The spotlight will shine brightly on Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Tuesday as two football icons, Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah, go head-to-head when defending champions Argentina face Egypt in a mouthwatering Round of 16 clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Argentina remain on course to defend their crown after surviving a dramatic scare against tournament debutants Cape Verde in the previous round, while Egypt reached the last 16 for the first time on merit after edging Australia in a tense penalty shootout.
With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, both nations will be eager to continue their impressive World Cup journeys.
Argentina looking to keep title defence alive
Lionel Scaloni’s side were pushed to their limits in the Round of 32, needing extra time to overcome a resilient Cape Verde side in one of the biggest scares of the tournament.
Despite entering the contest as overwhelming favourites, Argentina were forced to dig deep before progressing courtesy of an unfortunate own goal from Diony Borges in the 111th minute.
The victory extended Argentina’s winning streak to eight matches across all competitions, with the reigning world champions scoring at least two goals in every win during that run.
The Albiceleste have also built a formidable reputation in knockout football, winning 10 of their 12 World Cup matches that have gone beyond 90 minutes, highlighting their experience under pressure.
Having already scored 11 goals in four matches at the tournament, Argentina will be confident of reaching another quarter-final, where either Switzerland or Colombia await.
Egypt chasing more history
Egypt have already made history by reaching the World Cup Round of 16 for the first time since 1934 and the first time through the modern group-stage format.
The Pharaohs displayed tremendous composure in their dramatic victory over Australia, converting every penalty in the shootout after the match finished level following extra time.
Captain Mohamed Salah once again led from the front, confidently converting a Panenka penalty to inspire his side into the last eight.
However, defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern for head coach Hossam Hassan.
Egypt have conceded in each of their last six matches, and facing the tournament’s most dangerous attacking side represents their biggest challenge yet.
While Salah and Omar Marmoush possess enough quality to trouble any defence, Egypt will need one of their finest defensive performances if they are to upset the reigning champions.
Team News
Argentina have a few minor fitness concerns following their exhausting extra-time victory over Cape Verde.
Defender Facundo Medina is expected to recover after suffering cramp, while Nahuel Molina and Enzo Fernandez are also expected to be available despite missing parts of the recovery session. Nico Gonzalez remains doubtful with an ankle problem.
Lionel Messi continues to rewrite the history books after becoming the first player to score seven goals in two separate FIFA World Cup tournaments. The 39-year-old will once again lead Argentina’s attack alongside Julián Álvarez and Thiago Almada.
Egypt also have injury concerns in defence.
Left-back Karim Hafez is expected to be fit despite being substituted against Australia, while fellow defender Ahmed Fatouh is unlikely to recover from a thigh injury. Centre-back Mohamed Abdelmonem remains a doubt due to an ankle problem.
Midfielder Mohanad Lasheen returns after serving a suspension and is expected to strengthen Egypt’s midfield.
Possible Starting XIs
Argentina: Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julián Alvarez, Thiago Almada.
Egypt: Mostafa Shobeir; Mohamed Hany, Ramy Fathy, Yasser Ibrahim, Omar Rabia; Hamdi Fathy, Mohanad Lasheen, Ahmed Ateya, Zizo; Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush.
Kick-off Time
Match: Argentina vs Egypt
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 16
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Date: Tuesday
Kick-off: 22:00 GMT
Prediction
Egypt have already exceeded expectations by reaching the knockout stage and possess enough attacking quality through Mohamed Salah to cause problems.
However, Argentina’s experience, attacking firepower and ability to deliver in high-pressure knockout matches make them favourites to progress. If Messi and his supporting cast find their rhythm, the defending champions should have enough quality to overcome the Pharaohs.
Prediction: Argentina 3-1 Egypt
