World champions Argentina face a resurgent Egypt in the Last 16. Can Messi's men maintain their perfect record against Salah's Pharaohs?
Argentina, the reigning world champions, have swept through Group A with a perfect record, scoring nine goals and conceding just two. Their reward is a Last 16 clash against an Egypt side that has quietly impressed, topping their group undefeated. The Pharaohs, led by the talismanic Mohamed Salah, will be no pushovers, but Lionel Scaloni's men will be heavy favourites to progress.
Summary
This mouthwatering knockout tie pits the tournament's most in-form team against a disciplined Egyptian outfit. Argentina's fluid attacking play, orchestrated by Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez, has been a joy to watch. However, Egypt's defensive solidity, marshalled by Mohamed Abdelmonem, will provide a stern test. The winner will face either Netherlands or USA in the quarter-finals.
Team News & Form
Argentina have no fresh injury concerns. Scaloni is expected to field his strongest XI, with Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez pulling the strings in midfield. Egypt, meanwhile, are sweating on the fitness of midfielder Hamdy Fathy, who picked up a knock in their final group game. If he misses out, Marwan Attia is likely to deputise.
Argentina's form is formidable: four straight wins, including a 3-0 dismantling of Algeria. Egypt have been resilient, unbeaten in four, with draws against Iran and Belgium highlighting their defensive organisation.
Key Players
Lionel Messi (Argentina) – The maestro continues to defy age. With two goals and three assists in the group stage, his vision and dribbling will be key to unlocking Egypt's backline.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – Egypt's captain and inspiration. Salah has scored in every game so far, including a stunning hat-trick against Australia. His duel with Nahuel Molina could decide the tie.
Predicted Lineups
Argentina: Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Alvarez, Di Maria.
Egypt: El Shenawy; Hany, Abdelmonem, Hegazy, El Fotouh; Elneny, Attia; Salah, El Said, Marmoush; Mohamed.
Key Battles
Messi vs Abdelmonem: Egypt's young centre-back has been outstanding, but facing Messi in a knockout game is a different proposition. His positioning and decision-making will be crucial.
Salah vs Tagliafico: Argentina's left-back will have his hands full with Salah's pace and direct running. Tagliafico will need support from Mac Allister to double up.
Head-to-Head
These sides have met only once before, a friendly in 2018 that ended 0-0. This is their first competitive encounter, and the stakes could not be higher.
Score Prediction
Argentina's attacking firepower and tournament experience should prove too much for Egypt. Expect a tight first half, but the world champions' quality will tell in the end. Prediction: Argentina 2-0 Egypt.
Where to Watch
The match kicks off at 16:00 UTC on 7 July 2026. In the UK, it will be broadcast live on BBC One and streamed on BBC iPlayer. US viewers can tune in on Fox Sports and Telemundo.
