2026 FIFA World Cup | Round of 32 | Tuesday July 7,
- Argentina 3-2 Egypt
Egypt’s dream World Cup run ended in heart breaking fashion on Tuesday, leaving Morocco as Africa’s only remaining team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the Pharaohs threw away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to defending champions Argentina in Atlanta.
Africa arrived at the expanded 48-team tournament with a record 10 representatives, and nine reached the knockout stage. But Tunisia exited in the group stage before South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cape Verde, DR Congo and Algeria all fell in the Round of 32. Egypt’s defeat in the last 16 leaves Morocco carrying the continent’s hopes into the quarterfinals.
The Atlas Lions have already made history. Their 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada saw them become the first African nation to reach the World Cup quarterfinals in consecutive tournaments after also making the last eight in Qatar in 2022. They now face France on Thursday for a place in the semifinals.
Egypt looked set to join them after a superb display against Argentina. Yasser Ibrahim headed the Pharaohs into a surprise lead in the 15th minute from Marwan Attia’s corner before goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir produced a brilliant save to deny Lionel Messi from the penalty spot six minutes later.
Shobeir continued to frustrate Argentina with several important saves as Egypt held a deserved 1-0 lead at halftime.
The Pharaohs moved closer to a famous victory in the 67th minute when Haissem Hassan led a counterattack and squared for Mostafa Ziko to finish and make it 2-0.
But Argentina found another gear when it mattered most. Cristian Romero headed home in the 79th minute before Messi levelled four minutes later with a superb volley. The equaliser also made the Argentine captain the first player to score in nine consecutive World Cup matches.
Just as extra time seemed certain, Lautaro Martínez delivered a teasing cross that Enzo Fernández headed home in stoppage time to complete a remarkable comeback and seal Argentina’s place in the quarterfinals.
The defeat was a cruel end to Egypt’s finest World Cup campaign. Although they fell short of the last eight, the Pharaohs reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history.
Now, all African hopes rest with Morocco as the Atlas Lions chase another milestone on the world’s biggest stage.
