Defending champions Argentina will take on Egypt in a highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match on Tuesday at Atlanta Stadium, with global stars Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah set to headline the encounter.
Argentina advanced to the knockout stage after finishing top of Group J with maximum points before overcoming Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in the Round of 32. Egypt secured second place in Group G and reached the last 16 by defeating Australia in a penalty shootout, marking the country's first-ever World Cup knockout victory.
Messi has scored in all four of Argentina's matches and is level with Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland on seven goals in the race for the tournament's Golden Boot. A goal against Egypt would see him equal Argentina's single-World Cup scoring record of eight goals.
Egypt, meanwhile, are chasing history as they aim to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time. Salah is expected to lead the attack alongside Omar Marmoush despite concerns over a recent hamstring issue.
Both teams face fitness challenges after playing 120 minutes in their previous knockout matches, raising questions over fatigue ahead of the clash.
According to Opta's supercomputer, Argentina are favourites with a 69.1 percent chance of winning in regulation time, while Egypt have a 12.3 percent chance of victory. The probability of the match going to extra time is estimated at 18.5 percent.
The winner will face either Switzerland or Colombia in the quarterfinals on July 11. Argentina and Egypt have never met at the World Cup, although Argentina won their last meeting, a 2008 international friendly, 2-0.
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