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7 July 2026

Argentina and Egypt are set to face off for the first time at a FIFA World Cup as they prepare for a crucial Round of 16 clash on Tuesday at the Atlanta Stadium in Georgia, USA.

Date: Tuesday, 7th July

Kick-off: 5pm BST

Venue: Atlanta Stadium, Georgia, USA

Argentina enters this knockout tie carrying the weight of fatigue after a demanding 120-minute battle against Cape Verde in the previous round. Head coach Lionel Scaloni is dealing with several defensive concerns, particularly at left-back, where Facundo Medina is a serious doubt following a knock sustained in that match.

Nicolas Tagliafico is expected to step in on the left side of defence if Medina fails to recover in time. Meanwhile, winger Nico Gonzalez remains uncertain to feature due to an ongoing ankle problem that has limited his involvement in recent fixtures.

The major focus for the defending champions centres on 39-year-old captain Lionel Messi, who played every minute of Friday’s extra-time win and faces a tight turnaround for recovery. Scaloni is also considering tactical adjustments beyond injury concerns, with Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada possibly being rested due to recent dips in form as Argentina seeks to freshen up its lineup.

Egypt, led by manager Hossam Hassan, faces a significant selection challenge after enduring a tense 120-minute encounter that ended in a penalty shootout victory over Australia. The Pharaohs are struggling on the left side of defence, with both Ahmed Fatouh and Ahmed El Fotouh ruled out — one with a muscle tear and the other with a hamstring injury.

Further complicating matters, backup defender Karim Hafez is doubtful after picking up a muscle strain in the last match, forcing a likely reshuffle at the back. Centre-back Mohamed Abdelmonem is also nursing an ankle issue and will undergo a late fitness assessment before the match.

Midfielder Mohanad Lasheen returns to the squad after serving a one-match suspension, providing a timely boost to the Egyptian midfield. Mohamed Salah, who played the entire 120 minutes against Australia while managing a minor hamstring concern, is confirmed to lead the attack. Although not fully fit, the Liverpool forward remains Egypt’s primary attacking threat and captain.

Argentina heads into the Round of 16 boasting an unbeaten record, having topped their group with three straight victories. They have averaged 2.7 goals per game while conceding only once, displaying a strong balance between attack and defence. However, their smooth progress was briefly tested in the Round of 32, where they narrowly overcame World Cup debutants Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time.

Egypt, on the other hand, has enjoyed a landmark tournament, reaching the knockout stages for the first time in their history. Under Hossam Hassan’s disciplined approach, the Pharaohs advanced from the group stage with one win and two draws before showing composure and resilience in their Round of 32 clash, defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

Expected Line-ups:

Argentina: Emiliano Martinez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes; Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez.

Egypt: Mohamed Shobeir; Mohamed Hany, Omar Fathy, Mahmoud Ibrahim, Saad Samir Rabia; Emam Ashour, Mohanad Lasheen, Hamdi Ateya, Zizo; Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush.