After Japan was eliminated by Brazil, Asia's hopes now rest on Australia, who will face Egypt in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup at Dallas Stadium , Arlington, Texas, United States.
Of the nine countries representing Asia, only Japan and Australia qualified for the knockout stages, even when the World Cup was expanded to 48 teams.
Australia now serves as Asia's anchor to reach the last 16, a stage the Socceroos have already reached twice, in 2006 and 2022.
Australia is one of four Asian teams to have ever played in the round of 32, the other three being Japan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia.
Since joining Asia (AFC) from Oceania (OFC) in 2006, Australia has never missed the last five editions of the World Cup.
Australia also joined ASEAN (AFF) in 2013, so Southeast Asia can now say that they have representatives in the World Cup finals, even since the 2014 World Cup.
While the Socceroos have experience in the knockout stages, Egypt is making it to the knockout stage for the first time, having failed in 1990, 2018, and 2022.
The Pharaohs had already reached that stage in 1934 when the World Cup started straight from the round of 16 and featured 16 nations, including Egypt, which had gained independence from Britain on February 28, 1922.
Asia will hope the Socceroos' long experience will help them overcome Egypt, who are more favored to win the match in Dallas.
Before kickoff , Australia's position in the FIFA rankings was 28, below the United States (15) and Turkey (27) who are both in Group D. Paraguay, ranked 34th, is also in this group.
Meanwhile, Egypt, ranked 26th, is in the same group as Belgium (9), Iran (22) and New Zealand (86) in Group G.
Before the group stage began, Egypt had the biggest chance of securing a win against New Zealand. Australia, meanwhile, could secure a win against Paraguay, who are ranked far above New Zealand.
The fact that later happened, Egypt beat New Zealand, while Australia was held to a draw by Paraguay.
