Australian soccer midfielder and captain at FC St. Pauli
FIFA has enforced new on-field rules at the 2026 World Cup that have provoked disputes: Miguel Almirón has received the tournament's first red card for covering his mouth, broadcasters and fans have criticised mandatory three-minute hydration breaks, and a VAR official was investigated over a hand gesture but cleared. Players, coaches and commentators are publicly divided.
Egypt beat Australia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Texas to reach the World Cup last 16 for the first time. Emam Ashour opened the scoring, Mohamed Hany own goal levelled, and Hossam Abdelmaguid sealed victory with the decisive penalty as Mohamed Salah starred for Egypt.
Australia’s World Cup run ends in Dallas after a 1-1 draw with Egypt, with Egypt converting all four penalties to advance. Coach Tony Popovic defended his decision to substitute the keeper, while Lucas Herrington and Harry Souttar faced heartbreak in the shootout.