Argentina has reached the quarterfinals in four of the last five World Cups and will aim to secure another last-eight qualification when facing Egypt at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Participation in the Round of 16 is just the next step for the Albiceleste, but it marks a huge occasion for Egypt. They progressed from a World Cup knockout match for the first time with their penalty shootout success over Australia.
Argentina vs. Egypt betting picks and predictions
Argentina win to nil (+100)
Argentina has overcome two African teams at the 2026 World Cup and can progress from this round of 16 tie against Egypt with a fairly routine success.
After breezing through Group J with three wins and just one goal conceded, Argentina faced their first major test from Cape Verde, who caught them by surprise with a vibrant, determined performance.
Cape Verde lost the game 3-2 after extra-time, but won plenty of friends after causing such a fright to one of the competition's heavyweights.
Argentina was twice pegged back and faced 16 goal attempts, more than Cape Verde had mustered in any of their Group H matches.
While Cape Verde were outstanding, Argentina fell below their usual standards.
And the experience may serve as a handy reminder for the South Americans that they need to be more focused from now on.
Cape Verde probably took Argentina by surprise, but there should be less mystery about the principal threats in the Egyptian attack.
Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush have played in some massive matches for Liverpool and Manchester City, and both will be hoping that their best moments at the 2026 World Cup are yet to come.
However, while Salah has shown flashes of brilliance despite looking short of full fitness, Marmoush appears to be low on confidence.
And, while Egypt's main men have often struggled, Argentina's talisman, Lionel Messi, is on course for his best World Cup having equalled his seven-goal tally from Qatar 2022.
Despite celebrating his 39th birthday earlier in the tournament, Messi appears more important than ever to his national team's cause.
The Inter Miami star should continue to weave his magic and there should be a return to a more solid defensive output from Lionel Scaloni's side, who can move through to the last eight with a third clean sheet of the tournament.
Cristian Romero to score anytime (+850)
Argentina had to find another way to overcome Cape Verde, who sat deep and did a decent job of nullifying them in open play.
There was a moment of Messi magic for the opening goal, but the second and third goals came from set-pieces involving centre-backs Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero.
Firstly, Martinez applied a cool finish after Messi's corner was not properly cleared.
And the game's decisive moment came after Romero got his head to another Messi flag kick and saw his effort deflect into the back of the net off Diney Borges.
Romero was not credited with the goal, but he remains a threat in the penalty box. He could have his moment against an injury-hit Egyptian defence which could be missing first-choice centre-back Mohamed Abdelmonem plus left backs Karim Hafez and Ahmed Fatouh.
Egypt notably struggled to defend crosses against Australia, and their weaknesses are unlikely to have gone unnoticed.
Mohaned Lasheen to be carded (+375)
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan faces a few defensive headaches but his midfield is bolstered by the return of Mohaned Lasheen from suspension.
Lasheen adds a more physical presence to the side, yet his robust style of play comes with risks.
The 30-year-old was booked in the matches against New Zealand and Iran, and he looks overpriced for another caution.
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Argentina vs. Egypt odds
Argentina | -250 |
Tie | +350 |
Egypt | +750 |
Argentina vs. Egypt player props
Anytime Goalscorer
Lionel Messi (Argentina) | -150 |
Lautaro Martinez (Argentina) | +120 |
Julian Alvarez (Argentina) | +120 |
Enzo Fernandez (Argentina) | +300 |
Mohamed Salah (Egypt) | +400 |
Omar Marmoush (Egypt) | +550 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
