2026 FIFA World Cup: Round of 16 – Argentina vs Egypt

Argentina meet Egypt in the penultimate Round of 16 tie at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Victory would see Argentina reach the Quarter-Finals for the fifth time in the six recent editions – including this tournament.

Egypt meanwhile are chasing a first appearance in the World Cup Quarter-Finals stage.

 

Team News

Facundo Media is a minor doubt for Argentina after he suffered cramp during their 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde in the Round of 32.

Nicolas Gonzalez suffered an ankle injury during that game and his fitness remains in question ahead of this match.

Egypt have no fresh injury concerns to report after their penalty shootout win over Australia after a 1-1 draw, with Ahmed Fatouh set to return on the bench after he missed that match due to a hamstring injury.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Argentina face Egypt at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, USA, on Tuesday 7 July at 12pm EDT (5pm BST), live on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• This is Argentina’s first World Cup meeting against Egypt.
• Egypt lost their only previous meeting against Argentina by a 2-0 result in a friendly in March 2008.
• Argentina’s Lionel Messi has converted seven of his 15 shots on target into goals.
• No Egypt player has been caught offside on more occasions at this tournament than Mostafa Ziko (2).

 

Prediction

Having twice let their lead slip against a spirited Cape Verde team, Argentina definitely will have a point to prove defensively because they just seemed complacent at times when it should of been an easy well-controlled result such was the gulf in attacking quality.

Egypt meanwhile certainly grinded out their win over Australia because they didn’t always have possession yet dug in defensively to take it to a shootout – where they were absolutely clinical, but this is going to be about solid defending if want to keep Argentina out.

My instinct though is that this could be tight initially as Argentina can’t afford to be as defensively sloppy as they were against Cape Verde as they might regret it this time, but Egypt have drawn three of their four matches so far by 1-1 results so can’t be underestimated.

In fact if Egypt keep it tight and are clinical, I can see another draw coming with a potential cupset on the cards.

Prediction: Argentina 1-1 Egypt (Egypt to win on penalties)