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Australia
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Egypt
America 2026
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21:00
Australia | Olympic
Egypt
America 2026
Tony Popovic, head coach of the Australian national team, agreed with Hossam Hassan, head coach of the Egyptian national team, that height will not make a significant difference ahead of the anticipated Round of 32 match in the World Cup.
The Egyptian national team will face Australia on Friday at 9:00 PM in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup.
The Australian national team's head coach said at the press conference: "We created many chances against Paraguay that we failed to capitalize on, and we are confident we can create other chances against Egypt."
He added, "Regarding Hossam Hassan's statement about height? I agree with what Hossam Hassan said; this is football, and we reached this stage because we played good football."
Hossam Hassan had stated at the pre-match press conference: "Maradona was not tall, nor were Messi, Mbappé, or Mohamed Salah... In the Egyptian national team, we have strength, height, and aerial ability; we do not play rugby or American football." (Read the rest of the statements)
In response to how having 8 days of rest before the match against Egypt would be utilized, he answered: "We will know the result of that tomorrow; this is new for us as players and coaches. Physically and mentally, we are in excellent condition, ready, and we want to enjoy the moment and continue delivering high-level football."
The Egyptian national team qualified as runners-up in Group Seven with 7 points, behind Belgium on goal difference, while the Australian national team finished second in Group Four with 4 points, ahead of Paraguay, who finished third in the group, on goal difference.
Australia began their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Turkey, then lost by the same score to the USA, and drew 0-0 with Paraguay to qualify in second place.
It is worth noting that the winner of this match will face the winner of the match between Argentina and Cape Verde.
