Argentina vs Egypt World Cup 2026 preview, team news and prediction

Argentina continue their defence of the World Cup title against Egypt at the Atlanta Stadium as Lionel Messi looks to get one over Mohamed Salah's team

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Tom Phillips Sports Betting Writer

11:18, 07 Jul 2026

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Argentina captain Lionel Messi has been superb during this World Cup

Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah go head-to-head in the 2026 World Cup last 16 on Tuesday evening, as Argentina face Egypt at Atlanta Stadium. The holders edged through a dramatic last-32 tie with tournament newcomers Cape Verde, while the Pharaohs needed penalties to see off Australia in their first knockout match.

The bookies are pricing this match as a serious mismatch with the reigning champions at 4/11 with AK Bets while Egypt are 10/1 longshots with Paddy Power and a draw to force this to extra-time is 4/1 with Sky Bet. You can also find more betting offers at the Mirror Betting Hubs Free Bets offers.

Widely tipped to cruise past Cape Verde, Argentina were instead pushed to the limit by the fearless Blue Sharks, who fought back from behind twice to force an unlikely extra-time spell. Ultimately, Lionel Scalonis side required a slice of fortune to progress, with Diony Borges turning into his own net in the 111th minute to break Cape Verde hearts. The underdogs managed 16 efforts on goal, but could not find a way past Argentina over 120 minutes.

Argentinas record in extra time at World Cups remains formidable: they have now won 10 of the 12 matches that have gone beyond 90 minutes, claiming four victories before penalties and winning six shootouts. Despite the scare, the Albiceleste arrive in strong form overall, riding an eight-match winning run in all competitions and scoring at least twice in every one of those wins with 11 goals across four games in North America so far.

Should Argentina make it through, either Switzerland or Colombia await in the quarter-finals. The last-16 stage has generally been kind to the champions too, with seven wins from their last nine World Cup matches at this point, the only setbacks in that span coming in 1994 and 2018.

[Mohamed Salah #10 of Egypt celebrates after the team's victory through the penalty shootout during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Australia and Egypt at Dallas Stadium]

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Mohamed Salah #10 of Egypt celebrates after the team's victory through the penalty shootout during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Australia and Egypt at Dallas Stadium(Image: Getty)

For Egypt, this is uncharted territory. Their 2026 side has taken the nation into the World Cup last 16 for the first time in 92 years and, unlike 1934 when they entered the knockout rounds immediately in a 16-team tournament, they have done it the hard way. After securing a landmark group-stage win, Egypt followed up with an even bigger moment in Arlington, where they held their nerve in a shootout against Australia.

Egypt were flawless from the spot, helped by Salahs bold Panenka, as Australias Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington both blazed penalties over to end the Socceroos campaign. Even so, Egypts attacking threat remains reliant on flashes of inspiration from Salah or set pieces. When those dont arrive, their disciplined structure can blunt games as much as it frustrates opponents and it is fair to question whether that approach will be enough against elite knockout opposition.

Salah cut an emotional figure after the Australia tie, but Egypt must quickly refocus and tighten up at the back ahead of the daunting task of facing the reigning champions. Hossam Hassans side have now conceded in six straight matches after previously recording three consecutive clean sheets.

Argentina vs Egypt Prediction

Argentina to win to nil - Evens (Sky Bet)
Lionel Messi to score anytime - 8/13 (Paddy Power)

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Argentina vs Egypt Team News

Argentina have a few fitness concerns after extra time against Cape Verde: Nahuel Molina, Enzo Fernandez and Facundo Medina didnt complete recovery, while Nico Gonzalez is a doubt with an ankle sprain.

Egypts Karim Hafez is expected to be fit despite coming off against Australia, but Ahmed Fatouh is virtually ruled out and Mohamed Abdelmonem remains a doubt; Mohanad Lasheen returns from suspension.

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