Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir has declared that the Pharaohs will give everything they have when they meet Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 16, insisting the squad's fighting spirit will carry them through regardless of the obstacles ahead.

The defiant message came after a landmark night for Egyptian football. Egypt made history on Friday by eliminating Australia 4-2 on penalties, becoming the first Egyptian side ever to reach the knockout stages of a FIFA World Cup. Hossam Abdelmaguid scored the decisive spot-kick to seal the famous victory.

Egyptian 'grinta' on full display

Shobeir pointed to a deep-rooted mentality within the squad as the driving force behind the achievement. "It was Egyptian 'grinta' — grit — it's something in our genetics, it's something amazing," he said after the final whistle.

"We fight until the end. Even the next game, even if we play more games, we're going to fight until the end. Even if we have shortages in some places because we have a lot of injuries. We fight until the end for the fans, for the country, and for ourselves."

History written, ambitions intact

The goalkeeper reflected on the scale of what the squad has accomplished, admitting even the players themselves are struggling to process it. "History is written. We can't believe that we did this, that we achieved this level," Shobeir added.

He also revealed that the squad had set their sights beyond the group stage from the very beginning of the tournament. "Since the first day here, we spoke with each other that we will not come here to play only the group stage and go back home. We tried our best and then luck was with us. Of course, God gave us a lot and we appreciate that, and we hope to continue more."

Africa's double representation in the last 16

Egypt's triumph means the African continent now has two nations in the round of 16, joining Morocco, who also progressed from the group stage. The Pharaohs will next face Lionel Messi's Argentina — a monumental test, but one that Shobeir and his teammates appear ready to embrace.