2026 World Cup/ Argentina pull off incredible comeback to break Egypt hearts
Argentina produced a miraculous second-half turnaround to edge Egypt 3-2 and reach the World Cup quarter-finals. The defending champions looked destined for elimination at Atlanta Stadium before three late goals transformed the match.
Egypt dominated for 79 minutes. Yasser Ibrahim headed the Pharaohs into a shock first-half lead. Goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir then produced heroics, saving Lionel Messi’s penalty and denying Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez.
Mostafa Ziko doubled Egypt’s lead after a rapid counter-attack involving Mohamed Salah. The Pharaohs stood on the cusp of the greatest upset in World Cup history.
Argentina refused to surrender. Cristian Romero pulled one back with 11 minutes remaining. Then Messi, atoning for his missed penalty, equalized brilliantly five minutes later. The stadium erupted.
Enzo Fernandez completed the comeback two minutes into injury time. He headed home Lautaro Martinez’s cross to silence the Egyptian bench, who had just protested a denied penalty for a trip on Salah.
Heartbreak for Egypt. The Pharaohs had never won a World Cup match before this tournament. They were minutes away from eliminating the three-time champions.
Argentina will face Switzerland in the quarter-finals. The reigning champions escaped again, following their extra-time survival against Cape Verde in the last round.
