Defending Champion Argentina will take on Egypt in the Round of 16 clash at the FIFA World Cup 2026, aiming to seal a spot in the quarter-finals. Egypt reached the tournament’s knockout stage for the very first time, eyeing a long-awaited dream of lifting the World Cup title.
Lionel Messi’s side are the clear favorites in every match they have played in the tournament so far. However, they had to work really hard to secure victory against Cape Verde in the Round of 32 clash.
Argentina entered the knockout stage on a positive note with wins over Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, while Egypt ended the group stage in second place with two draws and one win.
Both sides will meet for the first time in the World Cup. Their last meeting came back in 2008 during a friendly in Cairo, where Argentina secured a win by 2-0. They also have an eight-game winning streak against African nations. Meanwhile, no team has ever won three games against African opponents in a single edition.
Quick Match details
- Tournament: FIFA World Cup 2026
- Stage: Round of 16
- Date: July 7
- Kick-off Time: 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT / 5 p.m. BST & 9:30 p.m. IST
- Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, United States
Match Preview and Current Form
Argentina
Argentina came into the Round of 32 as clear favourites against Cape Verde, but the defending champions were pushed to their limits by a fearless Blue Sharks side. Argentina’s record in extra-time World Cup matches remains outstanding. They have now won 10 of their 12 World Cup games that have gone beyond 90 minutes, including victories in extra time and on penalties.
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Lionel Messi’s side are in excellent form. They have won eight matches in a row in all competitions and have scored at least two goals in every one of those victories. They have also found the net 11 times in four matches at this World Cup.
If Argentina gets past Egypt, they will face either Switzerland or Colombia in the quarter-finals. History is also on their side, as they have won seven of their last nine World Cup Round of 16 matches, with their only defeats at this stage coming in 1994 and 2018.
World Cup form: W-W-W-W
Egypt
Egypt have had an impressive World Cup campaign so far. The Pharaohs have reached the Round of 16 on merit for the first time, after their only previous appearance in the knockout stage came in the 1934 World Cup, when the tournament began directly with knockout matches.
Their latest success came after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Australia. Egypt converted every penalty they took, with Mohamed Salah confidently scoring a Panenka. Australia, however, missed twice as Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington both sent their spot-kicks over the bar.
Egypt now has a much tougher challenge ahead against the defending champions. One concern for Hossam Hassan’s side is their defence. They have conceded at least one goal in each of their last six matches, after previously keeping three consecutive clean sheets.
The two teams have met only once before. Argentina won that friendly 2-0 in 2008 thanks to goals from Sergio Agüero and Nicolás Burdisso. Messi missed that game through injury, but this time he is expected to lead Argentina in what promises to be a fascinating battle against Salah.
World Cup form: D-W-D-W
Team News and Injury Update
Argentina
Argentina looked tired after their tough two-hour battle against Cape Verde. Nahuel Molina, Enzo Fernandez, and Facundo Medina, who had to leave the Round of 32 match with an injury, all struggled to get through their recovery session the next day.
Medina’s injury is being described as just cramp, so it shouldn’t be serious. But if he can’t play, Nicolas Tagliafico is ready to step in at left-back. Winger Nico Gonzalez is more of a concern, as he’s reportedly dealing with a sprained ankle.
In the match against Cape Verde, Messi became the first player ever to score seven goals in two different World Cups. He also set a new record for most goal involvements in the knockout stage, with 12. However, Kylian Mbappe matched that mark just hours later in France’s game against Paraguay.
Egypt
Egypt also paid a small price for their penalty-shootout win over Australia. Left-back Karim Hafez had to come off in the 80th minute, but he’s since trained normally and looks set to play.
The loss of Hafez would be a devastating one for Egypt ahead of the upcoming clash against Messi’s Argentina team, particularly considering that their alternative left-back Ahmed Fatouh is “virtually ruled out” due to a thigh injury and didn’t even feature against Australia.
The third Egyptian player dealing with an injury concern is centre-back Mohamed Abdelmonem, who hasn’t played since the Iran group-stage match due to an ankle issue and his fitness remains questionable, as per coach Hassan.
In positive news, midfielder Mohanad Lasheen is now back and available to play, having missed the Australia game through suspension.
Argentina vs Egypt Probable starting XI
Argentina Probable starting XI
- Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
- Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina
- Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández
- Attackers: Thiago Almada, Lionel Messi
- Forward: Lautaro Martínez
Egypt Probable starting XI
- Goalkeeper: Mostafa Shoubir
- Defenders: Mohamed Hany, Ibrahim Rabia, Hossam Abdelmaguid
- Midfielders: Marwan Attia, Hamdy Lashin
- Attackers: Emam Ashour, Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush
- Forward: Zico
Also Read: Argentina vs Egypt: Top Five Players To Watch In FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 Clash
