Argentina stage stunning comeback to beat Egypt 3-2, reach World Cup quarter-finals

Defending champions Argentina produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2 and book a place in the quarter-finals.

The reigning world champions looked destined for a shock exit in Atlanta after goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico handed Egypt a 2-0 advantage.

However, Argentina mounted a sensational late fightback as Cristian Romero reduced the deficit before captain Lionel Messi equalised just five minutes later despite missing a first-half penalty.

Midfielder Enzo Fernandez completed the remarkable turnaround in stoppage time, heading home Lautaro Martinez’s cross to secure Argentina’s place in the last eight, where they will face either Colombia or Switzerland.

Egypt, who had never won a World Cup match before the 2026 tournament, came within minutes of recording one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.

The Pharaohs opened the scoring after 15 minutes when Yasser Ibrahim rose highest to head Marwan Attia’s cross beyond Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Argentina were handed an opportunity to equalise five minutes later after Nicolas Tagliafico was brought down inside the penalty area, but Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir brilliantly denied Messi from the spot.

Shobeir continued his outstanding performance by producing fine saves to frustrate Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez before halftime.

Although Zico had an effort ruled out by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), the forward doubled Egypt’s lead midway through the second half after finishing Hassan’s cross to put the African side firmly in control.

Argentina finally found a breakthrough in the 79th minute when Romero headed home to ignite hopes of a comeback.

Messi then levelled the contest five minutes later, firing into the roof of the net after reacting quickest inside the penalty area to score his 21st World Cup goal.

With extra time looming, Fernandez completed the comeback in the second minute of stoppage time, powering a header beyond Shobeir to send Argentina into the quarter-finals.

Despite missing from the penalty spot, Messi once again etched his name into the history books.

The Inter Miami forward became the first player to score in six consecutive FIFA World Cup knockout matches and now has 21 World Cup goals, extending his record as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.

Messi, who had previously missed a penalty against Austria earlier in the tournament, also became the first player to miss two penalties during a single World Cup edition, excluding penalty shootouts.

The 39-year-old was visibly emotional after the final whistle as Argentina completed one of the greatest comebacks in World Cup knockout history.

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