Egypt's national football team will take on Argentina in a historic Round of 16 clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Cairo time. The match will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, United States, with French referee François Letexier in charge.
Egypt head into the encounter with high hopes of extending their remarkable World Cup campaign after reaching the Round of 16 for the first time in the nation's history. They now face the defending champions, led by superstar Lionel Messi.
The Pharaohs have impressed throughout the tournament. They opened their Group G campaign with a 1-1 draw against Belgium, secured their first-ever World Cup group-stage victory by defeating New Zealand 3-1, and then earned a 1-1 draw with Iran to finish second in the group with five points. Egypt advanced to the Round of 16 after defeating Australia in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in the Round of 32.
Head coach Hossam Hassan will be without left-back Ahmed Fattouh due to injury, while midfielder Mohanad Lasheen returns after serving a suspension. Egypt will rely on key players including Mostafa Shobeir, Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Rami Rabia, Marwan Attia, Emam Ashour, Omar Marmoush, and captain Mohamed Salah.
Argentina booked their place in the Round of 16 after topping their group with a perfect record, defeating Algeria 3-0, Austria 2-0, and Jordan 3-1. They then edged Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in the Round of 32.
Coached by Lionel Scaloni, Argentina's squad features several world-class stars, including Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, and Nico Paz. Left-back Facundo Medina is a doubt because of injury.
Source: The National Media Authority online portal
