Argentina Triumphs Over Egypt in 2026 World Cup Thriller

Image source: Alamy Stock Photo

Argentina’s World Cup title defence remains on track after they claimed a thrilling, come-from-behind 3-2 win over Egypt in a Round of 16 match at the Atlanta Stadium on Tuesday.

La Albiceleste will go on to face either Switzerland or Colombia in a Quarterfinal in Kansas City on Sunday morning.

For the Pharaohs, it was a heartbreaking exit, but they squandered a 2-0 lead and have only themselves to blame for failing to close out the game. Still, the seven-time African champions can head home with their heads held high after reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history.

The Pharaohs got exactly what they wanted — an early lead against the world champions. Marwan Attia delivered a perfect cross, and Yasser Ibrahim rose to head home his second international goal, giving Egypt a shock 1-0 lead just 15 minutes into the game.

The game turned into one-way traffic as La Albiceleste pushed hard for an equaliser. However, goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir was in outstanding form, producing crucial saves to deny Lionel Messi from the penalty spot and block efforts from Alexis Mac Allister and Nicolás Tagliafico.

Messi also came close with a curling free-kick that struck the upright in the 31st minute, but Shobeir looked to have it covered. Egypt went into the break leading 1-0.

La Albiceleste pressed after the restart but were vulnerable on the counter. Egypt made it 2-0 in the 67th minute when Haissem Hassan set up Mostafa Ziko for his second goal of the tournament after the South Americans were exposed at the back.

However, Argentina scored two quick goals in four minutes to hit back. Cristian Romero headed in to make it 2-1 in the 79th minute, before Lionel Messi equalised with a strike to make it 2-2, making him the first player to score in nine consecutive matches in the tournament’s history.

The game was now there for the taking for both teams and Lautaro Martínez proved to be an inspired substitute. The Inter Milan captain set up Enzo Fernández, who powered home a fantastic header for his seventh international goal, securing a dramatic 3-2 win for Argentina in stoppage time.

Argentina (0) 3 (Romero 79′, Messi 83′, Fernandez 90’+2)

Egypt (1) 2 (Ibrahim 15′, Ziko 67′)

Argentina: E. Martínez; Molina (Montiel 73′), Romero (Otamendi 90’+5), L. Martínez, Tagliafico (Gonzalez 66′), De Paul (L. Martinez 66′), Fernández, Mac Allister, Paredes; Álvarez (Medina 90’+5), Messi.

Egypt: Shobeir; Hany, Rabia, Ibrahim, Hafez; Ashour (H. Fathy 46′), Lashin (Zizo 90’+6), Attia; Ziko (Marmoush 80′), Salah; Hassan (Trezeguet 73′).