Australia starting lineup vs Egypt: Tony Popovic’s XI for the round of 32 game
Australia meet Egypt at AT&T Stadium with a place in the round of 16 and a shot at matching their best-ever World Cup finish on the line.
Australia face Egypt in the 2026 World Cup round of 32 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on Friday, with the opportunity to match their best-ever performance at the tournament.
Australia chasing history in Dallas
In their six previous appearances, the Socceroos have reached the round of 16 twice, most recently in Qatar in 2022, when they were beaten by eventual winners Argentina. Their first time in the knockout stages came in 2006, when they lost to Italy, who also went on to lift the trophy.
Tony Popovic’s team reached the round of 32 by finishing second in Group D. Their opening 2-0 win over Türkiye set them on course for qualification, which they secured with a goalless draw against Paraguay in their final group game. In between, they lost 2-0 to the USMNT, who went through in first place.
Popovic weighs up consistency
After a solid performance in the draw against Paraguay, Popovic could be tempted to stick with the side that secured qualification.
That would see teenage defender Lucas Herrington keep his place in the back three, although it would not be a major surprise to see Cameron Burgess recalled.
The experienced duo of Jackson Irvine and Aziz Behich could start once again, with Cristian Volpato and Connor Metcalfe supporting Nestory Irankunda, who is expected to be Australia’s main attacking threat.
Possible Australia XI vs Egypt
Behich; Circati, Souttar, Herrington; Bos, O’Neill, Irvine, Behich; Volpato, Irankunda, Metcalfe.
Mathew Leckie, who has a hamstring injury, and Jacob Italiano, who is struggling with an adductor issue, will not be involved. Popovic has no new fitness issues to contend with.
Australia vs Egypt: kickoff times, how to watch in the U.S.
Ther round of 32 matchup kicks off today, Friday, July 3, at 2:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. PT. Viewers in the United States can watch all the action on FOX Network, FOX One, Telemundo and Telemundo Deportes En Vivo.
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