FIFA World Cup
1 month ago
Cabo Verde fall agonisingly short in David v Goliath battle
By SEN
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- Australia 1-1 Egypt (Egypt win on penalties 4-2)
- Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (AET)
- Colombia 1-0 Ghana FT
World Cup daily news. We will bring you the latest from around the world as the FIFA World Cup 2026™ finally gets under way (All times AEST).
FINAL TEAM THROUGH TO THE ROUND OF 16
Los Cafeteros are through to the Round of 16!
Colombia took the lead early on through Jhon Arias and held it for the remainder of the match with Ghana unable to challenge with no shots on target.
It's Colombia's first knockout win at the World Cup since 2014.
With that win, the eight matches of the Round of 16 is confirmed.
See the matches below.
ROUND OF 16 MATCHES
- Canada v Morocco
- Paraguay v France
- Brazil v Norway
- Mexico v England
- Portugal v Spain
- USA v Belgium
- Argentina v Egypt
- Switzerland v Colombia
COLOMBIA GETS THE FIRST SCALP
Colombia has been dominant in the opening 15 minutes and they have been rewarded.
Jhon Arias has finished off a cross from Luiz Suarez with a tidy finish across the keeper to take the lead.
Can they keep the momentum going?
COLOMBIA v GHANA IS UNDERWAY
The final game of the Round of 32 has kicked off in Kansas City with Colombia taking on Ghana.
The winner of this clash will be off to Vancouver to take on Switzerland for a place in the final eight.
THE REIGNING CHAMPS ARE THROUGH
Argentinians around the world will be taking a huge sigh of relief after the final whistle.
In what many expected to be a lay-down misère for La Albiceleste, Cabo Verde have pushed them into the depths of extra time to secure their progression into the Round of 16.
It's such a sad way to see Cabo Verde's fairytale run come to an end, but what a run it has been, with the country, similar in population to Tasmania, captivating the world.
Not many people would have known about Cabo Verde before the tournament. But that has forever changed after the last three weeks.
ARGENTINA STRIKE BACK
For the third time this match, the reigning champions have taken the lead.
Off a corner in the 111th minute, Cristian Romero appeared to have headed in but it has been awarded as an own goal to Diney.
Can Cabo Verde get off the canvas again?
GOAL CABO VERDE!!!! WOW!!!!
Cabral with the best goal of the World Cup so far, hands down!
Lopes Cabral with a PEACH of a strike from range, currrrrling into the top right corner!
No keeper in the WORLD is saving that!
Cabo Verde have equalised yet again!!!!!!
It's Argentina 2-2 Cabo Verde!
Argentina respond!
Lisandro Martinez, that is some finish!
Vozinha and the Cabo Verde defence have been as strong as ever, but there was no stopping that one.
The central defender leaked out the back from a corner, picking up the loose ball and striking with the left foot, beating Vozinha at his near post!
Argentina restore normality within minutes of extra time, leaving Cabo Verde with 30 minutes to find a response!
FULL TIME
Cabo Verde are taking the World Champions to extra time!
Nothing between the two sides over 90 minutes, with Lionel Messi's 20th World Cup goal neutralised by Deroy Duarte.
It ends Argentina 1-1 Cabo Verde after 90, another 30 to come!
CABO VERDE EQUALISE!!!!
YOU'LL NEVER SEE ANYTHING LIKE IT!
Against all odds, Cabo Verde qualified for the FIFA World Cup.
Against all odds, Cabo Verde qualified for the FIFA World Cup Round of 32.
Against all odds, Cabo Verde have EQUALISED against the World Champions!!!
Deroy Duarte with the goal and the Cinderella story is ALIVE!
It's Argentina 1-1 Cabo Verde!
HALF TIME
Argentina are a goal up on Cabo Verde courtesy of Lionel Messi, who now has seven goals in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
INEVITABLE
Leo Messi once more.
A brilliant ball into the box is taken down expertly by Messi, who punches home beyond Vozinha to make it 1-0 Argentina.
He now has 20 goals in World Cup history, further extending his lead as the tournament's greatest ever scorer.
Argentina versus Cabo Verde
The story of the World Cup continues, as Cabo Verde take on Argentina in the Round of 32!
Tony Popovic post-game
"It's tough.
"I think we showed the world that Australian football is strong. It's a wonderful group. I'm devastated for them that we can't progress."
On Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington
"It's not a moment to think about that now. That will come, I'm sure.
