Caption: When is Argentina’s 2026 World Cup quarterfinal match? source: @GettyImages
After DR Congo and recently Senegal, Egypt became the most recent African side to let a commanding 2 goal lead slip. The Pharaohs looked certain to emulate the Indomitable Lions, who shocked the world by defeating the then-reigning champions, Argentina, at Italia 90.
Yasser Ibrahim’s powerful header gave Hossam Hassan’s team an early lead in the 15th minute of the game. Things went from bad to worse for Lionel Scaloni’s men when Mostafa Shobeir saved Lionel Messi’s penalty.
Early in the second half, Mostafa Ziko thought he had doubled the lead after a clinical counter-attack, but the goal was overturned by VAR due to a foul earlier in the build-up. The Pyramids left-winger’s moment finally arrived in the 67th minute when he scored a legitimate goal.
Just when it was looking like a beautiful Egyptian night in Cairo, Lionel Messi, Cristian Romero & Enzo Fernandez had other ideas.
Like the Cape Verdeans, the Egyptians had pushed the world champions to the limit. Tears of joy flowed down the cheeks of arguably the greatest footballer of all time as the Egyptian squad stormed off the Atlanta Stadium pitch, still so furious with the match officiating.
Argentina now moves on to face Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
