Egypt will enter Friday’s World Cup round-of-32 encounter against Australia seeking another historic milestone, but the Pharaohs face an opponent whose squad includes several players of African descent capable of influencing the contest.
Hossam Hassan’s side progressed beyond the group stage of the World Cup for the first time in the nation’s history after finishing second in Group Seven, setting up a knockout meeting with Australia, who also advanced as runners-up from Group D behind the United States.
Egypt secured their place in the last 32 with a 3-1 victory over New Zealand before drawing 1-1 against both Belgium and Iran. Those results ensured qualification and kept alive hopes of reaching the round of 16 for the first time.
Standing in their way is an Australian team featuring players with diverse backgrounds, including four footballers of African heritage who bring pace, experience and attacking quality to the squad.
Nestory Irankunda offers pace and versatility
Leading the list is 20-year-old Watford forward Nestory Irankunda, whose speed and direct attacking style have already attracted attention during the tournament.
He impressed in Australia’s match against Türkiye, scoring a goal and demonstrating the pace that makes him a dangerous option in transition.
Capable of playing as a centre-forward or on either wing, Irankunda provides Australia with flexibility across the attacking line.
The forward joined Watford in the summer of 2025 from the reserve side of Bayern Munich, having previously represented Grasshoppers in Switzerland and Adelaide United in Australia.
He has scored four goals and provided five assists in 42 appearances for Watford, while recording six goals in 18 international matches for Australia.
Irankunda was born in Kigoma, Tanzania, to a family with Burundian roots. His father fled Burundi because of civil war before settling in Tanzania, where the future Australia international was born. The family later moved to Australia when Irankunda was three months old, where he began his football journey with Adelaide United’s youth system.
Mohamed Toure brings goalscoring form
Another attacking option is Norwich City striker Mohamed Toure.
The 22-year-old has featured twice during the current World Cup but is still waiting for his first goal in the tournament.
Before joining Norwich in February, Toure played for Adelaide United, Stade Reims, Paris FC and Danish side Randers.
His club form has been impressive, with 10 goals and three assists in just 12 appearances for Norwich. At international level, he has scored twice in 12 matches for Australia.
Toure was born in a refugee camp in Conakry, Guinea, after his family fled conflict in Liberia. Following their move to Australia, football became central to the family’s life.
His brothers have also pursued professional careers, with Hassan Toure representing Sydney FC and Moussa Toure playing for Randers in Denmark.
Awer Mabil adds valuable international experience
Australia can also call upon the experience of left winger Awer Mabil.
The 30-year-old, who plays for Castellón in Spain, has earned 38 international caps and scored 10 goals for his country.
Although he remained on the bench throughout the group stage, he is in contention to make his first appearance of the tournament in the knockout rounds.
Mabil’s club career has included spells with Adelaide United, Midtjylland, Paços de Ferreira, Cadiz, Grasshoppers and Sparta Prague.
Born in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya to South Sudanese parents, Mabil later moved to Australia with his family, where he developed into an international footballer.
Jason Geria provides defensive experience
Completing the quartet is experienced right-back Jason Geria.
The 33-year-old currently plays for a second-division club in Japan and has represented Australia 16 times at international level.
Like Mabil, Geria has yet to feature in the current World Cup, remaining among the substitutes during the group stage.
His club career has included spells with Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory in Australia, as well as previous experience in Japan.
Although not regarded as one of Australia’s headline names, Geria offers valuable experience. He was born in the Australian city of Canberra to a Ugandan family and spent the majority of his career with Melbourne Victory, making more than 107 appearances before earning recognition with the national team.
As Egypt prepares for one of the biggest matches in its World Cup history, containing Australia’s blend of youth, pace and international experience could prove decisive in determining which side progresses to the round of 16.
