Argentina and Egypt will meet in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup after both survived huge scares to keep their dreams alive.
The reigning world champions looked to be cruising when Lionel Messi fired them ahead against Cape Verde, but the tournament debutants refused to go away.
Argentina were twice pegged back before eventually coming through a thrilling extra-time contest 3-2, with an own goal just nine minutes from the end finally ending Cape Verde’s fairytale run.
Egypt’s route to the last 16 was every bit as dramatic. They were taken the distance by Australia in Dallas, eventually prevailing 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Emam Ashour’s early opener was cancelled out by a Mohamed Hany own goal, but the Pharaohs held their nerve from the spot to reach the round of 16.
Neither side arrives in Atlanta short on belief after finding a way through when the pressure was at its highest.
Argentina remain one of the favourites to retain their crown, but Egypt have already shown they’re capable of digging deep when the odds are stacked against them.
How to watch Argentina vs Egypt
Argentina vs Egypt kicks off at 17:00 GMT on Tuesday, July 7 at the Atlanta Stadium.
This match will be shown live in the UK on ITV, with streaming also available via ITVX.
In the United States, World Cup coverage is available on FOX Sports and Telemundo.
In Canada, coverage is available on CTV, TSN and RDS.
Argentina team news
Argentina are unlikely to make many changes after coming through an entertaining extra-time victory over Cape Verde in the round of 32.
Lionel Scaloni’s side came through a physically demanding 120 minutes, but with several days to recover, the majority of the players who started that game are expected to keep their places.
Lionel Messi once again proved the difference-maker, opening the scoring before Argentina eventually found a way through in extra time.
He will lead the line alongside Lautaro Martinez. Premier League duo Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández are both expected to retain their places.
Rodrigo De Paul and Thiago Almada should continue out wide for Argentina, providing the width to their attack.
At the back, Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez are expected to continue as the central defensive pairing. Emiliano Martínez will also start behind them.
Expected XI:
(4-3-3) Martínez – Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Tagliafico – De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernández, Almada, Messi, Lautaro Martínez.
Egypt team news
Egypt will take confidence from their penalty shootout win over Australia. Meaning Héctor Cúper has little reason to make significant alterations ahead of this last-16 clash.
Emam Ashour opened the scoring in that game and is expected to keep his place in midfield. While captain Mohamed Salah remains Egypt’s biggest attacking threat as they look to trouble one of the tournament favourites.
Mostafa Mohamed should continue to lead the line, with Omar Marmoush and Trezeguet providing support from the wide areas whenever Egypt are able to break forward.
Hamdi Fathi and Marwan Attia are expected to keep their places in midfield. While Mohamed Abdelmonem will marshal the defence alongside Rami Rabia.
Mohamed El Shenawy will once again start in goal, with Egypt likely to rely on his experience.
Expected XI:
(4-2-3-1) El Shenawy – Hany, Rabia, Abdelmonem, Hamdi – Attia, Hamdi Fathi – Salah, Ashour, Trezeguet – Mostafa Mohamed.
Argentina vs Egypt stats
- Argentina reached the round of 16 after edging Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in one of the most entertaining matches of the round of 32.
- Egypt needed penalties to overcome Australia after a 1-1 draw, winning the shootout 4-2 to reach the World Cup knockout stages.
- Argentina have won all four of their matches at the 2026 World Cup, scoring 10 goals across the tournament.
- Lionel Messi has been directly involved in five goals at the 2026 World Cup, scoring four and providing one assist.
- Egypt have conceded just three goals in four matches, with only France boasting a better defensive record among the remaining teams.
- Argentina are unbeaten in their previous four meetings with Egypt, winning three and drawing one.
- The most recent meeting between the two nations came in a 2018 international friendly, with Argentina running out 2-0 winners.
- Egypt have never reached the World Cup quarter-finals, while Argentina are aiming to reach the last eight for the third consecutive tournament.
- Emiliano Martínez has kept two clean sheets at the 2026 World Cup and has yet to lose a World Cup knockout match in normal or extra time.
Argentina vs Egypt prediction
Despite being one of the favourites, Argentina haven’t had everything their own way in North America. They were pushed all the way by Cape Verde in the previous round and have looked vulnerable at times defensively.
But when games have become difficult, they’ve always found an answer. That’s what separates the very best teams from everyone else.
Egypt are unlikely to change their approach. They’ll sit deep, stay compact and look to release Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush on the counter whenever the opportunity presents itself.
If they can frustrate Argentina for an hour or more, the pressure will begin to build on Lionel Scaloni’s side.
The question is whether they can keep Lionel Messi quiet for that long.
Even at this stage of his career, Messi continues to decide the biggest matches. He is the World Cup’s all-time leading goal scorer for a reason.
If Egypt are to produce another upset, they’ll need almost everything to go their way. They defended superbly against Australia, but Argentina possess far more creativity and have match-winners across the pitch capable of unlocking even the most stubborn defences.
I expect Egypt to make life awkward, particularly in the opening stages. But over the course of the game, Argentina’s quality should prove too much.
My picks for this game would be: Argentina to qualify, Lionel Messi to score first and over 2.5 goals.
