Argentina vs Egypt prediction 07.07.2026 | FIFA World Cup

Argentina cruised through the group stage with impressive authority, collecting the maximum nine points while posting an outstanding 8-1 goal difference against Algeria, Austria and Jordan, although they received a timely reality check over the weekend when they were pushed to their limits in one of the sternest tactical examinations of their World Cup campaign.

Drawn against tournament debutants Cape Verde in the opening round of the knockout stage, La Albiceleste looked unusually vulnerable for long periods and were forced to dig deep during an exhausting period of extra time before eventually scraping a dramatic 3-2 victory, narrowly avoiding what would have ranked among the biggest upsets of the tournament.

Although Argentina head into this contest as deserved favourites, Scaloni's side will need to rediscover the defensive organisation and composure that underpinned their flawless group-stage performances if they are to contain their opponents' dangerous counter-attacking threat and avoid being dragged into another physically and mentally demanding encounter.

Despite the considerable energy expended during the extra-time triumph over Cape Verde, head coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to resist making wholesale changes to his starting lineup, with Nico Gonzalez emerging as the leading candidate to replace Thiago Almada as one of the few alterations ahead of Thursday's quarter-final showdown.

Meanwhile, Egypt make the trip to Georgia riding a wave of national optimism after writing a memorable chapter in the country's football history on Friday evening, as they secured a maiden place in the World Cup Round of 16 by battling to a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Australia before holding their nerve to prevail 4-2 in the ensuing penalty shootout.

The Pharaohs also head into Tuesday's showdown with their unbeaten record still intact, having opened their campaign with consecutive 1-1 draws against Belgium and Iran before producing a convincing 3-1 victory over New Zealand in their final group-stage fixture, a sequence of results that has demonstrated both their resilience and growing belief ahead of an enormous test against the reigning world champions.

Although Egypt have shown enough attacking quality to find the back of the net in every one of their World Cup matches so far, Hossam Hassan will know that a much sharper defensive performance will be required this time around, as the defensive lapses that proved costly against far less potent opposition are unlikely to go unpunished by an Argentina side blessed with world-class attacking talent.

As ever, captain and talisman Mohamed Salah will carry the hopes of an entire nation on his shoulders, with the Liverpool forward expected to inspire his side on the biggest stage, while Hassan is almost certain to be forced into at least one change after Karim Hafez sustained a late injury during the dramatic victory over Australia.