Former Australia goalkeeper Mark Bosnich believes Egypt enter their 2026 World Cup Round of 32 meeting with Australia as favourites, citing the Pharaohs’ depth of talent while warning that the Socceroos remain a difficult opponent capable of making life uncomfortable.
The two nations are scheduled to meet on Friday, 3 July, at 9:00pm Cairo and Mecca time, with a place in the last 16 at stake. Ahead of the encounter, Bosnich shared his assessment of both teams, highlighting Egypt’s squad quality, praising goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, and reflecting on the influence of captain Mohamed Salah.
Bosnich, who enjoyed a distinguished career with clubs including Manchester United, Chelsea and Aston Villa, won the Premier League title with Manchester United in the 1999-2000 season and lifted the League Cup twice during his time at Aston Villa.
Speaking in an interview with WinWin, the former goalkeeper predicted a closely contested match but gave Egypt the advantage.
“The favorite to win the match will be Egypt. They have the best players on paper, but matches are not played on paper. The Australians are a tough opponent.”
Egypt’s tournament form earns Bosnich’s respect
Bosnich said Egypt’s performances in recent major competitions meant he was not surprised by what the team has produced at the World Cup.
“The Egyptian national team is a very good team. We saw them in the Africa Cup of Nations where they were not far from reaching the final. They were very good in the group stage, especially in the first half against Belgium, so no, their level did not surprise me.”
Asked which Egyptian players had impressed him most during the tournament, Bosnich said the entire squad had caught his attention.
“Apart from Salah and Marmoush, all their players caught my attention in one way or another. But if I had to choose, it would be Emam Ashour and goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.”
Shobeir receives special praise
As a former goalkeeper, Bosnich reserved particular praise for Shobeir, describing the Egyptian international as one of the standout performers of the tournament so far.
“I really admire Mostafa Shobeir. He has been excellent so far and he will have a big job to do if Egypt wants to move forward. I can understand my old team Aston Villa keeping an eye on him. I think once he settles in he will do well in the Premier League.”
Bosnich believes the goalkeeper could prove decisive if Egypt are to extend their World Cup campaign beyond the Round of 32.
Salah’s influence extends beyond goals
Bosnich also reflected on Salah’s contribution, suggesting the Liverpool forward’s value goes beyond his performances in front of goal.
“My opinion on Mohamed Salah’s performance so far is that he has been good. He is playing in a different position than he is used to with Liverpool, but he is a vital link in the team. His experience and confidence are also essential things for the team. They draw their energy from Salah’s energy.”
When asked whether Salah or Omar Marmoush would pose the greater threat to Australia, Bosnich said Egypt’s attacking danger is spread across several players.
“Marmoush and Salah will both pose a threat to the Australian national team, as will Ashour, Zico, Zizo, Trezeguet, and Abdel Karim, whoever Hossam Hassan decides to field. Australia has a very strong defense, which is what their strategy is based on. They may be able to stop Salah, but this will give others the opportunity to cause trouble.”
Australia’s strengths and Salah’s legacy
Despite predicting an Egyptian victory, Bosnich was complimentary about Australia’s tournament performances.
“Overall, Australia performed very well, with the exception of the first half against the United States where they were outplayed.”
He also spoke about Salah’s club career, criticising the circumstances surrounding the Egyptian’s reported dispute with Arne Slott at Liverpool.
“The situation that happened with Salah at Liverpool should never have happened. Someone like Salah has achieved what he has, even in the season before last by being a Premier League champion. To put him in this situation was very wrong and there was no need for it. We saw in the end that the club agreed with that too and sacked Arne Slott.”
Bosnich concluded by placing Salah among the greatest players to have competed in England’s top flight.
“Mohamed Salah will go down in history as one of the greatest Premier League players of all time. When the discussion turns to the best players of all time, his name must, and always will, be brought up.”
With Egypt and Australia preparing to meet in a high-stakes knockout encounter, Bosnich believes the Pharaohs possess the stronger squad on paper, while acknowledging that Australia’s resilience and defensive organisation ensure the contest is unlikely to be straightforward.
