The 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered another day of high drama on Wednesday, as Argentina edged Egypt in a fiery contest that left the Pharaohs seething, while Switzerland kept their cool to win a penalty shootout and reach the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, Morocco continued to fly the flag for Africa by becoming the continent's first nation to reach consecutive World Cup quarter-finals.
Argentina Edge Egypt in Controversial Thriller
Argentina advanced after a 3-2 victory that will be remembered as much for the fury it sparked as for the football. The match swung on a 78th-minute winner from Lautaro Martínez, but Egypt were left fuming over two key decisions: a disallowed equaliser for a marginal offside and a denied penalty after a VAR review that Egypt's coach Ehab Galal called "an absolute disgrace."
"We feel robbed. Everyone saw it was a clear penalty. The whole world saw it," Galal said in his post-match press conference.
Egypt had twice come from behind, with Mohamed Salah scoring a stunning equaliser, but Argentina's resilience saw them through. The result sets up a mouthwatering quarter-final clash with Germany.
Switzerland Hold Nerve in Penalty Shootout
In the day's other last-16 tie, Switzerland defeated Croatia 4-2 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw. Goalkeeper Yann Sommer was the hero, saving two spot-kicks, while Granit Xhaka calmly converted the winning penalty. The Swiss, who rode their luck at times, will now face Spain in the quarter-finals.
Morocco Make History as Africa's First Back-to-Back Quarter-Finalists
Morocco's 2-0 win over South Korea meant they achieved a unique milestone for African football: becoming the first nation from the continent to reach the quarter-finals at successive World Cup tournaments. The Atlas Lions, semi-finalists in 2022, now face a daunting tie against reigning champions France.
Key Takeaways
- Controversy reigns: Egypt's fury will dominate headlines, with calls for FIFA to review the VAR process after their loss to Argentina.
- Swiss precision: Switzerland's shootout prowess proved decisive once again, cementing their reputation as tournament specialists.
- African pride: Morocco's achievement underlines the continent's growing strength, though off-field issues plague other teams.
- Quarter-final lineup: Argentina-Germany and Switzerland-Spain are among the standout fixtures, promising more drama.
Quick Facts:
Argentina vs Egypt: Argentina won 3-2; Egypt had a goal disallowed and a penalty appeal waved away.
Switzerland vs Croatia: 1-1 after extra time; Switzerland won 4-2 on penalties.
Morocco's milestone: First African team to reach consecutive World Cup quarter-finals.
