By David AFOLABI
Egypt have booked a mouth-watering 2026 World Cup round of 16 clash against defending champions Argentina, after Lionel Scaloni’s side battled past Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time on Friday to complete the last-16 bracket.
The Pharaohs reached the milestone tie by defeating Australia on penalties in the Round of 32, a result that sent them into the World Cup’s knockout rounds for the first time since 1934.
Hossam Hassan’s side battled a stubborn Australian team to a 1-1 draw through to extra time, with Emam Ashour’s early header was cancelled out by an own goal before the shootout settled matters 4-2 in Egypt’s favour.
Argentina, meanwhile, needed extra time themselves to see off a spirited Cape Verde side making their World Cup debut.
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Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute, only for Cape Verde’s Deroy Duarte to level after the break.
The tie swung back and forth in extra time before an own goal, initially credited to Argentina’s Cristian Romero, sealed the win for the title holders.
The two sides will meet at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Tuesday.
The Pharaohs arrive in Atlanta on the back of a resilient group-stage campaign, drawing 1-1 with Belgium and Iran either side of a landmark 3-1 win over New Zealand, their first-ever World Cup victory.
