Defending champions Argentina produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the FIFA World Cup 2026, overturning a two-goal deficit in the final 11 minutes to defeat Egypt 3-2 and book their place in the quarter-finals.
The Pharaohs looked set for one of the greatest victories in their football history after establishing a 2-0 lead against Lionel Scaloni’s side. However, late goals from Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi, and Enzo Fernandez completed a remarkable turnaround that ended Egypt’s heroic World Cup campaign in heartbreaking fashion.
Playing at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Egypt frustrated the reigning world champions early before striking with ruthless efficiency.
Following a period of sustained Argentine pressure, defender Yasser Ibrahim broke the deadlock in the 15th minute. After a corner kick created confusion inside the penalty area, Ibrahim reacted quickest to fire past Emiliano Martinez and hand Egypt a surprise lead.
Argentina had an immediate opportunity to respond when referee Francois Letexier awarded a penalty in the 21st minute after Haissem Hassan brought down Nicolas Tagliafico inside the box.
But Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobier produced a moment of brilliance, diving to deny Lionel Messi from the spot and preserve his side’s advantage.
Shobier continued to frustrate Argentina throughout the opening half, making several outstanding saves to repel efforts from Messi, Julian Alvarez, and Tagliafico as Egypt defended courageously.
Egypt thought they had scored a second goal shortly after the restart, only for VAR to rule it out due to an earlier infringement.
The Pharaohs refused to lose belief.
In the 67th minute, captain Mohamed Salah launched a rapid counterattack before releasing debutant Haissem Hassan down the right flank. Hassan delivered a perfectly weighted pass across goal for Mostafa Zico, who calmly finished to give Egypt a stunning 2-0 lead.
With just over 20 minutes remaining, one of the tournament’s biggest upsets appeared within reach.
Instead of collapsing, Argentina demonstrated the resilience that carried them to the 2022 World Cup title.
Centre-back Cristian Romero ignited the comeback in the 79th minute, reducing the deficit and shifting the momentum entirely in Argentina’s favour.
Just four minutes later, Messi redeemed his earlier penalty miss by capitalising on defensive confusion to fire home the equaliser, bringing the world champions level at 2-2.
As Egypt struggled to withstand relentless pressure, Argentina delivered the decisive blow deep into stoppage time.
In the 92nd minute, Enzo Fernandez rose highest to head home the winning goal, completing an extraordinary comeback and sealing Argentina’s place in the last eight.
Despite the painful defeat, Egypt earned widespread admiration for a fearless performance against one of the tournament favourites.
Head coach Hossam Hassan’s tactical adjustments proved highly effective, with the return of Mohannad Lasheen strengthening midfield while Haissem Hassan made an impressive first World Cup start alongside Salah.
For more than 75 minutes, Egypt matched the defending champions in every department, with Shobier delivering one of the standout goalkeeping performances of the tournament.
Ultimately, however, Argentina’s superior quality and relentless attacking pressure proved decisive during the closing stages.
The dramatic victory sends Argentina into the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals, where Lionel Scaloni’s side will continue their title defence after surviving one of their toughest tests of the tournament.
For Egypt, the journey ends in cruel fashion, but the Pharaohs leave North America with immense pride after pushing the reigning world champions to the brink in a performance that will be remembered as one of the finest in the nation’s World Cup history.
Credit Photo : AFA
