ไทย
English
中國人
Argentina can secure its spot in the World Cup quarterfinals and take a massive stride toward consecutive titles when it faces Egypt on Tuesday.
After steamrolling every opponent during the group stage, the reigning world champions were tested far more than anticipated by surprise contender Cabo Verde in the round of 32. La Albiceleste gave up leads on two occasions and required an own goal in extra time to edge past the African newcomer 3–2.
Lionel Scaloni will be hoping for a smoother outing in the round of 16 against an Egypt side that remains unbeaten this summer. Argentina enters the match as the heavy favorite and can set up a quarterfinal showdown with Switzerland or Colombia by claiming victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Here's a look at how Argentina could line up against Egypt.
Argentina Predicted Lineup vs. Egypt
Pick Your Argentina Starting XI!
GK: Emiliano Martínez—The 33-year-old could do nothing to stop two brilliant Cabo Verde strikes last time out, but he consistently delivers his finest performances on the grandest stage in an Argentina shirt.
RB: Nahuel Molina—Molina carries a minor injury concern heading into the Egypt fixture, with Gonzalo Montiel waiting in the wings as cover. That said, the Atlético Madrid full-back is still expected to start against the dangerous Omar Marmoush.
CB: Cristian Romero—Romero's header provoked the own goal that clinched Argentina's round of 16 berth, and Egypt will need to be alert to his commanding aerial threat at set pieces.
CB: Lisandro Martínez—Martínez was arguably even more impactful to Argentina's attack against Cabo Verde, threading a brilliant assist through to Lionel Messi for the opener before coolly firing in his side's second goal of the game.
LB: Facundo Medina—The Marseille left-back was substituted off in the 85th minute last time out, though Scaloni confirmed it was merely cramp. His availability for the Atlanta fixture should not be in question.
WIN FIFA WORLD CUP 2026™ FINAL TICKETS & OTHER PRIZES
RM: Rodrigo De Paul—The 32-year-old continues to play with the energy of someone a decade younger. De Paul covers every inch of the pitch and ensures his close friend Messi is never required to track back defensively.
CM: Alexis Mac Allister—The World Cup has served as a welcome escape for Mac Allister, who has looked noticeably sharper than he did during a grueling 2025–26 season with Liverpool.
CM: Enzo Fernández—Fernández must block out the external speculation surrounding his future, though that will be no easy task following Real Madrid's very public snub of the midfielder just last week.
LM: Thiago Almada—Almada contributed little against Cabo Verde and was hauled off just past the hour mark. Nevertheless, the Atléti winger appears to have earned Scaloni's trust and is expected to feature from the start once again.
ST: Lionel Messi—Nearly two-thirds of Argentina's goals this summer have come from Messi, whose composed finish against Cabo Verde brought his tournament tally to seven. He currently sits level with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot standings.
Enable functional cookies to see this feature.
ST: Lautaro Martínez—Julián Alvarez is pushing for a spot alongside Messi in attack, but Inter's Martínez has been the preferred starter from the outset of matches, even if his appearances typically last around an hour.
READ THE LATEST WORLD CUP NEWS, PREVIEWS & ANALYSIS HERE
Ewan Ross-Murray is a freelance football writer who specializes primarily in the Premier League. Born in Leicester, his heart and club loyalties firmly lie with Liverpool.