Argentina vs Egypt

Argentina vs Egypt, the world champions against the Egyptian surprise The Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup pits Argentina against Egypt, at the Atlanta Stadium. The reigning world champions reached the last 16 after a hard-fought win: 3-2 over Cape Verde in extra time, with Lionel Messi scoring his seventh goal of the tournament in a game tighter than expected. Egypt, by contrast, lived a historic night, eliminating Australia on penalties after a 1-1 in extra time: the Pharaohs return to a World Cup last 16 for the first time since 1934. The tip under review concerns an Argentina win. Messi drives Argentina, Egypt resists Argentina remain among the leading title favourites, with a Messi in irresistible form and a squad of great quality and experience. The scare against Cape Verde, though, was a reminder that even the Albiceleste can struggle against well-organised opponents. Egypt, for their part, have made defensive solidity, sacrifice and a decisive goalkeeper from the spot their weapons, along with Salah's quality on the counter. It is the classic meeting between a major favourite and a side ready to suffer and strike in the key moments. The final lineups remain to be confirmed close to kick-off. A new fixture Argentina and Egypt have no significant precedents, as nations that had never met in important contexts. At a World Cup it is a new page, and what matters is only the current profiles: Argentine quality and experience on one side, Egyptian solidity and resilience on the other. The verdict: Argentina favoured, but mind the Egyptian resistance An Argentina win is the most likely outcome, backed by clear technical superiority and a Messi able to decide games on his own. The real question, though, is Egypt's ability to resist, having just taken Australia to penalties and defending with great order; Argentina, after all, needed extra time to see off Cape Verde. For that very reason, a win for the world champions in ninety minutes is not as straightforward as the values would suggest, and it could slip into a draw and another period of extra time. I'd put the chance of an Argentina win in regulation around 62%. The Albiceleste's quality remains a weighty argument, but Egyptian solidity commands respect, and the confidence comes with due caution.