- Argentina came from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2 in a dramatic World Cup Round of 16 clash in Atlanta
- Enzo Fernandez scored the winner in stoppage time after Lionel Messi’s 83rd-minute equaliser
- Egypt’s elimination ends Mohamed Salah’s World Cup dream despite a heroic performance from the Pharaohs
Defending champions Argentina survived an almighty scare on Tuesday, July 7, coming from two goals down to beat Egypt 3-2 and knock the Pharaohs out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Round of 16 stage. Egypt Vs Argentina
In one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament so far at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Enzo Fernandez struck the winner deep in stoppage time to break Egyptian hearts and send Lionel Messi’s side into the quarter-finals.
Egypt stun the champions
The North Africans threw the script out the window from the start. Yasser Ibrahim put Egypt ahead in the 15th minute, marking the first time Argentina had trailed at this World Cup, and things nearly got worse for the champions when Messi missed a penalty in the 21st minute.
Egypt goalkeeper Moustafa Shoubir was in inspired form, making a string of first-half saves to keep the Albiceleste at bay, and the Pharaohs doubled their lead in the 67th minute in stunning fashion. Off a counter-attack from an Argentina corner, Mohamed Salah made a driving run through the middle before the move ended with Mostafa Zico burying the ball home to make it 2-0. Zico had earlier had another goal ruled out by VAR.
The champions roar back
With time running out, Argentina turned to their old magic. Cristian Romero headed in from a Messi cross in the 79th minute to halve the deficit, before the captain himself levelled matters in the 83rd, volleying home off the crossbar after Egypt failed to clear their lines.
Then came the dagger. In the second minute of stoppage time, Enzo Fernandez completed the turnaround, sparking wild Argentine celebrations and leaving Egypt’s players on the turf in disbelief. The Pharaohs, who had been minutes away from one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history, were sent home 3-2.
End of the road for Salah
The defeat ends Egypt’s campaign and, painfully, what is likely Mohamed Salah’s final realistic shot at World Cup glory. The Liverpool star gave everything, playing a key role in Zico’s goal, but once again fell short on football’s biggest stage.
Argentina march on to a quarter-final against the winner of Tuesday evening’s clash between Colombia, the side that ended Ghana’s World Cup journey, and Switzerland.
Did Egypt deserve more from this game? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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