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Argentina will be aiming to book their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup when they face Egypt at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Tuesday.
La Albiceleste remain on course to defend their world title, although they were pushed to the limit by tournament debutants Cape Verde before securing a 3-2 extra-time victory in the Round of 32.
Egypt, meanwhile, are through to the knockout stage for the first time in their history after overcoming Australia 4-2 on penalties, setting up a mouthwatering meeting with the reigning champions.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions. Additionally, take a look at our best World Cup betting offers to give yourself the best chance of making some profit.
Argentina vs Egypt key stats
- Lionel Messi has scored seven goals in the World Cup.
- Argentina have scored first in each of their last 10 matches.
- Both teams have scored in each of Egypt's last five matches.
Argentina vs Egypt preview: Lionel Messi to score yet again?
| Argentina | vs | Egypt |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | FIFA Ranking | 29th |
| Lionel Messi – 203 | Most Caps | Mohamed Salah – 120 |
| Lionel Messi – 124 | Most Goals | Mohamed salah – 68 |
| 1315 | Total Caps | 886 |
| 233 | Total Goals | 132 |
| Zero | Uncapped Players | 2 |
Argentina topped Group J with three straight wins, conceding just one goal, but they were given a far sterner test than expected by Cape Verde in their opening knockout match.
Lionel Messi has been outstanding throughout the tournament, scoring in every match to take his tally to seven goals. The Argentina captain has also moved on to 20 World Cup goals overall – the most by any player in the competition's history.
La Albiceleste head into this contest on an 11-match winning run and had led at half time in each of their previous 10 games before Cape Verde pushed them all the way to extra time.
Diony Borges's 111th-minute own goal eventually sealed victory for the reigning champions, who will once again look to Messi to inspire them into the quarter-finals.
Egypt have reached the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in 92 years, and their players were reduced to tears after defeating Australia in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Socceroos defenders Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington both missed from the spot, while the Pharaohs converted all four of their penalties, including an audacious Panenka from Mohamed Salah.
The Egyptian winger has now scored 68 international goals and needs just two more to become his country's all-time leading scorer, although that milestone is unlikely to be his main focus.
Egypt could be without left-back Karim Hafez, who was forced off in the 80th minute against Australia amid fears he suffered a hamstring injury.
Argentina vs Egypt form guide & betting tips
| Argentina | vs | Egypt |
|---|---|---|
WWWWW |
Form | LDWDW |
| 14 | Goals For | 11 |
| 3 | Goals Against | 8 |
WWWW |
WORLD CUP | DWDW |
Whispers predicts: Argentina 2-1 Egypt
Argentina are overwhelming favourites to progress, with the reigning champions priced at 4/11 (1.36) to win the match, while Egypt are available at 8/1 (9.0) to reach the quarter-finals.
La Albiceleste have scored at least twice in each of their last five matches, making Over 2.5 goals at 21/20 (2.05) an appealing option.
Lionel Messi has found the net seven times at the 2026 World Cup, and we are backing the Argentina captain to score anytime once again at 4/5 (1.8) against Egypt.
> Argentina to win first half at 10/11 (1.91) | Likelihood: Probable
> Over 2.5 goals at 21/20 (2.05) | Likelihood: Probable
> Lionel Messi to score anytime at 4/5 (1.8) | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS – Yes at 29/20 (2.45) | Likelihood: Probable