After making a World Cup debut at 18, defending Australia's goal from Mohamed Salah is the next box Lucas Herrington would ​like to tick in a fast-moving career.

Three of the current Australia squad hold painful memories of a defeat at the Tokyo Olympics that they are using for motivation in the World Cup last 32

Australia seal their passage to the last 32 and Paraguay are almost certain to join them after they share a drab draw in San Francisco which suits both sides.

Australia's superior physicality can hurt Mohamed Salah's Egypt and lift the Socceroos into the World Cup round of 16. That's the view of striker Tete Yengi as the Socceroos gear up for their do-or-die clash.

So the prospect of going one-on-one with Egypt star Mohamed Salah - if fit after his hamstring strain - and his partner-in-crime Omar Marmoush at the World Cup doesn't faze Herrington, 18, one bit. Neither does attracting interest from Barcelona - something that happened before he had even kicked a ball at the World Cup.

The highly awaited match between Egypt and Australia in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup is scheduled for next Friday, July 3, at nine pm Cairo and Mecca time. The match will be held at AT&T Stadium in Texas,