Argentina and Egypt meet in a World Cup knockout on Tuesday. The winner will move on to the quarter‑finals. The clash starts at 8 pm UAE time.
Egypt entered the knockout stage after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Australia. Hossam Hassan’s side secured his first knockout‑stage victory, following a 1‑1 draw after extra time. Earlier in the tournament the Pharaohs made history by beating New Zealand 3‑1, their first World Cup win, and they remain unbeaten in four matches.
Egypt’s road to the knockout
Mohamed Salah has been a key driver for Egypt, contributing one goal and two assists. He also showed composure by converting a Panenka penalty in the shoot‑out against Australia. "If someone was going to do it, it’d be me," Salah said, smiling, after the match. "Today was one of the best days of my life, making history with the team and trying to give my best and playing while I’m hurt because this is what I do for the country."
"If someone was going to do it, it’d be me," said Salah, smiling, who had been an injury doubt before the game because of a hamstring problem. "Today was one of the best days of my life, making history with the team and trying to give my best and playing while I’m hurt because this is what I do for the country."
— Mohamed Salah, Egypt captain
Young teammate Hamza Abdelkarim praised Salah’s influence. "I am learning and improving every single day, whether during training sessions or in matches," he said. "Salah has been incredibly supportive since day one, constantly sharing his vast experience with everyone. I try to absorb as much as I can from him; his career is truly legendary, and sharing the pitch with him is a dream come true."
"I am learning and improving every single day, whether during training sessions or in matches," said the 18‑year‑old. "Salah has been incredibly supportive since day one, constantly sharing his vast experience with everyone. I try to absorb as much as I can from him; his career is truly legendary, and sharing the pitch with him is a dream come true."
— Hamza Abdelkarim, Egypt midfielder
There are concerns about forward Omar Marmoush. The former Eintracht Frankfurt player endured a frustrating season with Manchester City, registering only three Premier League goals and eight across all competitions.
Despite those worries, Egypt’s unbeaten run and the morale boost from Salah’s leadership give them confidence heading into the match.
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Argentina’s quest for more glory
Argentina secured their last‑16 spot by edging Cape Verde 3‑2 in an extra‑time thriller in Miami, thanks to an own‑goal. Lionel Messi, now in a record sixth World Cup final, has scored in every game so far, bringing his career World Cup tally to 20 goals, one ahead of Kylian Mbappé.
Messi, 39, is also on a streak of eight consecutive World Cup games with a goal. He shares the tournament’s top‑scorer list with Mbappé and Erling Haaland, each with seven goals, while England’s Harry Kane sits one behind.
If Messi finds the net against Egypt, he will join a select group of six players who have scored in the first five matches of a World Cup – Just Fontaine, Jairzinho, Gerd Müller, Rivaldo and James Rodríguez.
Argentina’s experience in recent major tournaments, including two Copa America crowns and the 2022 World Cup win, adds a layer of confidence to their campaign.
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Frequently asked questions
What time does the Argentina vs Egypt World Cup knockout match start in the UAE?
The match kicks off at 8 pm UAE time on Tuesday.
How did Egypt reach the World Cup knockout stage?
Egypt advanced after a dramatic penalty‑shootout win over Australia and a historic 3‑1 victory over New Zealand.
What was Argentina’s result in the previous round against Cape Verde?
Argentina beat Cape Verde 3‑2 after extra time to move into the knockout round.
What impact has Mohamed Salah had for Egypt in this tournament?
Salah has contributed one goal, two assists and scored a Panenka penalty in the shoot‑out against Australia, driving Egypt’s success.
