Argentina and Egypt prepare for World Cup last-16 clash in Atlanta
The defending champions face Egypt after both teams came through 120-minute knockout matches, with Messi and Salah central to the buildup.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
2 min read
Argentina and Egypt are set to meet in Atlanta in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a quarterfinal place at stake. Al Jazeera reported that the winner will face either Switzerland or Colombia in the next round.
The match arrives with both sides on short recovery time after draining knockout games. According to Al Jazeera, defending champions Argentina needed extra time to beat World Cup debutants Cape Verde 3-2 on Friday, while Egypt played 120 minutes against Australia before winning 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Messi leads Argentina’s push
Lionel Messi remains the central figure for Argentina. Al Jazeera reported that Messi turned 39 during the tournament and has already equaled his personal World Cup best of seven goals, a mark he set four years earlier in Qatar.
That scoring form has kept him in contention for the Golden Boot. France’s Kylian Mbappe and Norway’s Erling Haaland have drawn level with Messi after scoring in their countries’ round-of-16 wins, according to Al Jazeera.
Argentina enter the game as reigning champions, but Al Jazeera’s coverage pointed to the physical toll of their previous match as a key part of the buildup. Their win over Cape Verde required extra time before they advanced 3-2.
Salah chasing Egypt record
Egypt’s focus also falls heavily on its captain, Mohamed Salah. Al Jazeera reported that Salah needs one goal to equal Egypt’s all-time scoring record of 68, held by current coach Hossam Hassan.
Salah, 34, has had to manage a hamstring problem during the tournament. According to Al Jazeera, he has one goal and two assists at this World Cup and was substituted in each of Egypt’s three group-stage matches.
Egypt reached this stage after surviving another long contest. Al Jazeera reported that the team drew 1-1 with Australia before prevailing 4-2 in the penalty shootout.
World Cup schedule around the match
The Argentina-Egypt winner will move into a quarterfinal against Switzerland or Colombia, Al Jazeera reported. Its World Cup coverage also highlighted Switzerland’s last-16 meeting with Colombia as one of the day’s other fixtures.
Al Jazeera also pointed readers to wider tournament developments, including Belgium’s win over the United States and Spain’s victory over Portugal, which it said brought Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career to an end.
Al Jazeera opened its live coverage at 12:30 GMT, with Patrick Keddie leading the pre-match buildup and Alex Hoad assigned to team news and minute-by-minute commentary once lineups are announced.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.