World Cup 2026: Australia vs. Egypt Predictions

Australia vs. Egypt Overview and Latest Odds

World Cup odds at US sportsbooks have Egypt listed as the favorite for the game against Australia, but it’s not as clear-cut as many of the other Round of 32 ties. Both nations are on the hunt for their first-ever World Cup knockout victory.

• Location: Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas, United States

• Date & Time: Friday, July 3, 2:00 PM ET

• US Broadcast: FOX Sports

If you cannot access traditional US sports betting sites, a legal alternative is US prediction market apps. Here, they offer platforms for users to trade on future events, and provide insightful forecasts based on the markets.

Expert Betting Predictions and Best Bets for Australia vs. Egypt

Having conducted hours of research and analysis, we’ve found three bets ahead of the match between Australia and Egypt that are offering good value.

• Egypt 12+ Shots

Australia will continue to sit back, defend deep, and absorb pressure. This will likely lead to Egypt taking plenty of shots on goal. Hossam Hassan’s side has done well at getting shots away thus far, averaging 16 per game through their three group-stage games. The Socceroos gave up 30 shots to Turkey on Matchday 1, and while it’s very unlikely that Egypt generate that level of shot volume in this match, there’s definitely value in them taking at least 12 at just under even money.

• Australia To Qualify

The Socceroos have proven their mettle at the tournament thus far, and are a strong, compact unit that will be difficult for Egypt to break down. Injury issues for the Pharaohs has weakened them, especially with Mohamed Salah not 100% fit and them having several problems at the back. Nestory Irankunda will be crucial for the Aussies and could make all the difference. Given Australia are the underdogs, there’s good value here on them to advance into the Round of 16.

• Nestory Irankunda 1+ Shots on Target

The 20-year-old prospect has caught the eye at the World Cup thus far. He’ll be the main threat on offense for Australia, and his goal against Turkey shows his quality. Tony Popovic’s side will find space on the counter, giving Irankunda the chance to at least get one shot away on goal. He’s likely to start up top like he did against Paraguay, with Mohamed Toure dropping to the bench.

Australia Betting Preview

Australia finished as runners-up in Group D behind the USA after picking up four points during the group stage. They kickstarted their World Cup campaign with an impressive 2-0 win over Turkey, before losing 2-0 to the US during Matchday 2. The Socceroos sealed their spot in the knockouts with a 0-0 draw against Paraguay.

Popovic’s men are a physical side with a well-disciplined defensive structure. Their low block caused all sorts of issues for Turkey, as the Crescent Stars took 30 shots at goal, yet failed to hit the back of the net. Goalkeeper Patrick Beach made a total of eight saves, while Irankunda also impressed in the group opener with his speed on the counter. He opened the scoring in the 27th minute, and will be key in transition once again here.

While they managed to score twice against Turkey, there is a concern regarding Australia’s overall offensive ability. They have managed just 2.1 expected goals (xG) throughout the tournament thus far, ranking lower than the likes of already-eliminated Haiti, Scotland, and New Zealand.

Australia will be without both Jacob Italiano and Matthew Leckie due to respective groin and hamstring injuries. The pair have been ruled out for the rest of the World Cup.

Egypt Betting Preview

An unbeaten group-stage campaign for Egypt leaves them in a good position and has earned them a spot in the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in 92 years. They recorded a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Belgium in Matchday 1, before defeating New Zealand 3-1 in the second round of group games. The Pharaohs secured their place in the Round of 32 with a 1-1 draw against Iran, finishing as runners-up in Group G.

Salah picked up a hamstring issue in the final group match against Iran, and was forced off before the hour mark. He remains in doubt to feature in this one, despite Egypt being confident that he will be ready to go and him having returned to training. The 34-year-old is undoubtedly Egypt's talisman, and has contributed a goal and two assists so far at the 2026 World Cup.

If Salah is unable to play, Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush will be vital. However, he’s had a disappointing World Cup so far. He’s yet to provide a goal or an assist, and was even dropped for the Iran match. There are further injury concerns at the back. Mohamed Abdelmonem is a doubt after picking up a knee problem against Iran, while left-back Ahmed Fatouh is not expected to feature due to a hamstring injury. Hamdi Fathi and Hossam Abdelmaguid are also doubts.

How Australia and Egypt Match Up Against Each Other

The expectation is that Egypt will control most of the play here. Australia has averaged just 40.8% of possession thus far, and will continue to defend deep and look for fast breaks on the counter through quick vertical play. A deep defensive line will also help the Socceroos limit the space in behind for Salah and Marmoush.

Egypt’s offensive strengths are in the wide areas, and they’ll look to make the most of 1v1s and get crosses into the box. They particularly showed their proficiency in this area in their win over New Zealand, with two of those goals coming from the wings. However, due to their injury problems in defense, Egypt must be cautious, and cannot leave themselves too open in transition.