Kickoff!

We're underway at Atlanta Stadium!

The atmosphere is electric as Lionel Messi's Argentina takes on Mohamed Salah's Egypt for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals.

Score: Argentina 0-0 Egypt

Argentina's Starting XI

Emiliano Martínez starts between the posts.

The back four consists of Nicolás Tagliafico, Lisandro Martínez, Cristian Romero, and Nahuel Molina.

In midfield, Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernández get the nod.

Up front, Julián Álvarez partners Lionel Messi in attack.

Egypt's Starting XI

Mostafa Shobier gets the nod in goal.

The back four features Yasser Ibrahim, Mohamed Hany, Ramy Rabia, and Karim Hafez.

In midfield, Emam Ashour, Mostafa Zico, Mohanad Lashin, and Marawan Attia are set to start.

Leading the attack, Mohamed Salah will partner Haissem Hassan up front.

The Teams Arrive

Here's how both teams arrived at the Atlanta Falcons' home stadium ahead of this highly anticipated showdown.

PARTY ATMOSPHERE IN ATLANTA

The atmosphere is electric at Atlanta Stadium as fans build up to this highly anticipated showdown, which also features a marquee battle between Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah.

Welcome to the live blog for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt!

🏟️ When and Where

Argentina and Egypt will face off on Tuesday, July 7, in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match will be played at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, United States.

Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 PM ET / 9:00 AM PT and will be officiated by French referee François Letexier. This match will decide who will play against Switzerland or Colombia in que Quarterfinals.

📺 How and Where to Watch Argentina vs Egypt

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🇦🇷 Argentina's Preview

Argentina booked its place in the Round of 16 after surviving one of the most dramatic matches of the previous round. Lionel Scaloni's side needed extra time to defeat a resilient Cape Verde team 3-2 in a thrilling contest that pushed the reigning world champions to their limits.

Despite the scare, La Albiceleste remains one of the tournament's strongest contenders. With an experienced squad, world-class talent, and the confidence of the defending champions, Argentina continues to be widely expected to reach at least the semifinals.

Now, the South Americans know they will need an even stronger performance if they hope to keep their title defense alive.

🇪🇬 Egypt's Preview

Egypt earned its place in the Round of 16 after pulling off one of the biggest surprises of the previous round by eliminating Australia in a dramatic penalty shootout. The Pharaohs showed resilience, discipline, and composure to secure a memorable victory.

Hossam Hassan's side has emerged as one of the tournament's biggest dark horses. Egypt has proven capable of competing with anyone and has become an extremely difficult opponent thanks to its defensive organization and dangerous counterattacks.

Against Argentina, the Pharaohs will once again attempt to defy expectations and continue their remarkable World Cup run.

⭐ Players to Watch

🇦🇷 Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi once again headlines Argentina's attack. The legendary captain has already scored seven goals in the tournament, continuing a spectacular World Cup campaign while leading La Albiceleste both on and off the field.

Lionel Scaloni continues to place his full trust in Messi, whose creativity, leadership, and finishing ability make him Argentina's greatest weapon in the knockout rounds.

🇪🇬 Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah remains Egypt's leader, symbol, and biggest attacking threat. The Liverpool star possesses the quality and experience to change the course of a match with a single moment of brilliance.

If Egypt hopes to challenge Argentina and dream of reaching the quarterfinals, much of that ambition will depend on Salah delivering one of his best performances of the tournament.

🎯 Final Analysis

Argentina enters the match as the overwhelming favorite according to most sportsbooks. The reigning world champions boast superior depth, experience, and the tournament's leading scorer in Lionel Messi, making them one of the strongest contenders to retain the title.

However, the previous round reminded everyone that football is rarely decided on paper. Cape Verde pushed Argentina into extra time, and Egypt has already shown it can eliminate favored opponents. The Pharaohs could prove to be the unexpected obstacle that stands between Argentina and another step toward a second consecutive World Cup title.

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