Egypt lead Argentina at halftime after Ibrahim header

Egypt took a 1-0 halftime lead over Argentina in their FIFA World Cup 2026 round-of-16 match, according to Al Jazeera. The deficit marked the first time the reigning champions had trailed during the tournament, Al Jazeera reported.

Yasser Ibrahim scored the opener in the 15th minute at Atlanta Stadium, Al Jazeera said. The Egypt defender met a corner from Marwan Attia and headed the ball in for only his second goal at international level, according to the report.

Argentina had a clear chance to respond when Lionel Messi stepped up for a penalty, Al Jazeera reported. Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir stopped Messi’s left-footed attempt, diving to his bottom right to keep Argentina behind.

Shobeir keeps Argentina out

Al Jazeera said the missed penalty was Messi’s second from the spot at the tournament. A successful kick would have taken him to eight goals at the 2026 World Cup and 21 goals across the six World Cups in which he has played, according to the report.

Shobeir remained central to Egypt’s lead as Argentina pressed for an equaliser, Al Jazeera reported. He later denied Alexis Mac Allister after Rodrigo De Paul delivered a cross from the right side.

Messi also had an attempt from the right side of the penalty area, but his left-footed shot went high and wide of the far top corner, according to Al Jazeera. The report said Egypt’s defensive resistance was starting to irritate Argentina’s captain.

Argentina threatened again through Julian Alvarez, Al Jazeera said. Nicolas Tagliafico cut the ball back from close range, and Alvarez hit a first-time effort that Shobeir pushed just past the post after getting low to his left.

Al Jazeera reported that Shobeir required treatment after stretching to make that save. His first-half performance kept Egypt in front as the knockout match reached the interval in Atlanta.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.