As Egypt added another chapter to their historic run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by advancing to the round of 16 after edging Australia on penalties 4-2, goalkeeper Mostafa Shoebir hailed the team’s determination.
“It was Egyptian grit, it’s something in our genetics, it’s something amazing. We fight until the end, and now we have written history,” said Shoebir, whose father Ahmed anchored the Egyptian net at the 1990 World Cup in Italy.
Shoebir’s teammate Haissem Hassan said it’s an incredible feeling to put a smile on the faces of their fans back home.
“Honestly it’s incredible, because you know that in Egypt there are 120 million people you’ve made happy today, and you know that today there will be celebrations across the whole country. Knowing that you made so many people happy makes you happy too. I think it’s a perfect day. Today is a day to celebrate,” said Hassan. Emam Ashour gave Egypt the lead with a header in the 13th minute, but Mohamed Hany’s second-half own goal (55’) meant the game went all the way to penalties, where Australia’s Harry Souttar and Luke Herrington missed their spot-kicks.
Meanwhile, an early goal from Jhon Arias (14’) helped Colombia defeat Ghana 1-0 and advance to the last 16.
TwoEgypt are the second African team to win a penalty shootout at the World Cup; Morocco have done it twice before
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