Argentina survived a major scare at the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, coming from two goals down to beat Egypt 3-2 and reach the quarterfinals.
The defending champions looked in real danger of a stunning Round of 16 exit before Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernández scored in a frantic final stretch. Egypt had led 2-0 deep into the second half and was minutes away from one of the biggest results in its football history.
Egypt struck first in the 15th minute, when Yasser Ibrahim headed in at the back post to put Argentina under immediate pressure. The goal changed the rhythm of the match. Argentina pushed forward, but Egypt defended with discipline and looked dangerous whenever it broke into space.
Argentina had a clear chance to respond in the 21st minute, but Messi missed from the penalty spot. Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir guessed correctly and made the save, giving Egypt another lift and adding to the tension around an Argentina side suddenly fighting both the scoreboard and the clock.
For much of the match, Egypt looked composed enough to finish the job. Its back line stayed compact, Shobeir handled the biggest moments, and Mohamed Salah helped lead quick transitions that kept Argentina from throwing everyone forward without risk.
The pressure on Argentina grew even heavier in the 67th minute, when Mostafa Zico finished a counterattack to make it 2-0. At that point, Egypt was not simply hanging on. It was executing a clear plan and forcing Argentina into increasingly urgent attacks.
Argentina finally broke through in the 79th minute. Romero pulled one back, turning the final minutes into a test of Egypt’s nerves and Argentina’s belief. Four minutes later, Messi made up for his missed penalty by scoring the equalizer, dragging the defending champions level when they seemed close to elimination.
The comeback was completed in stoppage time. Fernández scored in the 92nd minute to give Argentina a 3-2 lead and send the Argentine supporters into celebration after nearly 80 minutes of frustration.
The result keeps Argentina’s title defense alive and gives South America a badly needed boost in the knockout stage. Brazil had already been eliminated by Norway, while Mexico fell to England, leaving Argentina carrying much of the region’s weight as the tournament moves deeper into July.
For Egypt, the defeat will be painful. The performance was brave, organized and close to historic. Shobeir’s penalty save, Ibrahim’s early goal and Zico’s second-half strike had Egypt on the edge of a famous upset before Argentina’s late surge changed everything.
Argentina now advances to the quarterfinals, where it will face the winner of Switzerland vs. Colombia. If Colombia wins, the next round would bring a major all-South American matchup with a place in the semifinals on the line.
