By Seyi Gesinde
July 7, 2026
Defending champions Argentina national football team produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, overturning a two goal deficit to beat Egypt 3-2 and secure a place in the quarterfinals.
Egypt stunned the South Americans with a fearless display from the opening whistle.
The Pharaohs took the lead in the 15th minute when Yasser Ibrahim found the back of the net, silencing Argentina’s supporters and putting the African side firmly in control.
The North Africans continued to frustrate the defending champions with disciplined defending and dangerous counter attacks.
Their confidence received another major boost when goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir denied Lionel Messi from the penalty spot, preserving Egypt’s lead and raising hopes of one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
Egypt appeared to have one foot in the quarterfinals when Mostafa Zico doubled the advantage in the 67th minute, sending their fans into celebration as Argentina struggled to create clear scoring opportunities.
With time running out, Argentina finally found a way back into the contest.
Cristian Romero sparked the revival in the 79th minute, reducing the deficit and injecting fresh belief into Lionel Scaloni’s side.
ALSO READ: World Cup 2026: Messi’s hat trick powers Argentina to 3-0 win over Algeria
Just four minutes later, Messi produced another moment of brilliance, scoring the equaliser to register his 21st World Cup goal and complete Argentina’s comeback from the brink.
The defending champions piled on relentless pressure in search of a winner as Egypt fought desperately to hold on and force extra time.
Their resistance was finally broken in stoppage time when Enzo Fernández rose highest to head home the decisive goal, completing a stunning 3,2 turnaround and breaking Egyptian hearts.
The final whistle sparked emotional celebrations among the Argentine players and supporters after one of the most thrilling knockout matches of the tournament.
Messi, who also provided the assist for Argentina’s opening goal, was visibly emotional as his side kept alive their bid to successfully defend the World Cup title.
For Egypt, the defeat marked a painful end to an impressive campaign.
Having come within minutes of eliminating the reigning world champions, the Pharaohs were left to reflect on a collapse that saw a two goal advantage disappear in the closing stages of the match.
Argentina now advance to the World Cup quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of the Round of 16 clash between Colombia and Switzerland, as they continue their quest for back to back world titles.
