Egypt's 2026 FIFA World Cup journey came to a gut-wrenching end on Tuesday as the Pharaohs were eliminated in a 3-2 defeat to defending champions Argentina in the Round of 16 in Atlanta — a result that does not reflect how close they came to pulling off a stunning upset.

For more than 75 minutes, Egypt controlled the tie and looked on course to produce one of the most remarkable results in World Cup history. It took three goals in the final 13 minutes, capped by an injury-time header from Enzo Fernández, for Argentina to haul themselves back from the brink.

Egypt's dream start

The Pharaohs drew first blood in the 15th minute when Yasser Ibrahim met Marwan Ateya's delivery from a well-worked corner to power a header beyond Argentina's goalkeeper, silencing the favourites inside an electric Atlanta arena.

Argentina were handed a swift route back into the contest when a penalty was awarded six minutes later, but goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir produced a superb save to deny Lionel Messi from the spot — a moment that would prove pivotal in Egypt's resistance.

Shobeir remained commanding throughout the first half, standing firm every time Argentina threatened, as Egypt carried their slender advantage into the break.

Ziko doubles Egypt's lead

The second half began with Egypt in no mood to sit back. A VAR review denied Mostafa Ziko what appeared to be a second goal, ruling out his effort for a foul in the build-up.

But Ziko would not be kept quiet for long. Seven minutes later, Mohamed Salah initiated a devastating counter and Haissem Hassan's intelligent cut-back set up Ziko, who finished with composure to make it 2-0 — leaving Argentina's title defence on the verge of collapse.

Argentina's dramatic comeback

With just over ten minutes left on the clock, Argentina's class began to show. Cristian Romero reduced the deficit in the 79th minute, heading home from a Lionel Messi cross to give the holders a foothold.

Messi then restored parity four minutes later, swinging the momentum entirely in Argentina's favour. Egypt battled on, but their resistance was finally broken in stoppage time when Lautaro Martínez delivered a precise cross that Fernández met with a perfectly timed run, heading beyond Shobeir to complete a remarkable comeback.

Argentina advance to the quarter-finals, but Egypt leave Atlanta with immense credit — having pushed the world champions to the absolute limit before cruel late drama denied them a place in the history books.