Australia crash out of World Cup 2026 on penalties – Asia's knockout curse continues

Australia were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup in the Round of 32, falling to Egypt in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. The match went to extra time before the Africans held their nerve from the spot, winning 4-2. The result means no Asian Football Confederation team has won a knockout match at a World Cup since 2002, when South Korea reached the semifinals. Every AFC side since then has either failed to advance past the group stage or lost in their first knockout tie. For Australia, who switched to the AFC in 2006 and have consistently targeted a place in the last 16, this defeat is another bitter reminder of the hurdle they have yet to overcome. Egypt, meanwhile, move on to the Round of 16, where they will face a tough opponent.