2026 World Cup
Today
At 7pm
Argentina v Egypt
Egypt’s remarkable FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign faces its toughest examination yet as the Pharaohs prepare for a blockbuster Round of 16 showdown against reigning champions Argentina in Atlanta.
For the seven-time African champions, this is uncharted territory. Egypt have already rewritten their World Cup story by registering their first-ever victory at the tournament and advancing beyond the group stage for the first time. Their dramatic penalty shootout triumph over Australia after a 1-1 draw has now earned them a place among the final 16.
Standing in their way are Argentina, the most successful nation in Copa America history and a team determined to defend its world crown. Lionel Scaloni’s side arrived in the knockout rounds with a perfect group-stage record, but they were pushed to the brink by World Cup debutants Cabo Verde before eventually escaping with a 3-2 extra-time victory.
Despite the scare, Argentina remain unbeaten and continue a remarkable run of consistency, having reached the Round of 16 at every World Cup since 2002.
While Argentina carry the weight of history and expectation, Egypt enter the contest with growing belief. The North Africans have shown resilience throughout the tournament and now have an opportunity to become the first Egyptian side to reach a World Cup quarter-final.
The two countries have met only twice before. Argentina won 2-0 in a 2008 international friendly through goals from Sergio Aguero and Nicolas Burdisso, while their first encounter came at the 1928 Olympic Games, where the South Americans recorded a commanding 6-0 victory.
But past meetings will count for little when the teams step onto the field in Atlanta. Egypt are seeking another historic breakthrough, while Argentina know that another slip could bring an abrupt end to their title defence.
The reward for the winner is a quarter-final clash against either Switzerland or Colombia in Kansas City on 11 July.
