Unsurprisingly for a central defender, Alessandro Circati regards Australia’s clean sheets during the World Cup 2026 group stage as a “big satisfaction” before facing Egypt in the last 16 in Dallas.
The Socceroos started with a 2-0 win over Turkiye and drew with Paraguay – who have since ousted Germany – either side of a 2-0 defeat to a USA team playing on home soil.
“We had a very tough group,” said Parma’s Circato, via Australia’s website. “We showed how solid we are defensively as a team – the boys on the field and boys off the field, because the ones who don’t play really help us in training as well.
“It’s very positive and gives us self-confidence. I’m sure Egypt are looking at that and thinking it won’t be easy and they won’t get many chances, and they’ve really got to take the chances they do get. We’ve got to limit that for them.”
The most successful team in Africa, Egypt won a World Cup match for the first time at the ninth attempt by beating New Zealand 3-1 in between 1-1 draws with Belgium and Iran.
“It’s something unbelievable,” reflected goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir. “History is written that we advanced for the first time ever. We’re super proud of this.
“We’re looking forward to the game. Australia are on the biggest stage of all, so of course they’re a big team.”
The winners of the tie will face Argentina or Cape Verde, who meet in Miami on Friday (23:00 BST), in the last 16 in Atlanta on Tuesday (17:00).
World Cup 2026: Australia v Egypt team news
Talismanic Egypt forward Mohamed Salah is a doubt after being substituted after 57 minutes against Iran with a hamstring injury.
Wideman Ahmed Fatouh is unlikely to play because of a hamstring tear but centre-back Mohamed Abdelmonem could recover in time from severe ankle bruising.
Full-back Jacob Italiano (groin) and midfielder Mathew Leckie (leg) will miss the rest of Australia’s campaign through injury.
