Defending champions Argentina national football team booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after producing a sensational 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt national football team in a thrilling Round of 16 clash on Tuesday.
Egypt looked on course for a famous upset after racing into a two-goal lead through Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico, leaving Lionel Messi and Argentina on the brink of a shock exit.
The South Americans also endured further frustration when Messi missed a first-half penalty, with Egypt’s goalkeeper producing a crucial save.
However, Argentina mounted a remarkable late comeback to keep their World Cup title defence alive. Cristian Romero sparked the revival by heading home in the closing stages before captain Lionel Messi levelled the score with a superb finish just minutes later, after also playing a key role in Argentina’s attacking resurgence.
With extra time looming, Enzo Fernández completed the dramatic turnaround, rising highest to head home a stoppage-time winner and send Argentina into the last eight.
The dramatic victory keeps Argentina’s hopes of retaining the World Cup alive, while Egypt’s historic tournament run comes to an end after pushing the defending champions to their limits in one of the competition’s most memorable matches.
