DALLAS (The Thursday Times) — Argentina survived a stunning scare to beat Egypt 3-2 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16, with the winning goal coming in the 90th minute after the defending world champions had trailed 2-0. Egypt, inspired by Mohamed Salah, led twice and looked set to produce one of the greatest World Cup upsets in history before Argentina’s clinical late comeback secured their place in the quarter-finals.
Match stats
- Final score: Argentina 3-2 Egypt
- Egypt goals: 15th minute, 67th minute
- Argentina goals: 79th minute, 83rd minute, 90th minute
- Possession: Argentina 61%, Egypt 39%
- Shots total: Argentina 17, Egypt 4
- Shots on target: Argentina 7, Egypt 2
- Yellow cards: Egypt 3, Argentina 0
Egypt produced one of the performances of the tournament in the first hour, shocking Argentina with two clinical counter-attacking goals. Salah, starting for Egypt alongside Haissem Hassan, was instrumental in both moves as Egypt exploited Argentina’s high defensive line with devastating precision. Argentina, with Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez and the full weight of their defending world champion status, could not find a way through Egypt’s resolute defensive block for the majority of the match. With 61% of the ball and 17 shots in total, Argentina dominated but Egypt’s goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir made four crucial saves to keep his side ahead.
The turning point came in the 79th minute when Argentina pulled one back, igniting the comeback. Four minutes later in the 83rd, Argentina equalised to make it 2-2. And then in the 90th minute, the winner arrived to complete one of the most dramatic comebacks in World Cup knockout history. Egypt received three yellow cards in the frantic closing stages as tempers frayed. Argentina advance to the quarter-finals. Egypt, who gave everything, go home with their heads high.
The result continues a remarkable pattern at this World Cup, where the round of 16 has produced a string of dramatic matches. Norway stunned Brazil 2-1 earlier this week in a match that followed a similar script. Belgium beat the United States 4-1. Spain edged Portugal 1-0 in the Iberian derby. The 2026 World Cup is delivering drama at every turn.
