Argentina fight back to eliminate Egypt, leave Morocco as Africa's sole World Cup hope

Sports

WORLD CUP (NPA) — Argentina produced a remarkable late comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending the Pharaohs’ impressive campaign and leaving Morocco as the only African team remaining in the tournament.

Egypt appeared to be on course for one of the biggest upsets of the competition after taking a 2-0 lead and holding the advantage until the 79th minute.

Yasser Ibrahim opened the scoring with a header in the 15th minute before Mostafa Zico doubled Egypt’s lead in the 67th minute after a disciplined defensive performance frustrated the defending champions.

Argentina, however, mounted a dramatic fightback in the closing stages.

Cristian Romero pulled one back with a header from a Lionel Messi corner in the 79th minute before Messi equalised four minutes later with a left-footed strike.

Enzo Fernández completed the turnaround in stoppage time, heading home from a Lautaro Martínez cross to send Argentina into the quarter-finals.

Messi had endured a frustrating first half after seeing his penalty saved by Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir before later striking the post.

Despite dominating possession and creating the better chances throughout the match, Argentina only found the breakthrough in the closing minutes as Egypt’s resistance finally gave way.

Argentina finished with 61 per cent possession, 19 shots and an expected goals (xG) figure of 2.8, while Egypt registered five shots and an xG of 0.98.

Egypt’s Marawan Attia, Hamdy Fathy, Mostafa Shobeir and Haissem Hassan were all cautioned during the encounter at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The victory sends Argentina into the quarter-finals, where they will face either Switzerland or Colombia.

Although Egypt exited the tournament, the North African side earned plaudits for pushing the defending champions to the brink and coming within minutes of a historic victory.