Egypt have found the net in all four matches so far at the World Cup 2026, while a majority of Argentina’s clashes were high-scoring affairs. I see value in backing Over 2.5 goals in Atlanta.
Key Stats
- Argentina have seen over 2.5 goals in 3 of their last 5 matches.
- Leo Messi has scored 8 goals in his last 5 matches for Argentina.
- Egypt have seen BTTS in their last 5 matches.
This Will be Their Third H2H
Argentina were victorious in both h2h meetings against Egypt so far, 6-0 at the 1928 Olympics and 2-0 in a friendly match in March 2008.
La Albiceleste Survived Cape Verde
Argentina entered the playoff stage with high confidence after winning all three games in the group stages. They were heavily carried by Leo Messi in the opener against Algeria, scoring three goals to secure a 3-0 victory.
Messi added two more goals to his name in the second round against Austria as the reigning champions claimed a 2-0 win and became all-time leading scorer in the WC history, surpassing Miroslav Klose.
Argentina wrapped up the group phase with a 3-1 win over Jordan, gaining an early 2-0 lead here with Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martinez getting on scoresheet. Leo Messi replaced Martinez in the 60th minute and scored a free kick 20 minutes later.
La Albiceleste were tagged as massive favorites for their Round of 32 clash against tournament debutants Cape Verde, but it turned out to be their toughest challenge of the tournament, needing extra time to secure a 3-2 victory. They finished the match with a 2.26-0.47 xG and 20-16 in shots.
Egypt Still Unbeaten
Egypt were tagged underdogs in their World Cup 2026 opening clash against Belgium but claimed a 1-1 draw here, followed by a 3-1 victory against New Zealand in the second round where Mohamed Salah played key role with one goal and one assist.
A 1-1 draw in the final round against Iran was enough for the Pharaohs to finish second in Group G. Goalkeeper Oufa Shobeir had a couple of huge saves here to secure a vital point.
Emam Ashour put them ahead in the 13th minute of the Round of 32 clash against Australia, but they couldn’t withstand the opposition’s attacks, and the match eventually went to penalties (1-1 after 120 minutes of play), where Egypt won 4-2.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Argentina (4-4-2) Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Thiago Almada; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez
Argentina have no injury or suspension concerns ahead of this match. Leo Messi has been the standout performer in the tournament so far with seven goals, while Lautaro Martinez is second on the contribution list with one goal and one assist.
Egypt (4-4-2) Mostafa Shobeir; Mohamed Hany, Ramy Rabia, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Karim Hafez; Omar Marmoush, Marwan Attia, Hamdi Fathy, Emam Ashour; Mostafa Zico, Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah struggled with hamstring problem in the last couple of days but the latest reports state he should be ready for this clash.