Argentina produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, overturning a two-goal deficit in the final 15 minutes to defeat Egypt 3-2 and book their place in the quarterfinals.
Egypt looked set to pull off one of the tournament’s biggest upsets after taking control of the match early. Defender Yasser Ibrahim opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a powerful header from a corner, silencing the Argentine supporters. Moments later, goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir made himself the hero by saving a Lionel Messi penalty, preserving Egypt’s lead heading into halftime.
Egypt side doubled its advantage in the 67th minute when Mostafa Zico finished off a lightning-fast counterattack, putting Argentina on the brink of elimination at 2-0.
With their World Cup defense slipping away, Argentina finally found life in the closing stages.
Center back Cristian Romero ignited the comeback in the 79th minute, heading home a pinpoint cross from Lionel Messi to cut the deficit to one. Just four minutes later, Messi redeemed his earlier penalty miss by firing home the equalizer after a clever buildup involving Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez, sending the Atlanta Stadium crowd into a frenzy.
The reigning champions completed the remarkable turnaround in stoppage time when Enzo Fernández rose highest to head home another superb delivery, sealing a stunning 3-2 victory in the 90+2 minute. Argentina’s players erupted in celebration, with an emotional Messi visibly overcome after leading his side back from the brink.
Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Egypt delivered one of its strongest performances of the tournament. Shobeir’s penalty saves, Ibrahim’s opener, and Zico’s clinical finish nearly carried the Pharaohs into the quarterfinals before Argentina’s late surge proved too much to withstand.
Argentina now advances to the World Cup quarterfinals, where the defending champions will continue their quest for another title. If they can maintain the resilience they showed against Egypt, Argentina will remain one of the favorites to lift the trophy once again.
