Argentina will continue the defence of their crown when they face Egypt in the 2026 World Cup last-16 on Tuesday at 5pm (UK time).
The defending world champions weren’t convincing in the round-of-32, but they remain in the tournament and on course to the final. Argentina had gone perfect in the group stage, sealing top spot after two games. It was the fourth time they had gone perfect in a World Cup group stage, having previously done so in 1998, 2010 and 2014. That set up a last-32 tie with Cape Verde, which many expected Argentina to cruise through. But Argentina were taken to extra-time by the debutants and had just scraped through with a 3-2 victory.
Egypt, meanwhile, have already matched their best-ever World Cup finish. And even then this tournament has already surpassed that. Egypt only made it to the last-16 in the 1934 because that was their first round, and they lost. They got their first World Cup win in the group stage, helping them to finish second and book their spot in the knockout stages. Egypt faced Australia in the last-32 and eventually won on penalties, having given up a one-goal lead in the match.
This will be just the second meeting between these two sides, with Argentina winning a friendly in 2008.
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Argentina vs Egypt team news
Argentina team news
Facunda Medina will be doubt for this game, having had to come off late in normal time against Cape Verde. The left-back picked up an injury and will need tests to check his availability. Nicolas Tagliafico came on to replace him, and will likely start as he did in the final group stage game. The rest of the defence should remain unchanged, with Nahuel Molina and right-back, and Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero the centre-back duo. Emiliano Martinez will remain in goal.
Lionel Scaloni went with his favoured midfield against Cape Verde, having rotated heavily in the final game of the group stage. Rodrigo De Paul will start on the right side of the midfield four, with Thiago Almada on the left. Alexis Mac Alister and Enzo Fernandez will play together in the middle, completing a midfield that has featured in three of Argentina’s four games so far.
Argentina’s attack will stay the same, too. Lionel Messi has scored seven of Argentina’s 11 World Cup goals so far, and continues to stretch his lead as the all-time top scorer. Lautaro Martinez will partner him, with Julian Alvarez on the bench.
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Egypt team news
Mohanad Lasheen will be available for selection once more, having missed the last-32 success over Australia through suspension. He will return to the midfield to partner Marwan Ateya in the double pivot. Hossam Hassan utilised a two-man strike force last time out, but is likely to switch back to his favoured 4-2-3-1 for this game.
Hassan will be sweating on the fitness of Ahmed Fatouh, after his replacement Karim Hafez suffered an injury agains Australia. Early reports suggest Hafez was suffering from fatigue, so he could be available to start here. It will be a big boost, given the doubts surrounding Mohamed Hany on the other side of the defence. Hany looked to have suffered a head injury in the win over Australia but was allowed to continue. After further tests, he’s unlikely to be involved. Tarek Alaa may come in at left-back.
Yasser Ibrahim will start alongside alongside Hamdy Fathy at centre-back, with Oufa Shobeir in goal. Ibrahim did receive his second booking of the tournament last time out, but will not serve a suspenion with yellow cards wiped out after the group stage. Mo Salah will drop slightly deeper into the No.10 role behind Omar Marmoush, having overcome his injury doubts. Emam Ashour and Mostafa Ziko are likely to play on the wings.
Argentina vs Egypt predicted lineups
Argentina (4-4-2): E Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li Martinez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Almada; Messi, La Martinez.
Egypt (4-2-3-1): Shobeir; T Alaa, Fathy, Ibrahim, Hafez; Lasheen, Ateya; Ziko, Salah, Ashour; Marmoush.
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