Australia are dealing with an injury wind ahead of Egypt’s World Cup game

Australia have been dealt a blow ahead of their upcoming World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash against Egypt after it was confirmed that two of their key players will be out for the rest of their journey in the tournament.

After finishing second in Group Seven with five points, Egypt officially qualified for the round of 32 by meeting Australia next Friday.

Australia are without the services of veteran winger Matthew Leckie, who picked up an injury in the Group Stage 2 match against the United States of America, an injury which also ruled him out of the last game against Paraguay.

Tony Popovich’s coaching staff also suffered another blow after right-back Jakob Italiano suffered a hamstring injury in group practice despite playing normally in the team’s previous matches in the tournament.

Football Association Australia confirmed in a statement on its official social media that Lecce and Italiano will not be able to participate in the team’s remaining matches during the 2026 World Cup.

Coach Tony Popovich will not be able to replace injured players as tournament regulations state that injured players are only allowed to be substituted 24 hours before playing their first game in the tournament, forcing Australia to play their way through with their current roster.

The Australian Federation said in its statement: “Everyone at Football Association Australia and the Socceroos national team wishes Jacob and Matthew all the best in their recovery and thanks them for their contribution to the national team tournament.”

Matthew Leckie started the tournament off the bench in the opening game against Turkey before playing 61 minutes against the United States of America when he picked up an injury.

As for Jakob Italiano, he started at right wing in the first match against Turkey and then started at right back against the United States of America before suffering an injury in training ahead of the game against Paraguay.