Argentina came from two goals down to defeat Egypt 3-2 and secure a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic late turnaround in Atlanta.
The defending champions appeared to be heading for a shock elimination after second-half goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico gave Egypt a 2-0 lead. However, Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez all scored in the closing stages to complete a remarkable comeback.
The victory sends Lionel Scaloni’s side into the quarter-finals, where they will face either Colombia or Switzerland.
Egypt, who claimed their first-ever World Cup victory by defeating Australia in the Round of 32, made a confident start and took the lead in the 15th minute.
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Yasser Ibrahim rose above Lisandro Martinez to head Marwan Attia’s cross into the bottom corner, giving the Pharaohs an early advantage.
Argentina had an immediate chance to equalise when Haissem Hassan fouled Nicolas Tagliafico inside the penalty area. However, Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir produced an excellent save to deny Messi from the spot.
It was the second penalty the Argentina captain had missed at the tournament after also being denied during the group-stage victory over Austria.
Shobeir continued his impressive performance before half-time, keeping out efforts from Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez as Egypt protected their lead.
Egypt thought they had doubled their advantage shortly before the hour mark, but the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) ruled out Mostafa Zico’s effort.
The forward eventually got his goal midway through the second half, finishing Hassan’s cross to put Egypt 2-0 ahead and move them within touching distance of a place in the last eight.
Argentina struggled to create clear chances for much of the contest before mounting a late response.
Cristian Romero gave Argentina hope in the 79th minute when he headed home to reduce the deficit.
Five minutes later, Messi made amends for his earlier penalty miss by scoring his 21st World Cup goal to level the contest and set up a tense finish.
With the match deep into stoppage time, Lautaro Martinez delivered a cross into the penalty area and Enzo Fernandez headed past Shobeir to complete the comeback and send Argentina into the quarter-finals.
Egypt’s campaign ends after coming within minutes of eliminating the three-time world champions, while Argentina continue their title defence with another dramatic knockout victory.
