The Socceroos have already thrilled millions of fans with their recent performance, securing a 0-0 draw against Paraguay. This result allowed them to advance to the World Cup Round of 32, a milestone achievement that sets the stage for their upcoming clash with Egypt on Saturday. The team is eager to build on their momentum and make further strides in the tournament.
As the team prepares for their match with Egypt, forward Tete Yengi expressed his expectations, highlighting the challenging nature of their next opponents. “Egypt will be an aggressive team, they’ll fight for everything,” Yengi remarked, setting the tone for a highly competitive encounter.
Meanwhile, midfielder Jackson Irvine articulated a broader ambition, suggesting they are primed for a historic run. “We’re ready to do something no Australian team has done before,” he stated confidently.
Irvine reflected on the team’s recent successes, noting, “Two World Cups in a row, two second places showcase the progress we’ve made. But this was our expectation.” His statement underscores the determination within the squad to exceed past achievements.
Determined to etch their names in history, Irvine emphasized the team’s focus on advancing beyond the current stage. “Now we’ve got to go and do something no Australian team has done before and win a knockout game,” he said in an interview with SBS, following their decisive draw with Paraguay. The Socceroos remain committed to raising the bar even higher as they continue their World Cup journey.
Yengi said the team would continue to work hard on the pitch and play a physical game.
“Physically, I think we’re superior to the other teams. So as long as we keep working on that and we show the rest of the game on the ball, we have top-quality players,” he said.
“Everyone on the pitch can hurt teams at any time.”
In Saturday’s knockout match against Egypt, the Socceroos could face Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah, though it’s unclear if he’ll start after coming off against Iran with a hamstring injury on Saturday.
Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush is yet to score but has created dangerous chances for Egypt so far.
Acknowledging the challenges from the two big-name players, the Socceroos’ 18-year-old rising star Lucas Herrington said the team is ready to “make history”.
“We all look forward to the occasion [against Egypt],” the defender said. “It’s now a chance to make history, so now we can’t wait, we are all ready.”
Making his World Cup debut during the Friday match against Paraguay, which he described as “the best moment of my life”, Herrington said he saw the match against Egypt as an opportunity for a young player like him to grow.
“It’s nice to verse players like [Salah and Marmoush], that’s where you want to be, that’s who you want to verse.”
Australia’s World Cup record
The Socceroos made the knockout rounds for a second consecutive World Cup and only the third time ever. The team have only ever won four matches in World Cups, one of these coming against an African side, and none against a South American side.
This year was not the first time the Socceroos would be drawn against the hosts in the group stages. Australia’s first successful journey to the World Cup came in 1974, when they were drawn against hosts West Germany, who defeated the Socceroos in their first-ever World Cup match. They then lost to East Germany, while claiming a draw with Chile.
Australia then had to wait 32 years to qualify again for the World Cup. In 2006, they secured a 3-1 win against Japan, claiming their first-ever goal and win at the tournament. In their second group stage match they lost to Brazil, but a 2-2 draw against Croatia in their final group stage match was enough to send the Socceroos through to the Round of 16.
Their-first ever foray into the knockout stages ended in pain, however, after eventual winners Italy won 1-0 thanks to a controversial penalty.
In the following three World Cup tournaments — in 2010, 2014 and 2018 — Australia failed to advance from the group stage.
During the most recent World Cup — Qatar 2022 — the Socceroos secured two wins in the group stage for the first time, against Tunisia and Denmark. The team lost 4-1 to France, but earned enough points to make it to the Round of 16.
Still, Australia couldn’t get past the hurdle of the fourth match in a tournament, as they were defeated 2-1 by Argentina, the eventual champions, in the Round of 16.
At 4am AEST on Saturday, the Socceroos will be hoping to make history. A first-ever knockout stage will mean reaching the Round of 16 for a second consecutive tournament and playing a fifth match at the World Cup.
Should they beat Egypt at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, they will face either Argentina or debutantes Cape Verde.
You can watch all 104 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ live, free and exclusive on SBS, SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand.