Argentina vs Egypt is the biggest match of the day at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The defending champions take on Egypt in the Round of 16 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta today, Tuesday 7 July 2026. Kick-off is at 12:00 PM ET, which is 9:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PST). Also today, Switzerland face Colombia at BC Place in Vancouver at 4:00 PM ET (1:00 AM PST, Wednesday morning).
Argentina vs Egypt at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Match | Argentina vs Egypt |
| Round | Round of 16 (FIFA World Cup 2026) |
| Venue | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, USA |
| Date | Tuesday, 7 July 2026 |
| Kick-off (ET) | 12:00 PM Eastern Time |
| Kick-off (PST) | 9:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time |
| If Tied After 90 Mins | Extra time, then penalties |
Argentina vs Egypt: Why This Match Matters
The final two games from the Round of 16 unfold on Tuesday, 7 July, as the race for the coveted FIFA World Cup 2026 title continues. Defending champions Argentina will take on Egypt for just the third time in their football histories. It is a massive game for both sides, and Pakistani fans will be glued to their screens tonight.
Neither of these sides has tasted defeat yet in North America. For Argentina, the Round of 16 is familiar territory; La Albiceleste have reached this stage at every World Cup since 2002. But this encounter represents more new ground broken for Egypt, who recorded their first-ever World Cup win in the group stage.
Messi on Fire, Salah the Hope for Egypt
This is the Lionel Messi show, and everyone knows it. Messi has scored seven goals off an xG of 3.82, making him the tournament’s Golden Boot leader and the man dragging Argentina toward the title. Lautaro Martinez has chipped in with a goal and is Argentina’s focal point through the middle, a constant outlet for Messi.
Egypt are not here just to make up the numbers, though. Mohamed Salah has scored a goal from an xG of 1.94 and is Egypt’s talisman and by some distance their most likely route to a goal. Emam Ashour is Egypt’s leading scorer with two goals and the midfielder carrying much of their attacking threat.
Egypt have strong players in wide positions, with Zico and Mohamed Salah able to operate effectively on the flanks, engaging their markers and moving into the channels. But entering Tuesday, Argentina have scored nine goals in four World Cup games, which tells you how sharp they have been in front of goal.
Team News and Lineups
Argentina’s expected XI (4-4-2): E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, L. Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez, Almada; Messi, Lautaro Martinez.
Egypt’s expected XI (4-4-2): Shobeir; Hany, Abdelmonem, Rabia, Hafez; Ashour, Fathy, Attia, Zico; Marmoush, Salah. Yasser Ibrahim (CB) is out for Egypt.
Head to Head: Argentina vs Egypt
Their first meeting dates back to Amsterdam 1928, where the South Americans won convincingly in the semi-final of the Olympic Games. They also won the second encounter, a 2-0 friendly in 2008. Argentina lead the head-to-head, and Egypt have never beaten them. History is against the Pharaohs, but football is never just about history.
Egypt’s Journey to This Point
While Argentina are in pursuit of a fourth title, Egypt are looking to seal their best-ever result on this stage by reaching the last eight for the first time. Egypt needed penalties to see off Australia in the Round of 32, drawing 1-1 before winning the shootout. Egypt, roared on by Mohamed Salah, have battled this far the hard way, but they arrive as heavy underdogs.
Yesterday’s Results: Spain and Belgium Go Through
In case you missed Monday’s drama, there were two big Round of 16 results overnight. Spain thoroughly dominated Portugal on Monday but just could not break through. Then, in stoppage time, Mikel Merino slipped one in after a gorgeous pass from Ferran Torres to break the deadlock and win 1-0 for Spain.
The second game was even more dramatic. Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere scored in the ninth minute before USA’s Malik Tillman tied it up. But De Ketelaere got behind the US defence for a second goal, and then Hans Vanaken made it 3-1 after a horror defensive sequence from the Americans. The US men’s national team crashed out of the World Cup in a 4-1 loss to Belgium.
Today’s Other Match: Switzerland vs Colombia
The second clash on Tuesday will see Switzerland meet Colombia for just the fifth time. This is Switzerland’s fourth consecutive Round of 16 appearance and they will be looking to reach the last eight for the first time since 1954. Colombia, meanwhile, reached this point 12 years ago but have never gone beyond a quarter-final. Kick-off is at 4:00 PM ET (1:00 AM PST on Wednesday morning).
Quarterfinal Schedule After Today
The winner of Argentina vs Egypt will face either Switzerland or Colombia in the quarter-finals. The quarterfinal schedule is as follows: France vs Morocco on Thursday 9 July in Foxborough; Spain vs Belgium on Friday 10 July in Inglewood; and Norway vs England on Saturday 11 July in Miami Gardens. The Final takes place on Sunday, 19 July 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with kick-off at 3:00 PM ET.
For the full official schedule and results, visit the 2026 FIFA World Cup Wikipedia page or the official FIFA website.
Our Prediction
Argentina are heavy favourites, and with good reason. Messi is playing out of his skin, and Egypt’s defence has looked shaky throughout the tournament. Argentina look every inch the side their squad promises, and Messi is in the form of the tournament heading into this Atlanta clash. We expect Argentina to win, but Salah could get Egypt on the scoresheet. Predicted score: Argentina 3-1 Egypt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is Argentina vs Egypt in Pakistan?
The Argentina vs Egypt FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match kicks off at 12:00 PM Eastern Time on Tuesday, 7 July 2026. That is 9:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PST). Set your alarms!
Where is Argentina vs Egypt being played?
Argentina vs Egypt kicks off at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, one of the most spectacular venues at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Since opening in 2017, the stadium has hosted the biggest sporting events in the United States, including the Super Bowl and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Who is the Golden Boot leader at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Lionel Messi leads the race for the Golden Boot with seven goals from an xG of just 3.82, making him by far the most clinical striker at the tournament. Messi is the one to watch in the Argentina vs Egypt clash tonight.
What happens if Argentina vs Egypt is level after 90 minutes?
Knockout matches cannot finish level. If the score is tied after 90 minutes, two 15-minute periods of extra time are played. If the match is still level after extra time, it goes to a penalty shootout to decide the winner.
