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Match Preview
- FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash between defending champions Argentina (Qatar 2022 winners) and Egypt (first appearance since Russia 2018). Argentina topped Group J with a perfect record while Egypt advanced as Group G runners-up, reaching the knockouts for the first time. For 38-year-old Messi, this marks his sixth World Cup (tied with Cristiano Ronaldo for the all-time record), while 34-year-old Salah likely plays his second and final tournament.
- Argentina's attack features Messi, Julián Álvarez (26, Atlético Madrid), with Lautaro Martínez (28, Inter) on the bench. The midfield combines Chelsea's Enzo Fernández (25), Liverpool's Mac Allister (27), Messi's Inter Miami teammate De Paul (32), and Boca veteran Paredes (32) anchoring — an experienced core from their 2022 triumph.
- Egypt's offense centers on Mohamed Salah (34, Liverpool, 116 caps and 67 goals) alongside Omar Marmoush (27, joined Manchester City January 2025, 48 caps 11 goals) on the bench. Salah, who also played in Jordan (Group J's 4th place team), remains Africa and the Middle East's premier star. Trézéguet (31, ex-Aston Villa, 95 caps 23 goals) provides additional firepower from the bench.
- Tactically, Argentina's 4-1-3-2 against Egypt's 4-4-2 creates key mismatches. Argentina enjoys midfield numerical superiority with Enzo, Mac Allister and De Paul's trio against Attia and Lasheen's double pivot. Egypt counters through Salah's pace on transitions and the energy of wide midfielders Ashour (28) and Hassan (24) driving forward.
- The defensive duel promises intrigue. Argentina pairs Manchester United's Lisandro Martínez (28, 175cm) with Tottenham's Romero (26) at center-back, supported by veteran left-back Tagliafico (33, ex-Ajax). Egypt responds with experienced center-backs Rabia (33, ex-Sporting CP) and Ibrahim (33), both CAF Champions League winners.
- The goalkeeper matchup pits Qatar 2022 hero Emiliano Martínez (33, Aston Villa) against 26-year-old prospect Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly). Egypt has veteran El-Shenawy (37, 76 caps) on the bench — penalty shootout experience could prove decisive in a tight contest.
- Argentina's Julián Álvarez faces a reunion of sorts, having played for Manchester City and River Plate before Salah's current City stint. Tagliafico (ex-Ajax), Molina (ex-Udinese, Boca) and several others bring extensive transfer histories and international experience to Argentina's squad.
- Both squads feature aging stars — Messi (38), Salah (34), Otamendi (38, bench), El-Shenawy (37, bench) — likely playing their final World Cup. The next generation appears through Argentina's Valentín Barco (21, bench) and Egypt's Hamza Abdelkarim (18, Barcelona B, bench), symbolizing the transitional phase for both nations.