Argentina’s defense of the FIFA World Cup title hangs in the balance on Tuesday when they face Egypt in the round of 16 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta. Kick-off is at 12 o’clock ET The defending champions narrowly survived their round of 32 match against Cape Verde, needing an own goal in the 111th minute to go 3-2 into extra time. Egypt came off the back of a penalty shootout win over Australia, a historic result that gave them their first World Cup knockout victory.
When and where it is Argentina vs Egypt in the 2026 World Cup?**
The game begins on Tuesday, July 7 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Here are the kickoff times in the regions:US ET: 12 p.mUK BST: 5pmIndia IST: 9:30 pmAustralia AEST: Wednesday, July 8, 2 am
How to do it 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 shows by virtually changing their location.
What are the expected formations for Argentina and Egypt?
Lionel Scaloni has a couple of fitness issues in this one, with Nico Gonzalez and Facundo Medina carrying minor knocks. Assuming they don’t arrive, 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 MacAllister, 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 really upset Argentina at the 2026 World Cup?
On paper, Egypt should not be in this conversation. But then again, Cape Verde should not, and they almost kicked out the world champions.Argentina’s recent games have exposed something that Scaloni probably doesn’t want to discuss: his team defends uncomfortably when pressed with pace on the wings. Cape Verde attacked those precise 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 defense will struggle to keep up with.Egypt has also been blown away by expectations. They have already made history by reaching the Round of 16, then winning. Reaching a quarter-final by beating the champions is extravagant in theory, but much less so after what Cape Verde almost managed.
Is Messi enough, or does Argentina need more?
Messi has been their best player in this tournament, period. He scored a stunning opener against Cape Verde and produced the cross that led to the decisive own goal. Without him, Argentina looks uncertain.But this is 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 is on the pitch. Getting that balance right in the knockout rounds isn’t just a tactical question. It could determine whether Argentina reach the final or miss it.