Egyptian-Australians grapple with a ‘bittersweet’ dilemma: who to support in the World Cup?

The Egyptian diaspora are ‘addicted to football’ and will be in full voice when the Pharaohs take on the Socceroos.

For some it’s a ‘win-win situation’

⚽️ https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/26/how-to-watch-socceroos-vs-paraguay-today-australia-game-kick-off-time-sbs-tv-guide-2026-world-cup">How and where to watch the Socceroos games in Australia
⚽️ https://www.theguardian.com/football/australia">Full Socceroos coverage | https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/04/world-cup-2026-complete-player-guide">Player guide

If you want to know how Egyptian-Australians are feeling ahead of Saturday’s https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/04/egypt-world-cup-2026-team-guide#:~:text=In%20qualification%2C%20he%20was%20decisive,play%20their%20first%20group%20match.">Pharaohs v https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/01/australia-world-cup-2026-team-guide">Socceroos showdown, watch Joseph Tawadros’s social media videos.

In one, the multi-instrumentalist plays his oud, a Middle Eastern stringed instrument, while wearing a fez with an Australian flag on it, complete with dangling corks.