Argentina and Egypt set for historic last-16 showdown
World champions Argentina take on an Egypt side in uncharted territory as the 2026 World Cup knockout stage continues. The match kicks off at 12pm EDT/5pm BST and promises to be a captivating clash of styles, headlined by the superstar duel between Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah.
Argentina arrived at this stage after a dramatic 3-2 extra-time win over Cape Verde, having cruised through the group stage with maximum points. Egypt needed a penalty shootout to overcome Australia following a campaign that saw them grind out draws with Belgium and Iran and a win over New Zealand. With both teams eyeing a quarter-final spot, the stage is set for a tense encounter.
Team news and starting XIs
Argentina boss makes three changes from the Cape Verde thriller. Nicolás Tagliafico comes into the backline, Leandro Paredes replaces Thiago Almada in midfield, and Julian Alvarez leads the line ahead of Lautaro Martínez. Messi, of course, starts as captain and creative fulcrum.
Argentina (4-3-3): Emiliano Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Mac Allister; Fernandez, Messi, Alvarez.
Egypt also make two alterations after their penalty victory. Haissem Hassan comes in for Omar Marmoush in attack, while Mohanad Lasheen replaces Hamdy Fathy in midfield. Salah, who coolly converted the decisive Panenka in the shootout, captains the Pharaohs from his right-wing station.
Egypt (4-3-3): Shobeir; Hany, Rabia, Ibrahim, Hafez; Ashour, Attia, Lasheen; Hassan, Salah, Ziko.
How they got here
Argentina topped Group H with a perfect record, seeing off Algeria, Austria and Jordan. The round-of-32 tie against Cape Verde exposed defensive vulnerabilities, but the holders’ experience and Messi magic proved decisive.
Egypt’s path was far more fraught. A gritty goalless draw with Belgium, a laboured 1-0 win over New Zealand and a nervy 1-1 draw with Iran saw them through as runners-up. Their first knockout win in World Cup history came via the shootout, with Salah’s audacious spot-kick underlining the growing belief in the squad.
Key storylines
The narrative is dominated by two of football’s greatest ever players, but this tie runs far deeper. Argentina must address the sloppiness that Cape Verde capitalised on, while Egypt will seek to frustrate and unleash Salah on the break. The Pharaohs have nothing to lose and carry the weight of a continent’s hope, while the Albiceleste aim to move a step closer to defending their crown.
Referee Francois Letexier (France) takes charge of a fixture that has only two previous meetings—Argentina won both, in 1928 and 2008—offering little historical reference.
Key Takeaways
- Messi vs Salah: The two icons will likely dictate the outcome.
- Argentina’s vulnerability: Cape Verde exposed defensive issues that Egypt could exploit.
- Egypt’s momentum: A first knockout win has instilled belief and a nothing-to-lose mentality.
- Unpredictable nature: The round of 16 has already shown that favourites can stumble, and Egypt are a well-drilled unit.
Quick Facts
Kick-off time: 12pm EDT / 5pm BST
Referee: Francois Letexier (France)
How to watch: Check local listings for official World Cup broadcasters in your territory
