World Cup: Holders Argentina face Egypt in clash of superstars

Atlanta will host the Round of 16 clash between Argentina and Egypt at the 2026 World Cup. The holders squeezed past another African representative in the previous round, with a hard-fought 3-2 extra-time victory against debutants Cabe Verde. 

Meanwhile, Egypt survived their first-ever knockout stage game after a penalty shootout victory against Australia. Mohamed Salah won the “Superior Player of the Match” once again, and he'll now face Lionel Messi for the first time in seven years. Argentina's superstar is the joint leader in the scoring chart with seven goals in only four appearances.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Exequiel Palacios is on the bench for Argentina, alongside former Stuttgart all-rounder Nicolas Gonzalez. As for Egypt, Omar Marmoush is still looking for his first World Cup goal as he's now dropped to the bench by Hossam Hassan.

Confirmed Argentina vs. Egypt Lineups

Argentina XI: E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, L. Martinez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez, Paredes; Messi ©, Alvarez

Egypt XI: Shobeir; Hafez, Rabia, Ibrahim, Hany; Lasheen, Attia; Ashour, Salah ©, Ziko; Hassan