"I'm extremely proud of them. I haven't even thought about the players that missed the penalties.
"Unfortunately, we go home and the World Cup ends for us."
On substituting Patrick Beach for Maty Ryan
"I think that was always an option for us with his experience.
"You've got to see how the game plays out. Sometimes in extra time, players go down and you need to make the changes and you don't have a sub available.
"We had one available with a couple of minutes to go, so we put Maty on."
On the future of this Socceroos group
"I've always maintained that it's a wonderful group. They showed how good they are tonight.
"At this moment right now, everything is a bit tough to take, but I'm sure every Australian is proud of the group and what they did throughout the tournament and tonight.
"The effort they put in... I'm sure their family and friends and every Australian back home that has watched will be very proud."
Jackson Irvine post-game
"First of all, congratulations to Egypt. Huge victory and historic day for them.
"We took it all the way to the very end. Penalties is a cruel way to lose, but anyone who has the confidence to step up and take that ball after 120 minutes... it takes a big heart.
"I hope everyone stays behind them and they get all the support. It takes a big heart to step up and take that after a game like today."
On Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington
"We said from the beginning that we are a champion team. That's our strength; our strength is in the team.
"It's not about any player - we are a unit and we do everything together. We win together and we lose together.
"The boys have been immense, the two of them, throughout this tournament.
"To step up and take a penalty is not easy, so they will have all the boys' support."
On the future of Australian football
"It's just the beginning for a lot of these guys.
"To finish an honest second (in the group), we've not done that many times, and they did it playing exciting, attacking football. They've got a big future.
"We've got a big Asian Cup coming up in six months' time. We will pick ourselves up and get back to being competitive on the highest level, which is where we want to be."
A difficult ending to what was a highly promising tournament for Australia.
An average age of just 25 and six of our starting lineup below that average, the young Socceroos were brave in their charge beyond the group stages and into the knockouts.
But it wasn't meant to be.
Managing just the single goal in all of their final three games, Australia just lacked that final touch that is sure to develop over the next four years.
Questions will be asked of the decision to withdraw Patrick Beach for Maty Ryan who failed to make a save in the shootout, and the call to send two centre halves including 18-year-old Lucas Herrington to take a pressure penalty.
Regardless, it was an admirable run once more for the Socceroos at the FIFA World Cup.
Defying the odds to beat Turkiye, the rise of Patrick Beach, Nestory Irankunda and Jordan Bos' emergence on the biggest of stages, it was a World Cup to remember for the Aussies.
It's all over. Australia took it to penalties but the moment was too much for the Socceroos.
Egypt win the shootout 4-2, it's the end of the road for Australia who head home at the Round of 32.
Full time, it ends 1-1, Egypt advance to the Round of 16 on penalties.
Australia:
It's Harry Souttar first up... and he sends it WAY over the bar!
Jackson Irvine next to take for the Socceroos, and he places it calmly into the top right corner.
Awer Mabil to take third, and he slides it home comfortably!
18-year-old Lucas Herrington is up, and the youngest Socceroo misses! It's off the crossbar!
❌⚽⚽❌
Egypt:
Mahmoud Saber first for Egypt, and he tucks it home beyond Mat Ryan!
Rami Rabia up next, and sent in down the middle and in.
The Egyptian King Mohamed Salah is up, and he dinks it down the middle!
Hossam Abdelmaguid steps up to win it for Egypt, and he tucks home comfortably!
⚽⚽⚽⚽
Here we go!
Mo Salah wins both tosses and Australia will take the first penalty.
FULL TIME
Penalties we go!
Neither side able to break the deadlock in extra time, it all comes down to a shootout!
120+1': The ball was sent in, it bobbled around, and Egypt will be relieved as the loose ball avoided the foot of an Aussie within the 16-yeard box!
That'll do us, penalties ahead!
120': Yasser Ibrahim has been booked in the final minute, Australia will have one more chance.
Only one minute added on.
119': Patrick Beach has been subbed out!
A rare goalkeeping change, Beach has been withdrawn for Australian captain Mathew Ryan with penalties ahead!
Experience preferred over Beach, who has been excellent.
118': Awer Mabil attempts the shot on goal but it's blocked by the wall.
Long throw incoming.
117': Although... Mohamed Hany with a rash challenge on Awer Mabil, and Australia have a free kick in an incredibly dangerous area!
117': Australia are holding on but my word it is a tense watch in Dallas.
