​Argentina’s hopes of defending their World Cup title stayed alive after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt on Tuesday afternoon. The defending champions erased a 2-0 deficit with three goals in a 13-minute burst, rallying from behind to advance to the quarterfinals. They will meet the winner of the Colombia-Switzerland clash on Saturday, with that winner set to play either England or Norway in the semifinals in Atlanta.
Egypt opened the scoring with Yasser Ibrahim striking in the 15th minute, followed by Mostafa Ziko’s goal in the 67th minute. Ziko’s second half effort came moments after VAR had disallowed an earlier foul. Lionel Messi produced his customary influence, delivering an assist on Cristian Romero’s goal in the 79th minute and equalizing himself in the 83rd. The comeback was completed in stoppage time when Enzo Fernandez delivered the game-winner.
“We have a phenomenal group, a group that never gives up no matter the difficulties and adversity. We’re always together,” Fernandez said at a post-match news conference.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan believed his side had performed better than Argentina for most of the match and lamented the outcome, his team aiming for its first World Cup quarterfinal appearance. “I’m not convinced with this outcome. I’m not convinced with the way things unfolded during this match,” he said. “We have been treated unfairly today. We have suffered injustice.”
The atmosphere at the venue in Atlanta reflected a stadium full of Argentine supporters, as fans packed in and cheered throughout the encounter. The match—part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16—pitted the two nations in a test of resilience, with Argentina rising to the occasion to stay in contention for the title defense. The victory keeps their title bid alive as they navigate the knockout stage toward a potential rematch with England or a meeting with Norway, all while aiming to extend their world-record success.
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