Argentina vs Egypt
A World Cup quarter final place is up for grabs on Tuesday when reigning champions Argentina take on Egypt at the Merecedes Benz Stadium in Atalanta.
The Albiceleste, consistently backed by the World Cup 2026 betting odds to defend their title, were taken to extra time by the minnows of Cape Verde in a thrilling Round of 32 clash and now Lionel Scaloni must lift his team again. Meanwhile Hossam Hassan’s Egypt have made it this far without losing, beating Australia on penalties in the Round of 32 and, with talisman Mo Salah leading their team, make no mistake they are a danger; but Argentina have had their awakening against the Blue Sharks and their main man says his team-mates are up for the next challenge.
Talking Points
Messi says Argentina will go again
In the aftermath of the Albiceleste’s gruelling win over Cape Verde Lionel Messi said: “Today we put in a huge effort, as always, playing well and playing badly, just like we always say. We knew it was going to be a very tough match; this team hadn’t lost to Spain and Uruguay for a reason.
“I think the important thing now is to rest,” said Messi, “think about what’s coming next and try to take positives from today’s game. Beyond just qualifying, I think there are positives because we did some good things, and we also need to correct the bad ones, which I think were many today as well.”
One of the ‘good things’ was surely Messi’s brilliant opener against Cape Verde. He took a 70 yard [pass over his shoulder, brough the ball under control with a deft touch and, in the blink of an eye, lifted it up into the roof of the net.
Nobody does it better!
But after being pegged back twice, Lisandro Martienz scoring their second, the Albiceleste needed an injury time own goal to see themselves through, though with 22 shots and ten on target Sclosni’s men certainly did enough to win. Had Argentina fallen to the brave men of Cape Verde it would have been the World Cup 2026 news story to eclipse all others, but Scaloni’s men passed the test; and they are not alone amongst the big guns who have struggled in the knockouts. Rivals France faced Paraguay in their Round of 16 clash and needed a second half penalty from Kylian Mbappe to eke out a 1-0 victory. That goal leaves the France captain tied with Lionel Messi on seven goals as they lead the race for the Golden Boot.
And that is another incentive for the magician…if he and his team needed one.
Egypt the 1-1 specialists
The Pharaohs started their World Cup campaign with an impressive 1-1 draw with Belgium, Emam Ashour scoring a superb opener before the Red Devils fought back in the second half. And, after seeing off New Zealand 3-1, Salah on target, Egypt finished off their group matches with a 1-1 draw with Iran, though they did rely on a late intervention from VAR to hold off an Iranian winner.
Against the Socceroos it was Ashour again who gave Egypt a lead but an own goal from Mohammed Hany, his second of the tournament, meant 1-1 was the outcome again and the Pharaoh’s relied on penalties to see the job through. Hassan’s men would bite your hand off for another 1-1 on Tuesday…and it’s certainly not out of the question.
History
The 16 times Copa America winners are seeking a fourth World title, while Egypt, seven times African Cup of Nations winners are on the brink of bettering their best World Cup performance, a Round of 16 place in 1934.
These two teams have met just once before and the Albiceleste triumphed 2-0 in a 2008 friendly and, in terms of recent form Scaloni’s men are in better shape, winning their last 11 games, a run going back to October 2025, while Egypt have won five, drawn five and lost two of their last 12 games
After their edgy win over Paraguay the World Cup 2026 betting odds have nudged France slightly ahead of Argentina; but the Albiceleste will take top spot again if they see off the Pharaohs on Tuesday… so let’s see what the stats team says.
Betting Tip
Argentina are hot SBOTOP favourites at odds of 1.35 to win this match with Egypt priced at 10.00 and the draw is at 4.50. The Double Chance: Egypt and Draw is available at 3.20 and another 1-1 draw for the Pharaohs is at 8.50; but I prefer 2-0 to the Albiceleste at 5.50.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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