Australia v Egypt: Heartbreak as Socceroos lose first ever World Cup penalty shootout — as it happened

Thank you for joining us this morning. We're wrapping up our coverage of the Socceroos' heartbreaking loss in a penalty shootout against Egypt.

The Round of 32 ended up 1-1 in regular and extra time, and Australia lost 4-2 in a "cruel" shootout.

This ends Australia's journey in the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the Socceroos delaying their dream of a first knockout-stage win for at least four more years.

There will be no more Socceroos matches, but you can watch all of the World Cup live and free on SBS or SBS On Demand.

Also, don't miss the last minutes of the exciting Argentina v Cape Verde march for what could be another miracle for the African minnows.

— Niv Sadrolodabaee

On the pitch, Lucas Herrington's composure makes him seem at least a decade older than he actually is.

The 18 year-old's cool, classy defending was outstanding against Paraguay and Egypt.

He was the fourth Socceroo in the penalty shootout lineup and missed, leaving the door open for Egypt's final penalty to be the winner.

In a post-match interview with SBS, Herrington said he will "move on" from the shootout.

"Obviously, it's tough; it's part of the game. I made them [penalties] during the week, I was confident ... And unfortunately I missed, but it's part of the game," he said.

"It's hard because it's the biggest tournament of the year. It's the biggest, probably, moment in my life, and I miss. I just got to rely on my support network and just get back to working.

"I'm 18, I've got a lot of career left, and I think it's just the first big speedbump in my career."

The young player's maturity is admirable.

— Madeleine Wedesweiler

Meanwhile in other things World Cup, things have gotten very interesting in the Argentina vs Cape Verde match.

The African minnows have equalised against the World Cup holders, bringing the score to 1-1.

It's a stunning strike that Duarte hits through the legs of Martinez (defender) and past Martinez (goalkeeper).

We spoke to Australia's Cape Verde fans earlier this week as the side made the knockouts in its first ever World Cup.

You can read about that here:

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'This is history': World Cup fairytale performance thrills small nation's local diaspora

— Madeleine Wedesweiler

As Australia's World Cup campaign came to an end, the Socceroos went searching for a souvenir — and what better keepsake than Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah's jersey?

Here you can see how the jersey swap took place:

— Niv Sadrolodabaee

Socceroos defender Aziz Behich said Lucas Herrington can keep his head up after missing his shot.

"Lucas is going to be in more of those positions later down the track," he said.

"The kind of boy Lucas is, such a great lad, great head on his shoulders, great professional.

"I just told him that for him to even just go up there, to put the ball down was enough for us and he can keep his head up.

"I'm expecting big things from him in the future."

— Miles Proust

With the Socceroos missing two of their four penalties, some experts and fans are questioning Australia's penalty line-up.

Two defenders, 18-year-old Lucas Herrington and Harry Souttar, missed their penalties.

Scott Brown, a former Scotland midfielder and BBC One Pundit has criticised the two for being penalty takers.

"Australia put two centre-backs on penalties. You want to see your strikers go and lead the team and hit the back of the net," he said.

"Toure has been on fire for Norwich this season, scoring nine goals. Go and hit the back of the net instead of putting an 18-year-old on."

— Niv Sadrolodabaee

While many Socceroos fans are devastated after the dramatic shootout, some Egyptian-Australians are experiencing mixed emotions, celebrating their country's win against Australia.

"I was a bit torn, cause I'm obviously Egyptian-Australian. This country raised me," a fan who watched the match from Melbourne's Federation Square told SBS News.

"But you know what? It's a win, so I'm happy."

In Sydney's Ryde, Egyptian fans were celebrating wildly.

Credit: SBS News

— Niv Sadrolodabaee

For those Aussies just waking up, get caught up on this morning's match with SBS' full match recap of Australia v Egypt here.

— David Smith

Popovic has just spoken, saying he was extremely proud of his players.

"It's tough," he said.

"I think we've showed the world that Australian football is strong."

"Wonderful group, but it's devastating for them that we can't progress."

Asked about why Mat Ryan was subbed in for the penalty shoot-out, Popovic said: "I think that was always an option for us and then you have to see how the game progresses."

— Miles Proust

Jackson Irvine has just spoken.

Jackson Irvine (left) said the team were proud of their efforts. Source: Getty / Robbie Jay Barratt

"We took it all the way to the very end," he said.

"Penalties, it's a cruel way to lose, but anybody who's got the confidence to step up and take that ball after 120 minutes, however long you've played, it takes a big heart."

Irvine said Herrington and Souttar had been immense throughout the tournament.

Socceroos' skipper Harry Souttar after missing his penalty. Source: Getty / David Buono

"We're a unit, we do everything together, so win together, we lose together, everything," he said.

"They've been immense. The two of them throughout this tournament, and as I said, to step up and take a penalty is not easy."

He said it was the beginning for many of the players.

"I know with a new format, there's other things, but it was an honest second [place group finish]," he said.

"They did it with, you know, playing exciting, attacking football, they've got loads of ability, and it's going to be a big, they've got a big future."

— Miles Proust

Egyptian skipper Mohamed Salah was brought to tears after the win.

Egyptian captain Mohamed Salah was moved to tears after his team's win over Australia at the World Cup. Source: Getty / Evrim Aydin

"It's history," he said.

"I told the boys before the game that this is the biggest stage you can play on.

"Enjoy it and don't let the pressure get to you.

"I'm glad that we managed to win the game, bad luck for them.

"I'm happy that we wrote history today."

— Miles Proust

At 8am (AEST), Cape Verde will take on reigning champions Argentina.

Egypt will face the winner of that match in Atlanta at 2am next Wednesday.

Colombia and Ghana will also play later today, the final Round of 32 match.

— Miles Proust

It's a historic win for Egypt, which had never even won a match in the World Cup until this tournament, having beaten New Zealand 3-1 in the group stage.

It was the first time they had qualified for the knockout stage, and now they've claimed a maiden knockout win.

— Miles Proust

You've got to feel for Lucas Herrington, who is just 18 years old and playing in his first World Cup and Harry Souttar, who was outstanding in defence.

Australian fans in the crowd are on their feet and clapping for the side.

— Miles Proust

Abdelmaguid scores and Egypt are through. Heartbreak for Australia.

Australia: X-O-O-X

Egypt: O-O-O-O

— Miles Proust

Herrington hits the crossbar!

Australia: X-O-O-X

Egypt: O-O-O

— Miles Proust

Salah scores, clipping straight in the middle.

Australia: X-O-O

Egypt: O-O-O

— Miles Proust

Mabil slots it for Australia!

Australia: X-O-O

Egypt: O-O

— Miles Proust

Rabia scores and Egypt are one ahead.

Australia: X-O

Egypt: O-O

— Miles Proust

Irvine scores!

Australia: X-O

Egypt: O

— Miles Proust