World Cup 2026: Australia vs Egypt Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds from Betway, correct at time of writing.

Australia face Egypt in Arlington on Friday evening, with kickoff at 20:00 CAT in this 2026 World Cup Round of 32 tie. Tony Popovic's Socceroos made their way into the knockouts on four points, while Egypt advanced as runners up in their group with Mohamed Salah pulling the strings. The winner reaches the last 16 and the loser is out. For all our World Cup betting tips, head to our dedicated section.

Australia

Australia did just enough to reach the last 32, finishing on four points and a level goal difference from a tight group. In my opinion Popovic has built a well-organised side that defends resolutely and looks to spring forward through pace, with Nestory Irankunda the liveliest spark after his impact off the bench. The worry for me is goals, because this team has laboured to create clear chances and has never won a knockout match at a World Cup. My read on this is that the Socceroos will have to defend for long periods and take any rare openings that come their way.

Predicted Lineup: Beach; Circati, Souttar, Herrington, Bos; Behich, O’Neill, Irvine, McGree; Irankunda, Metcalfe.

Egypt

Egypt came through as runners up on five points, with Mohamed Salah involved in almost everything good they produced. From my point of view Hossam Hassan's team are the more talented side in this one, with Omar Marmoush leading the line and Salah operating just behind him. The big question is Salah's fitness after he was withdrawn in the draw with Iran, but even if he is below full fitness I still rate Egypt's edge in quality. My read on this is that Egypt have enough to break down a stubborn Australian block, even if it takes patience.

Predicted Lineup: Shobeir; Hany, Ibrahim, Abdelmonem, Fatouh; Saber, Lasheen; Salah, Ashour, Ziko; Marmoush.

Egypt carry the greater attacking threat and I expect them to edge a cagey contest, even if Salah is not at full tilt. Australia will make life awkward with their deep block, so I do not see many goals, but Egypt's quality should tell in the end. I am backing a narrow Egyptian win. My forecast: Australia 0 Egypt 1.

BTTS: No (1.65)

I am backing both teams not to score and my read on this is that this will be a low scoring, tense knockout tie. Australia have struggled to create and will sit deep, while Egypt are happy to control possession and strike when the moment comes. A 1-0 either way is very much on the cards, and the value sits with no in the both teams to score market.