You feel that if anyone will break the deadlock it will be Egypt, otherwise the game is bound for penalties.
115': Hassan threatens once more and it's ANOTHER Egypt corner!
113': Mohamed Salah... once again blocked by Harry Souttar!
Another corner Egypt.
113': Egypt have mounted repeat chances and repeat corners, pressing high up the ground and dominating play in extra time.
Australia holding on, but only just!
112': Emam Ashour with a highly promising chance, firing at goal but once again, Harry Souttar is in the way!
109': Patrick Beach once again called into action, as Ateya's shot was deflected by Harry Souttar and into the path of the goalkeeper.
Looked a simple save, but the deflection caused a bit of concern.
108': Australia with two long balls down the right hand side, finding Awer Mabil and Mo Toure respectively but neither threatening Egypt's goal.
106': We are back for the final 15 minutes.
105': HALF TIME OF ET
A tense first 15 of extra time, neither side able to break through.
Egypt looked far more threatening of the two sides, however, no chance was sufficient enough on either end.
Omar Marmoush is exiting for Egypt, with Barcelona's young gun Hamza Abdelkarim entering the game.
104': Aziz Behich is fed up with Haissem Hassan's hassling on the wing!
The Egyptian is shown yellow after an obvious shirt pull.
100': Tony Popovic's instructions heading into extra time appear as clear as day; defend.
The Socceroos are no longer operating on the front foot, allowing Egypt to control possession in their attacking half.
Clearly trusting our back half.
97': Paul Okon-Engstler with a moment of promise at the first time of asking.
Australia dealing with Egypt's press well.
93': Mo Salah found his way to a loose ball inside the box, firing on his weak foot and sending it over the bar!
For all the talk of his hamstring midweek, Salah looks energised after a full 90.
91': We are UNDERWAY in extra time of a World Cup match for the first time in our nation's history!
90': SUBSTITUTION
Paul Okon-Englster enters the game, replacing Aiden O'Neill. Awer Mabil also enters the game, replacing Connor Metcalfe.
FULL TIME
It ends level, and we're headed to extra time!
Australia were brilliant in attack in the second half, forcing the equaliser and looking the favourite to find a second.
However, the Socceroos retreated incredibly late on, and Egypt so nearly broke through!
Patrick Beach and Harry Souttar with a pair of huge defensive moments, the whistle goes and the Aussies survive the late scare.
It ends Australia 1-1 Egypt, with both sides entering extra time at a World Cup for the first time in their respective histories.
90+5': Souttar with a HUGE block, and it's over!
90+4': WHAT A SAVE FROM PATRICK BEACH!
Mo Salah sent a brilliant ball into the box that was headed directly towards goal!
Beach was called into action, flinging an arm out to push it over the bar!
Fantastic save, it looked in for all money!
90+2': Australia are retreating here, clearly looking to kill the game off without concession in the final minutes.
Three minutes to play.
90': We are heading into added time, neither side able to break the deadlock following Mohamed Hany's own goal.
Five minutes added on, Egypt with a corner.
87': It swings back Australia's way!
A superb ball finds Kai Trewin whose attempted cut back was blocked.
The ball bounces around and it's a Socceroos corner!
86': Patrick Beach has been called into action as Egypt look to find the winner!
Possession has flipped, with the Egyptians taking control.
82': A free kick is sent into the box by Aiden O'Neill, the ball found its way up in the air and Harry Soutter CHARGED into the box, clattering into the Egyptian defence en route to the ball.
A free kick has been awarded to Egypt as a result.
78': The Aussies are probing in attack here, dominating possession and living in Egypt's defensive third.
Promising on the ball, Hrustic is involved, as is Kai Trewin.
74': SUBSTITUTION
Cristian Volpato and Nestory Irankunda give way after strong attacking efforts from the young pair.
As expected, Mo Toure and Ajdin Hrustic enter the game.
"Two of Australia's best attacking outlets are leaving the field. Interesting," says Jordan Kounelis on SEN's Live Call.
71': We return from drinks, Mo Toure and Ajdin Hrustic are being readied.
68': HYDRATION BREAK
Australia found their much-needed equaliser in the first session of the second half, courtesy of a set piece nodded home off the head of Egypt's Mohamed Hany.
The own-goal sees the sides tied at one apiece at drinks. A huge 20 minutes to play.
67': Harry Souttar puts a block on as Australia stand tall in defence.
