and exclusive on SBS, SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand.