Australia hit by double injury setback ahead of FIFA World Cup knockout clash with Egypt

Australia's preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage have suffered a major setback after experienced forward Mathew Leckie

Australia’s preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage have suffered a major setback after experienced forward Mathew Leckie and defender Jacob Italiano were ruled out of the remainder of the tournament because of injuries. The duo will miss the Socceroos’ Round of 32 encounter against Egypt, leaving head coach Tony Popovic with a reduced 24-man squad for the crucial fixture.

Leckie, who is representing Australia at his fourth FIFA World Cup, sustained a hamstring injury during the Socceroos’ 2-0 Group D defeat to the United States. The experienced striker was unavailable for Australia’s final group-stage match, a hard-fought goalless draw against Paraguay, and medical assessments have now confirmed that he will not recover in time to play any further part in the competition.

Meanwhile, right-back Jacob Italiano also faces an early end to his World Cup campaign after suffering a groin injury during a training session. Italiano had featured in Australia’s opening matches against Turkey and the United States but was forced to sit out the clash with Paraguay due to the injury. Following further evaluation, the team’s medical staff decided that he would be unable to return before the end of the tournament.

In an official statement, the Socceroos confirmed that both players would play no further role in the FIFA World Cup. Football Australia expressed its support for Leckie and Italiano, wishing them a speedy recovery while thanking them for their commitment and valuable contributions throughout Australia’s campaign.

The injuries represent a significant blow for coach Tony Popovic as Australia prepares for a challenging knockout encounter against Mohamed Salah-led Egypt in Dallas on July 3. The winner of the contest will advance to the Round of 16, making it one of Australia’s most important matches of the tournament.

Australia defender Aziz Behich admitted that Leckie’s absence would be deeply felt within the squad. Speaking about his Melbourne City teammate, Behich said he was disappointed for the veteran forward, who had battled through an injury-disrupted club season to earn a place in Australia’s World Cup squad.

Despite the disappointment, Behich acknowledged that injuries are an unavoidable part of football. He revealed that Leckie had encouraged the team before leaving the camp and assured his teammates that he would continue supporting them from afar. According to Behich, Leckie gave everything possible to help Australia succeed on the world stage.

Although the squad has been weakened by the loss of two key players, Australia’s confidence remains high following its successful qualification for the knockout rounds. Behich stressed that reaching the knockout stage was the team’s first objective and said the players were proud to have achieved that goal.

Looking ahead to the showdown with Egypt, the Australian defender described knockout football as an entirely different challenge from the group stage, where every mistake can prove costly. However, he insisted that the Socceroos are fully aware of the task ahead and are approaching the match with confidence, determination, and excitement as they chase a place in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026.