Defending champions Argentina will look to keep their FIFA World Cup 2026 title defence on track when they face Egypt in the Round of 16 at Atlanta Stadium in Georgia on Tuesday, July 7. Having won all of their group-stage matches, Lionel Scaloni’s men enter the knockout stages as one of the tournament favourites and will be confident of extending their unbeaten run.
Argentina have looked dominant throughout the competition, combining defensive solidity with their trademark attacking flair. With momentum firmly on their side, the South American giants will be targeting a place in the quarter-finals as they continue their pursuit of back-to-back World Cup titles.
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Egypt, however, have emerged as one of the surprise packages of the tournament. Led by captain Mohamed Salah, the Pharaohs secured qualification to the knockout rounds after drawing against Iran and Belgium before registering an emphatic victory over New Zealand in the group stage. They then edged past Australia in a dramatic penalty shootout in the Round of 32 to book a meeting with the reigning champions.
While Argentina start as clear favourites on paper, Egypt will hope their disciplined defensive approach and ability to capitalise on counter-attacks can produce another upset. Salah is expected to be the key figure for the African side as they attempt to overcome one of football’s biggest challenges.
The match is expected to feature several star names, with Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero, Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister likely to start for Argentina. Egypt are expected to rely on goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, defender Yasser Ibrahim and captain Mohamed Salah to inspire them.
A place in the quarter-finals is at stake, making this one of the standout fixtures of the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage.
