Argentina stage stunning late comeback to see off Egypt

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Soccer Football – FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 16 – Argentina v Egypt – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. – July 7, 2026 Argentina players celebrate after the match REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Holders Argentina survived a massive scare and staged an amazing comeback with three late goals to earn a 3-2 win over Egypt on Tuesday that sent them through to the World Cup quarter-finals.

• Enzo Fernandez headed the winning goal three minutes into stoppage time from a Lautaro Martinez cross  to stun Egypt who thought they had at least taken the champions to extra time

• Cristian Romero pulled one back for Argentina with 11 minutes remaining from a free header and Lionel Messi levelled the tie four minutes later with a blistering strike from inside the area

• Egypt went in front in the 15th minute, Yasser Ibrahim getting ahead of his marker Lisandro Martinez to power a header into the far corner

• Messi’s penalty was saved by keeper Mostafa Shobeir, the Argentina captain’s second miss from the spot in the tournament

• Mostafa Zico had a goal ruled out but went on to double Egypt’s lead with 23 minutes left

• Argentina will meet Switzerland or Colombia in Saturday’s quarter-final in Kansas.