SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 19: Cristian Volpato #20 of Australia controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Australia at Seattle Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Cristian Volpato of Sassuolo and Parma’s Alessandro Circati start for Australia in the World Cup Round of 32 clash with Mohamed Salah’s Egypt.
It kicks off in Dallas at 19.00 UK time (20.00 CEST).
The winners of this tie will go on to face either Argentina or Cape Verde in the Round of 16.
It is another big test for the Socceroos, who shocked Vincenzo Montella’s Turkiye 2-0 in the opening fixture, then lost by the same result to the USA.
A 0-0 draw against Paraguay proved enough to scrape through Group D.
There are a few Serie A representatives in the Australia squad, with very clear Italian origins, namely Parma defender Circati and impressive Sassuolo attacking winger Volpato.
Although born in Australia, Volpato had played for Italy at various youth levels, including nine caps for the Under-21 side, but was never considered for the senior squad.
He shifted his allegiance to the Aussies on the eve of the World Cup and is rewarded with only his second start after the game with Paraguay.
Egypt are still unbeaten in this World Cup campaign, after 1-1 draws with Belgium and Iran, defeating New Zealand 3-1.
Veteran Salah, who spent time in Serie A for Fiorentina and Roma, is currently without a club after his Liverpool contract was allowed to expire.
He leads the attack with Omar Marmoush of Manchester City, who returns to the starting XI.
Australia vs. Egypt line-ups
Australia: Beach; Circati, Souttar, Herrington; Bos, O’Neill, Irvine, Behich; Volpato, Irankunda, Metcalfe
Egypt: Shoubir; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Hafez; Attia, Fathy; Zico, Salah, Ashour; Marmoush
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