FIFA World Cup 2026 Argentina vs Egypt: Argentina beat Egypt 3-2 after dramatic fightback in Round of 16

Defending champions Argentina produced a remarkable late comeback to beat Egypt 3-2 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 on Tuesday, keeping their hopes of retaining the title alive.

After trailing 2-0 with just over 20 minutes remaining, Lionel Scaloni's side scored three unanswered goals, including a dramatic stoppage-time winner from Enzo Fernández, to book their place in the quarter-finals.

Argentina will now face the winners of Switzerland vs Colombia in Saturday's quarter-final in Kansas.

Egypt shock Argentina with early lead

Egypt made the brighter start at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and took the lead in the 15th minute. Yasser Ibrahim rose above his marker to head the ball into the far corner, leaving Argentina chasing the game.

The African side defended well and frustrated the three-time world champions for much of the first half.

Messi misses penalty as Egypt stay in control

Argentina had the perfect opportunity to equalise when they were awarded a penalty, but Lionel Messi saw his spot-kick brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.

It was Messi's second penalty miss of the tournament.

The Argentina captain also struck the post from a long-range free-kick, while Julián Álvarez was denied by another impressive save from Shobeir before half-time.

Egypt double their advantage

Egypt thought they had scored a second goal through Mostafa Zico, but the effort was ruled out.

However, Zico eventually found the net with 23 minutes remaining, doubling Egypt's lead and putting the underdogs on the brink of a famous victory.

Argentina produce stunning late fightback

Argentina refused to give up.

Cristian Romero pulled one back in the 79th minute with a free header, giving the holders fresh hope.

Just four minutes later, Messi finally got his reward, firing a powerful shot from inside the penalty area to level the match at 2-2.

With extra time looming, Argentina completed an incredible turnaround deep into stoppage time. Enzo Fernández headed home from a Lautaro Martínez cross in the 93rd minute, sending Argentina into the quarter-finals and breaking Egyptian hearts.

Argentina remain on course for history

Argentina are aiming to become the first nation since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles.

Their journey has been anything but straightforward. They needed extra time to beat Cape Verde in the previous round and were pushed to the limit again by Egypt before producing another dramatic escape.

With a place in the last eight now secured, Argentina remain firmly in the hunt for another World Cup crown.

Inputs from agencies