Argentina produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 at Atlanta Stadium, booking their place in the quarter-finals after overturning a two-goal deficit.
Egypt made a dream start in the 15th minute when Marwan Attia delivered a superb cross for Yasser Ibrahim, who powered a brilliant header into the net to give the Pharaohs the lead.
Argentina had an immediate chance to level the score, but Lionel Messi saw his 21st-minute penalty saved by Mostafa Shobier after Nicolás Tagliafico had won the spot-kick. It was Messi's second missed penalty of the tournament. Shobier continued his outstanding display by denying Alexis Mac Allister's header in the 28th minute, before Messi struck the crossbar from a free-kick three minutes later. The Egyptian goalkeeper then produced another sensational save to stop Julián Álvarez late in the first half.
As expected, Argentina dominated possession after the break, but Egypt nearly doubled their lead on the counter in the 58th minute through Mostafa Ziko after Mohamed Salah's involvement. The goal was ruled out following a foul in the build-up, with Argentina instead awarded a free-kick. Egypt, however, were not to be denied. Another swift counter-attack in the 67th minute, sparked by Salah and finished by Ziko after a pass from Haissem Hassan, made it 2-0.
Argentina finally found a way back three minutes later when Messi's cross was headed home by Cristian Romero to reduce the deficit. Lautaro Martínez missed a golden opportunity from another brilliant Messi pass in the 82nd minute, but the captain took matters into his own hands two minutes later, curling home a superb equaliser.
With both sides pushing for a winner, Argentina completed the turnaround deep into stoppage time. Lautaro Martínez provided the cross and Enzo Fernández rose to head home in the second minute of added time, sealing a remarkable comeback with three goals in 13 minutes.
Argentina will face the winner of Switzerland and Colombia in the World Cup quarter-finals on 11th July.