Egypt certainly beginning to advance following the Socceroos' equaliser.
61': Egypt SCRAMBLING to hold the probing Aussies, who lived on the edge of the area for a minute in search of an opening.
Despite the equalising goal, Australia have not retreated, continuing to push for a go-ahead goal.
58': Set pieces were always going to prove difficult for Egypt to defend.
Australia's three centre halves all enter with at least five centremetres on Egypt's defenders.
That threat has been found out after a brilliant ball from Aiden O'Neill!
Two goals coming from a free kick in the exact same spot on the ground.
55': It's been credited as an own goal to Mohamed Hany.
55': GOALLLLLLLLL HARRY SOUTTAR!!!!
AUSTRALIA ARE LEVEL!!!! HARRY SOUTTAR RISES FROM THE IN-SWINGING BALL, NODDING HOME WITH EASE!
TOO BIG, TOO STRONG, HARRY SOUTTER!
IT'S 1-1!
54': Aiden O'Neill wins a foul in a promising area.
A set piece in a very similar spot to where Egypt found their opener in the first half.
52': Kai Trewin sends a ball into the box but to no avail after another positive build up on the right hand side.
50': Mohamed Hany is being checked, the Socceroos are a man up for at least a minute while his head is assessed.
48': ALMOST!
Harry Souttar kept the free kick alive after the ball floated forwards, Jackson Irvine nodded on the ball was fired across goal, met by Connor Metcalfe who JUST heads wide.
The defensive efforts saw Egypt's defender Mohamed Hany hit the deck hard after contact with the head.
46': Omar Marmoush with the near-PERFECT start for Egypt!
Australia asleep to start the second half, Marmoush drives through the defence off kick-off and fires towards goal, just missing wide!
45': We're back for the second half, chasing an equaliser.
45': SUBSTITUTION
Kai Trewin will make his FIFA World Cup debut in place of Jordan Bos, substituted out with what looks to be a nasty knee injury.
Jordy's day done
Archie Thompson believes Jordy Bos' day is over at half time after a rough challenge just before the break.
"It looked like (his knee) hyperextended. We won't see him in the second half," Thompson said on SEN's Live Call.
Fingers crossed for Australia's star, who is so crucial to the Socceroos' setup.
HALF TIME
Australia have issues at the half, entering the break a goal down with Jordan Bos still down and holding his knee.
The Socceroos have had the better of the attacking presence but are yet to truly threaten Egypt's goal.
Work to be done, it's Australia 0-1 Egypt at the main break.
45+5': Plenty going on in attack here as Jordy Bos goes down, Irankunda retrieves and the ball finds Volpato whose cross is blocked.
Bos has stayed down after copping a nasty challenge. He looks in some real discomfort.
45+3': A lovely ball is sent into the box towards Nestory Irankunda, who gets to the ball but is squandered by the defender on his back shoulder.
45+2': Cristian Volpato attempts a curling shot on his left once more, pushing it wide of the mark but a promising chance.
45': Five minutes added on. Getting cagey in Dallas as Australia threaten to break through.
41': A soft free kick is awarded to Egypt after a loose arm caught the face of Emam Ashour.
Mo Salah plays it short and it's sent into the box but it's cleared before bouncing out of play for a goal kick.
38': Another corner for Australia. Cristian Volpato and Jordy Bos linking up once more down the right hand side.
36': A long throw sent into the box is nodded on by Herrington, finding Irankunda who tees up Behich for the shot.
It rolls through to the keeper but he was called into action, Australia certainly getting the better of the attacking play.
33': The free kick is sent into the box, bounces off bodies before Alessandro Circati half-connected on the volley, but it's collected comfortably by the keeper.
31': Australia continuing to execute the press very well, led by Nestory Irankunda.
Egypt's Mohamed Hany with the foul on Irankunda, coming down hard and hurting his knee.
He remains down and is being assessed.
23': HYDRATION BREAK
Australia find themselves behind at the first break.
A tough task ahead, the Socceroos have not scored since their World Cup opener against Turkiye, and now must find the back of the net if they want any chance of progressing beyond the Round of 32.
Australia 0-1 Egypt.
22': Corner Australia. Strong in midfield from Cristian Volpato.
17': Omar Marmoush with a strong drive towards goal, stepping across the defence and firing, blocked well by Harry Souttar.
15': A chance for Australia as Circati sends a long throw goalward, finding the feet of Aiden O'Neill who has his shot blocked.
