The United States were the better side for large portions of this match but were repeatedly undone by Egypt's world-class individual quality — specifically the Salah-Marmoush axis. USA's 4-3-3 press was effective in the first half, creating the conditions for Pulisic's opener, but Egypt's midfield duo of Ashour and Ziko gradually wrestled control in the second half, creating the platform for Marmoush's go-ahead goal. The decisive tactical shift was the introduction of Balogun, who gave USA a more dynamic, mobile focal point and directly produced the equaliser. In extra time, USA's superior fitness and home-crowd energy were palpable, but it ultimately required a penalty shootout to separate two evenly matched sides. Marmoush's missed penalty was the defining moment — a cruel end for a player who had been Egypt's most dangerous attacker throughout.

• Pulisic's 23rd-minute opener was USA's 1st shot on target — clinical efficiency on home soil
• Salah converted from the spot after McKennie's foul on Trézéguet — his 7th World Cup goal
• Marmoush's 67' strike was Egypt's highest xG chance of the match (0.41 xG)
• Balogun's late equaliser (84') came off the bench — USA's super-sub moment of the tournament
• Trézéguet's 117' red card left Egypt with 10 men for the final minutes of extra time
• USA won the shootout 4-3; Salah scored his penalty but Marmoush hit the post in sudden death