World Cup 2026: Australia vs Egypt Odds, Best Bets & Prediction

Betway odds, up to date at the time of writing.

Australia and Egypt both reached the Round of 32 without imposing dominant performances in the group stage. Australia finished second in Group D with four points, a 2-0 win over Turkey, a 0-0 draw with Paraguay, and a 2-0 loss to the USA. Egypt qualified second from Group G with five points, winning 3-1 against New Zealand before drawing with both Belgium and Iran. Our World Cup 2026 knockout predictions flag this as one of the most evenly matched fixtures of the round.

The market prices Egypt as the slight favourite at +140, with Australia at +210 and the draw at +190. These odds reflect a genuine three-way possibility that makes this fixture unusual in the knockout bracket, no team is priced below +100.

Under 2.5 Goals: -236

Australia scored two goals in three group games and conceded two themselves. Egypt scored five goals but managed only one win and two draws. Both teams defended with compact shape throughout the group stage, and the knockout stage pressure typically reduces goal output by 25% compared to group play. Australia's 0-0 draw with Paraguay and Egypt's 1-1 draws with Belgium and Iran confirm both teams' tendency toward caution in high-stakes matches. Under 2.5 at -236 reflects a market lean that matches our editorial view perfectly.

Betway and 888sport odds, correct at the time of writing and subject to change without notice.

The Australian side

The Socceroos entered the tournament with momentum from a strong Asian qualifying campaign, and Tony Popovic’s 3-4-2-1 is built around the creativity of O’Neill in central midfield and the work rate of Irvine. Their 2-0 win over Turkey showed clinical finishing, but the 2-0 loss to the USA exposed a defensive fragility against top-10 opposition on the transition.

Team news:  Australia have a full squad available. No significant injury concerns reported ahead of the fixture. Souttar and Herrington should be partnered again at centre half..

Predicted Lineup Australia (3-4-2-1): Beach; Circati, Souttar, Herrington; Bos, O'Neill, Irvine, Behich; Volpato, Metcalfe; Irankunda

The Egyptian side

Egypt arrived at this World Cup with their strongest squad in decades, featuring Mohamed Salah at the peak of his powers in what is likely his final tournament appearance. Under Hossam Hassan, the 4-2-3-1 is organized around Salah's freedom to roam, with Trezeguet providing an alternative wide threat. Their defensive record of three goals conceded in three games reflects a well-drilled unit.

Team news: Mohamed Salah’s fitness is the key question. Egypt coach Hossam Hassan indicated Salah is "under assessment." A late decision is expected ahead of kick-off.

Predicted Lineup Egypt (4-2-3-1): Shobeir; Hany, Rabia, Abdelmonem, Fatouh; Lasheen, Saber, Ashour, Salah, Trezeguet; Marmoush.

Betway and 888sport odds, correct at the time of writing

Egypt are the slight tactical edge here thanks to Salah's individual quality, which is the difference-maker when both teams are evenly matched. We predict Egypt to win 1-0 or 2-1 in what should be a tight, low-scoring game. Australia will press early and create genuine chances, but Egypt's experience in managing narrow wins will prove decisive.

The market puts Egypt at approximately 42% to win (odds +140) and Australia at 32% (odds +210). Our estimate of Egypt at 42% aligns closely with the market, making the winner market a pass. The value is in the Under 2.5 Goals market, which the tight odds reflect better than any outright winner bet.

The implied probability of the Under 2.5 Goals market at -236 is approximately 70%; our estimate sits closer to 69%-74%. Combined, Australia and Egypt have produced only eight goals across six group games, our Canadian sports betting guide confirms Under 2.5 as the highest-conviction bet on this slate.