Argentina’s defence of the FIFA World Cup title hangs in the balance on Tuesday when they face Egypt in a Round of 16 showdown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta. Kickoff is at 12 p.m. ET. The defending champions barely survived their Round of 32 tie against Cape Verde, needing an own-goal in the 111th minute to edge through 3-2 in extra time. Egypt come in on the back of a penalties win over Australia, a historic result that gave them their first-ever World Cup knockout victory.
When and Where Is Argentina vs Egypt in the 2026 World Cup?**
The match kicks off on Tuesday, July 7, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Here are the kickoff times across regions:US ET: 12 p.m.UK BST: 5 p.m.India IST: 9:30 p.m.Australia AEST: Wednesday, July 8, 2 a.m.
How to watch Argentina vs Egypt live ?
UK viewers can catch the game on ITV1. In the United States, it airs on Fox and Telemundo. Indian fans can tune into Zee5, while Australian viewers can watch on SBS. Streaming options in the US include YouTube TV, DirecTV, and Peacock. YouTube TV is currently available at $67.99 per month for the first five months, with a 21-day free trial on offer. ESPN’s live tracker is also available for those who prefer text updates.Viewers outside their home country can use a VPN like ExpressVPN to access geo-restricted broadcasts by virtually switching their location.
What are the predicted lineups for Argentina and Egypt?
Lionel Scaloni has a couple of fitness concerns heading into this one, with Nico Gonzalez and Facundo Medina carrying minor knocks. Assuming they don’t make it, Argentina are likely to line up in a 4-4-2 with Emiliano Martinez in goal, a back four of Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Tagliafico, a midfield of De Paul, Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez and Almada, and Messi partnering Lautaro Martinez up front.Egypt will be without Ahmed Fatouh and Mohamed Abdelmoneim. Hossam Hassan is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 with Mostafa Shoubir in goal, Salah occupying the right side of a three-man attack behind lone striker Mostafa Zico, and Emam Ashour operating centrally.Argentina Predicted XI (4-4-2):Emiliano Martínez, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Thiago Almada, Lionel Messi, Lautaro MartínezEgypt Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):Mostafa Shoubir; Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Ramy Rabia, Karim Hafez; Hamdy Fathy, Marawan Attia; Emam Ashour, Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush; Mostafa Zico
Can Egypt actually upset Argentina at the 2026 World Cup?
On paper, Egypt shouldn’t be in this conversation. But then again, neither should Cape Verde, and they nearly knocked out the world champions.Argentina’s recent games have exposed something Scaloni probably doesn’t want discussed: his side defend uncomfortably when pressed with pace on the wings. Cape Verde attacked those exact areas and came within minutes of pulling off the biggest upset in World Cup history. Egypt have Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, two forwards who can do exactly that, and Emam Ashour operating in the pockets behind them adds a real dimension that Argentina’s defence will struggle to track.Egypt are also unburdened by expectation. They’ve already made history by reaching the Round of 16, then winning it. Reaching a quarterfinal by knocking out the champions is outlandish in theory, but far less so after what Cape Verde almost managed.
Is Messi enough, or does Argentina need more?
Messi has been their best player at this tournament, full stop. He scored a stunning opener against Cape Verde and produced the cross that led to the decisive own-goal. Without him, Argentina look uncertain.But that’s also part of the problem. Scaloni has built everything around Messi to such a degree that players like Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez, both proven match-winners, seem to fade into the background when he’s on the pitch. Getting that balance right in the knockout rounds is not just a tactical question. It could define whether Argentina reach the final or fall short of it.
