After barely advancing against Cabo Verde in the Round of 16, the Argentine National Team will face its third African team in the 2026 World Cup, Egypt.
Coached by Lionel Scaloni, they come from a calm group stage, with three victories without surprises against Algeria (3-0), Austria (2-0), and Jordan (3-1); however, their last match against the "Blue Sharks" in the Round of 16 was another story. The Albiceleste struggled until the end to prevail against the islanders, managing to do so only in extra time by 3-2, thanks to the efforts of their two center-backs, Lisandro Martínez and Cristian "Cuti" Romero, and the goalkeeper, Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez.
On the other hand, although they had a more complicated first stage (they finished second on goal difference behind Belgium with 5 points, resulting from 1 victory [3-1 against New Zealand] and 2 draws [1-1 with the Europeans and Iran]), the team led by Hossam Hassan also arrives at this stage with a extra time under their belt, as well as a penalty shootout. After drawing 1-1 in 120 minutes of play, the "Pharaohs" triumphed from the penalty spot by 4-2 against a tough Australia.
Regarding the history, Argentines and Egyptians have faced each other only twice at the senior level, both with victories for the national team, one in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, when age restrictions implemented in Barcelona '92 did not yet exist, by 6-0 and the other in a friendly in 2008 in Cairo by 2-0, with goals from Sergio "Kun" Agüero and Nicolás Burdisso.
Time and TV for Argentina vs. Egypt
The Argentine National Team will seek their place in the quarter-finals against the Africans this Tuesday, July 7 at 1:00 PM (Argentina time) at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The match will be broadcast on television through the channels of Telefe, TyC Sports, TV Pública, and Dsports, as well as Disney+ Premium, DGO, and Paramount+ for streaming.
Lineups
Argentina (4-4-2):
Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
Defenders: Nicolás Tagliafico, Lisandro Martínez, Cristian Romero, and Nahuel Molina
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Alisster, and Rodrigo De Paul
Forwards: Julián Álvarez and Lionel Messi
