2026 WC: Egypt set for Argentina test in last 16 clash

Reigning world champions Argentina will continue their dream of winning back-to-back FIFA World Cup trophies with another African side, Egypt, on their way in the last-16 clash on Tuesday in Atlanta. 

Both had to cross the line after regulation time as Argentina got the last 16 tickets in the extra time against debutant Cape Verde, while Egypt did it via penalties after regulation time against Australia.

With the extra minutes being gruelling experiences, both teams had little time to recover as round 16 clash is knocking on the door.

Egypt will have to defeat a disciplined Argentina to progress to the quarter-finals for the first time in their history, and it is therefore expected to be a gruelling clash as Lionel Messi, who has already scored 7 goals in the tournament, will surely be handy.

However, Cape Verde exposed the vulnerability of Argentina, which plays a high line in order to quickly win possession and attack their opponents with two equalisers.

Egypt will surely want to explore this mistake and see if they can create another upset at the tournament being held in Mexico, USA and Canada.

The quick turnaround has raised concerns for both teams, but particularly for Argentina, whose previously flawless campaign showed signs of vulnerability for the first time.

Argentina will also be wary of danger man Mohammed Salah, who could, with his speed, cause problems and open up space for his team to operate.

Argentina had cruised to the top of their group with convincing victories against Algeria, Jordan and Austria. 

Howeve, Lionel Scaloni’s side struggled to impose themselves against Cape Verde, which has now prompted debate over whether the performance was an isolated stumble or evidence of weaknesses that opponents can exploit.

Sharing his thoughts on this, former striker Sergio Agüero expressed his worry about the short days of rest and travel, noting that many players were suffering from cramps.

“Now you play Egypt, who are also a very physically strong team. I think they have a little more quality at the front than Cape Verde,” the former striker Manchester City striker said on ESPN Argentina.

Having admitted to tiredness, Messi lamented Argentina’s inability to press Cape Verde high up the pitch, and Egypt are likely to draw encouragement from that.

The North Africans are well coordinated defensively, and they are expected to rely heavily on this. 

They will then look to Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush to ⁠launch counter-attacks against the defending champions.

A fully fit Salah could be crucial to the Pharaohs after the forward entered the Australia match with a hamstring concern and ⁠at times appeared reluctant to sprint at full speed during a draining 120-minute contest.

Argentina will have to up their game, and more creativity could unlock the Egyptian defence. 

This is definitely going to be tougher against Egypt, which will be confident to go for it when presented with the opportunity.

The winner of this tie will face Switzerland or Colombia in Kansas City on July 11.