Argentina vs Egypt: Preview, Team News, Prediction and Probable Lineups

Probable Lineups

Egypt: Mostafa Shobeir (GK), Rami Rabia, Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Hamdy Fathy, Mohanad Lasheen, Marwan Attia, Mostafa Ziko, Emam Ashour, Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush.

Argentina: Emiliano Martínez (GK), Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Thiago Almada, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez.

Preview: Can Egypt Shock the Champions?

Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, will take on Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup on Tuesday, July 7.

The match will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 7:00 pm (EAT). Argentina will be aiming to keep their title defence alive by securing a place in the quarterfinals, while Egypt will be hoping to produce a major upset and reach the last eight of the World Cup for the first time in their history.

Argentina booked their place in the Round of 16 after edging tournament debutants Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time. Egypt, meanwhile, defeated Australia 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after both normal time and extra time.

Despite progressing, Argentina have shown signs of vulnerability at the back, conceding in each of their last two matches.

Egypt have also struggled defensively, having conceded at least one goal in every World Cup match they have played in this tournament.

With two of world football’s biggest stars, Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah, expected to lead their respective attacks, the encounter promises to be an entertaining contest.

Individual brilliance could prove decisive, although defensive discipline is likely to determine which side advances.

Messi has scored seven goals at this World Cup and is currently joint-top scorer alongside Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland.

Another goal against Egypt would see the Argentine captain strengthen his bid for the Golden Boot.

Team News

Argentina will be without Nicolás González through injury, while Egypt will miss the services of Ahmed Fatouh and Mohamed Abdelmonem. Apart from those absentees, both teams are expected to have the remainder of their squads available for selection.

Prediction

Argentina possess greater experience and quality in key areas and are expected to do enough to overcome a determined Egyptian side.

Prediction: Argentina 3-1 Egypt.