Egypt coach Hossam Hassan dedicated his side's historic World Cup knockout victory over Australia to the people of Palestine after the Pharaohs reached the last 16 for the first time.

Egypt held their nerve to beat Australia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time in a cagey Round of 32 contest at Dallas Stadium on Saturday, securing the country's first-ever World Cup knockout win.

Hossam Abdelmaguid converted the decisive spot-kick after Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington missed from 12 yards for Australia, sending Egypt into a last-16 meeting with either Argentina or Cape Verde.

Emam Ashour had put Egypt ahead with a 13th-minute header before a Mohamed Hany own goal 10 minutes into the second half brought Australia level.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Hassan said: “May God grant them [the Palestinians] victory, may God have mercy on their martyrs.

“I’m saying to them: I’m dedicating this victory to the Egyptian people and Palestinian people, those kind and honourable people.”

Hassan carried both the Egyptian and Palestinian flags onto the pitch after the victory, as Egypt celebrated winning their first-ever World Cup knockout match. The players also collectively prostrated themselves on the pitch in celebration.

The result was celebrated across much of the Arab world, with several Palestinian football fans taking to social media to express their joy.

“For the first time, I’m following the World Cup with this much excitement,” Gaza-based Tamer Nahed wrote on X.

أهل غزة أثناء متابعة المباراة من بين الركام. pic.twitter.com/kS4e389Ln1

— 𓂆 Eyad| إِيَادٌ (@ehajjarr) July 3, 2026

“I was so happy to see Egypt win a little while ago, but the most beautiful sight was here … thousands of people came out of their tents and from among their destroyed homes to watch the match.”