Argentina vs Egypt, FIFA World Cup, 2026, Today Match Prediction

Argentina vs Egypt Match Prediction & Analysis

After surviving a major scare against Cape Verde in the Round of 32, defending champions Argentina now face another African challenge as they take on Egypt in the Round of 16. 

On paper, La Albiceleste start as clear favourites, but Cape Verde proved that underestimating the underdogs can be costly. Egypt, meanwhile, arrive full of belief after securing their first-ever World Cup knockout victory. 

They will also take inspiration from Cape Verde's fearless display as they look to pull off another giant-killing act.

Head-to-Head Record - In the only match played between the teams, Argentina came out victorious. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Argentina Preview

Argentina were pushed to their limits by World Cup debutants Cape Verde before eventually prevailing 3-2 after extra time. 

Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute from Lisandro Martínez's superb pass, but it was the only clear-cut chance La Albiceleste created before the break. 

Cape Verde fought back to force extra time despite Argentina generating an xG of 1.26 and 11 second-half shots, with Vozinha making five crucial saves. 

Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina's lead in extra time before Cape Verde struck again, only for the defending champions to snatch victory through a late own goal from a set-piece.

While Argentina progressed, the performance exposed a few concerns. Cape Verde's fearless approach unsettled Lionel Scaloni's side, particularly after the equaliser, with defensive gaps appearing out wide and a lack of pace in transition becoming evident. 

Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez struggled to make an impact, leaving Messi to once again shoulder much of the creative burden. 

Scaloni may now have to consider fresh attacking options and inject more width and energy into his lineup if Argentina are to successfully defend their title. And he will need to take a leap of faith like he did back in 2022 with Enzo Fernandez. 

 Key Players 

There is little doubt that Lionel Messi will once again be Argentina's biggest threat. His goal against Cape Verde took his tally to seven in the tournament and 20 overall in World Cup history, making him the first player to score seven or more goals in two different editions of the competition. 

Beyond Messi, the centre-back pairing of Lisandro Martínez and Cristian "Cuti" Romero has been among Argentina's standout performers, delivering at both ends of the pitch.

Team News 

Argentina head into the knockout stage with no major injury concerns or suspensions, leaving Lionel Scaloni with a full squad to choose from. Though there are some fitness  concerns surrounding Medina, his status as of now isn't established. Meanwhile, Scaloni may opt to bring in some changes to the starting XI after their last outing.

Argentina Probable Starting Lineup 

Emi  Martinez (GK); Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Medina, De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez, Almada, Messi, Alvarez

Egypt Preview

Egypt finally ended a 92-year wait for their first World Cup knockout victory, defeating Australia on penalties after a hard-fought 1-1 draw. 

Emam Ashour gave the Pharaohs an early lead, but after failing to build on their advantage, they were pegged back by a Mohamed Hany own goal. 

Neither side could find a winner in extra time, before Egypt held their nerve from the spot, converting all four penalties while Australia managed just two.

One of Egypt's biggest positives was how effectively they neutralised the aerial threat of the towering Harry Souttar. 

Another fascinating moment came before the shootout, when the Egyptian coaching staff analysed Australia's substitute goalkeeper during the break, with every penalty expertly dispatched thereafter. 

Mohamed Salah also deserves credit for battling through injury to inspire his teammates. The main concern, however, remains Omar Marmoush, who is still searching for his first goal contribution of the tournament after missing a golden opportunity to seal the win against Australia.

Key Players 

Mohamed Salah remains Egypt's main man and has been influential throughout the tournament, with a goal and two assists to his name so far. Emam Ashour has also enjoyed an impressive campaign, adding two goals and giving Egypt a lively presence in the opposition half.

Team News 

Egypt have a couple of fitness concerns ahead of the knockout clash, with Mohamed Abdelmonem and Ahmed Fattouh both facing late fitness tests after missing the previous round. 

Egypt Probable Starting Lineup 

Shobeir(GK); Hany, Rabia, Ibrahim, Hafez, Lasheen, Attia, Zico, Ashour, Salah, Marmoush.

ARGENTINA vs EGYPT
Winning Prediction

Despite their scare in the previous round, Argentina remain clear favourites. The defending champions are on an 11-match winning streak, with their last defeat coming 19 games ago. 

Cape Verde exposed vulnerabilities in Argentina's wide areas, and Egypt will hope to exploit them if given the chance. 

However, the Pharaohs cannot afford to sit back if they take the lead, as inviting pressure against a side led by Lionel Messi is a risky strategy. Expect Egypt to make it competitive, but Argentina's experience and Messi's brilliance give them the edge.

Argentina are overwhelming favorites to win the match according to bookmakers, with one of the sites backing them to win at odds of 1.36  to Egypt ’s 9.00 and 5.00 for a draw. 

Argentina to win (2-1).

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