Argentina Escape Egypt Scare to Reach World Cup Quarterfinals

Defending champions Argentina produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2 and book their place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.

Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernández were on target for La Albiceleste as they overturned a two-goal deficit at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Egypt made a dream start to the contest, taking the lead after just 15 minutes through Yasser Ibrahim. The defender rose highest to head home from Marwan Attia’s well-delivered free-kick, leaving goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez with no chance.

Argentina had an opportunity to level matters moments later after being awarded a penalty, but captain Lionel Messi saw his spot-kick brilliantly saved by Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.

Before the break, Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez came close to equalising, only for his well-struck effort inside the penalty area to be denied by the impressive Shobeir.

Egypt carried their slender 1-0 advantage into the halftime interval, with the North Africans looking increasingly confident of causing a major upset.

The Pharaohs thought they had doubled their lead just after the hour mark through Mostafa Ziko, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review that detected a foul in the build-up.

However, Egypt continued to defend resolutely before striking on the counterattack in the 67th minute. After clearing an Argentine attack, the ball fell to Ziko, who embarked on a superb solo run before releasing Haissem Hassan.

The winger beat his marker and squared the ball for Ziko to finish clinically and make it 2-0.

With 10 minutes remaining, Argentina began their comeback. Cristian Romero headed home from Lionel Messi’s pinpoint delivery to reduce the deficit and give the holders renewed belief.

Just three minutes later, Messi produced a moment of brilliance, finishing expertly from inside the box to restore parity at 2-2. The goal was his eighth of the tournament, moving him one clear of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot.

Deep into stoppage time, Argentina completed the turnaround. Mohamed Salah lost possession in the attacking third, allowing Lautaro Martínez to launch a swift counterattack.

The Inter Milan striker delivered an excellent cross into the box, where Enzo Fernández powered home a header in the third minute of the seven added to seal a dramatic 3-2 victory.

The result sends Argentina into the quarterfinals after another remarkable comeback, having also recovered to defeat Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in the previous round.

For Egypt, the defeat brings an end to an impressive World Cup campaign. It could also mark Mohamed Salah’s final appearance for the senior national team, although no official announcement has been made regarding his international future.