Confirmed Lineups for Last 16 Clash
Reigning champions Argentina have named their starting XI for the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 tie against Egypt, with Inter striker Lautaro Martinez surprisingly dropped to the bench. Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez will instead lead the line alongside captain Lionel Messi in one of three changes made by coach Lionel Scaloni.
Egypt also make two adjustments from the side that edged Australia on penalties, with Haissem Hassan replacing Omar Marmoush in attack and Mohanad Lasheen coming into midfield for Hamdy Fathy.
Tactical Decisions: Scaloni’s Shake-up
The headline news is the omission of Lautaro Martinez, who has been a mainstay of Argentina’s forward line throughout the tournament. Scaloni has opted for the greater mobility and pressing ability of Julian Alvarez, a decision that may also reflect concerns over the Egyptian defence’s physical style. Alvarez’s partnership with Messi has proved potent at club level for Atletico Madrid, and the coach will hope their understanding can unlock a stubborn backline.
In defence, Nicolás Tagliafico returns at left-back, replacing Facundo Medina, while Leandro Paredes comes into midfield at the expense of Thiago Almada. Paredes’s combative presence alongside Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister should give Argentina more control in the middle of the park. The goalkeeper and the rest of the back four remain unchanged, with Emiliano Martinez behind a central pairing of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez.
Egypt’s Adjustments After Australia Penalty Drama
Egypt’s round of 16 berth required a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Australia, and coach Rui Vitória has freshened up his side for the challenge of facing the world champions. The most eye-catching change is Haissem Hassan’s inclusion up front, with the young forward tasked with stretching Argentina’s high line and supplying Mohamed Salah with support on the counter.
In midfield, Mohanad Lasheen replaces Hamdy Fathy, aiming to disrupt the rhythm of Argentina’s passing game while retaining the ability to join attacks. The experienced Ahmed Shobeir keeps his place in goal, shielding a defence that will have to be at its very best to contain the likes of Messi and Alvarez.
Key Battles to Watch
The duel between Lionel Messi and Egypt’s left-back Mohamed Hafez could prove decisive, while Alvarez’s movement against central defenders Ahmed Rabia and Mohamed Ibrahim will be another area of focus. Egypt will likely look to exploit spaces behind Argentina’s full-backs through the pace of Salah and Hassan, testing the recovery speed of Molina and Tagliafico.
In midfield, the battle between Paredes and the energetic Emam Ashour will be crucial to establishing control, with both sides aiming to dominate possession and dictate the tempo of this knockout encounter.
Key Takeaways
- Lautaro Martinez pays the price for a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal, with Julian Alvarez entrusted to provide the cutting edge alongside Messi.
- Argentina opt for a more robust midfield with Paredes returning, suggesting a controlled, pragmatic approach is the order of the day.
- Egypt’s changes introduce fresh legs and a more direct attacking outlet in Hassan, setting up a potential counter-attacking threat.
- Salah remains the talisman for Egypt, and his duel with Tagliafico could determine whether the African side can spring a major upset.
Quick Facts
Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup – Round of 16
Date: July 7, 2026
Argentina starting XI: Emi Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Mac Allister; Fernandez; Messi, Alvarez.
Egypt starting XI: Shobeir; Hany, Rabia, Ibrahim, Hafez; Ashour, Attia, Lasheen; Hassan, Salah, Ziko.