Socceroos need a response.
13': GOAL!
Egypt take the lead.
The free kick was blocked but it's poor defending from the Socceroos, failing to pick up Emam Ashour who gets on the end of a beautiful ball at the back post.
Headed home, it's 1-0 Egypt within 15 minutes.
12': Ziko goes down and Egypt earn a free kick in a VERY dangerous position, just to the left side of the 18-yard box.
11': Australia are executing the press well, neither side giving an inch thus far.
6': Jordy Bos in on goal and is JUST challenged in time!
The right back broke the defensive line and was THROUGH, but it's a superb recovery from the Egyptian defence to get a toe in before a shot was fired.
5': Cristian Volpato SO NEARLY gives Australia the lead!
Picking the ball up centrally, Volpato took on the shot from outside the box, skimming the bar and over!
Brilliant strike from the young star, positive start for Australia.
1': We're underway!
0': Welcome!
The stages don't get any bigger than this.
It's do or die for the Socceroos, taking on Egypt in the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026™!
The anthems are underway, the football isn't far away.
Stay right here for play-by-play coverage, and remember to sync SEN's live call via the website or the SEN app!
Socceroos XI:
GK: P.Beach
DEF: A.Circati | H.Souttar | L.Herrington
MID: J.Bos | J.Irvine | A.O'Neill | A.Behich
ATT: C.Volpato | N.Irankunda | C.Metcalfe
We are less than 20 minutes away from kick off!
Remember to sync SEN's call of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ to your TV, with Jordan Kounelis and Archie Thompson leading the charge as Australia push for a spot in the Round of 16!
Listen HERE!
Postecoglou's shock management move
Ange Postecoglou has returned to management, stepping in to the role of head coach of Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr FC!
TEAMS ARE IN
Tony Popovic has selected his squad ahead of Australia's Round of 32 match against Egypt, opting to go unchanged from their 0-0 draw with Paraguay.
Once again, Nestory Irankunda has been selected as the solo striker, with Cristian Volpato and Connor Metcalfe set to play behind him out wide.
Jackson Irvine and Aiden O'Neill remain the two in midfield, with Aziz Behich holding his starting spot at left back, shifting Jordy Bos to the right.
18-year-old Lucas Herrington will remain in the XI alongside Harry Souttar and Alessandro Circati, with Patrick Beach once again in net.
See the team below:
GK: P.Beach
DEF: A.Circati | H.Souttar | L.Herrington
MID: J.Bos | J.Irvine | A.O'Neill | A.Behich
ATT: C.Volpato | N.Irankunda | C.Metcalfe
Egypt has also confirmed their starting XI, with the injured Mo Salah set to start despit his hamstring concerns.
GK: M.Shobeir
DEF: K.Hafez | R.Rabia | Y.Ibrahim | M.Hany
MID: E.Ashour | H.Fathi | M.Salah | M.Ateya | M.Ziko
ATT: O.Marmoush
IS SALAH FIT?
Mystery has surrounded the fitness levels of Egypt star Mo Salah all week since it was revealed he was struggling with a hamstring injury.
The superstar was substituted in his nation's 1-1 draw with Iran in the final round of the group stages and the team has gone to ground on any information since.
Now, 24 hours out from their clash with the Socceroos, Egypt's coach has said his captain will be given until the last minute to make a call on whether he is up to playing.
Despite taking part in training on Wednesday and Thursday, there are no guarantees he starts.
"We tried to introduce him to partial team training from yesterday," Egypt coach Hossam Hasan said.
“But, Salah is a passionate player, he’s very much looking forward to making his own contribution with his players but on the other hand I am not going to run any risk unless I am 100% sure he is fit and raring to go tomorrow.
“We are looking forward to him playing tomorrow … just not sure if it is going to be in the starting line-up or at a later stage."
Egypt secure their place in the last 32 with draws against Iran and Belgium as well as a 3-1 victory over New Zealand.
When it comes to facing Australia, Hasan said he has no concerns when it comes to the height differential or how physical the encounter stands to be.
“What have you seen up until now? You’ve seen we play a balanced game, we play as a collective, it’s important to study our opponent of course but at the same time we have to have our own personality,” he said.
“... Of course, I’ve been following the Australian squad since the qualifying campaign, and they also participated in the Asian Cup. I’ve followed them the same as I followed Iran, they have experienced players, play long balls and have physical strength.
“They’re a great team, I respect every squad we face.”
