World Cup 2026: Argentina vs. Egypt Predictions

Argentina vs. Egypt Overview and Latest Odds

According to the oddsmakers’ latest World Cup predictions, Argentina is the overwhelming favorite to advance to the quarterfinals. They have made it through to the last eight 11 times since the tournament began. As for Egypt, they are playing in the Round of 16 for just the second time in their history.

The hard-fought match against Cape Verde proves that every game at this stage of the competition is tough. It may not be as easy as the odds suggest for Argentina to get past Egypt.

• Location: Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, United States

• Date & Time: Tuesday, July 7, 12:00 PM ET

• US Broadcast: FOX Sports

Betting at traditional US sportsbooks may not be available in your region. If that’s the case, regulated US prediction market apps are a legal alternative. These platforms allow users to trade on the outcomes of future events and they provide accurate, market-generated forecasts

Expert Betting Predictions and Best Bets for Argentina vs. Egypt

After conducting hours of detailed research and analysis, we’ve identified three top value plays to make on the Argentina vs. Egypt World Cup Round of 16 match.

• Lionel Messi To Have 3+ Shots on Target

The odds on Messi to score are very short, which is no surprise. The little magician has scored seven goals in just four World Cup games so far. However, he’s also averaging 4.22 shots on target per 90 at the tournament, meaning he’s regularly getting plenty of chances. At plus-money odds, this one seems like excellent value and a better play than simply backing him to score a goal.

• Emam Ashour 2+ Shots

Ashour has impressed at the World Cup for Egypt thus far, scoring two goals for his team, including the opener against Australia last time out. He’s averaging 2.8 shots per 90 at this year’s tournament, consistently proving he can get shots away. Given the vulnerabilities Argentina showed against Cape Verde, plus-money odds for this bet certainly feels like solid value.

• Under 2.5 Goals

Fatigue is expected to make an impact on how this game plays out. This will mean more conservative approaches from both sides. We expect Egypt to sit deep and for Argentina to have most of the ball and be in control for most of the match. The Pharaohs looked fairly lacklustre in attack against Australia, and Scaloni’s side are much better defensively than the Socceroos. We can see this one being a low-scoring win for La Albiceleste.

Argentina Betting Preview

Argentina was untroubled through the group stage as they comfortably won all three games to top Group J, conceding just one goal and scoring eight. It looked as though it would be business as usual for La Albiceleste against Cape Verde, as they took the lead after just 29 minutes thanks to, you guessed it, Messi.

However, Argentina failed to double their lead and were brought level just before the hour mark after Deroy Duarte slotted the ball past Emiliano Martinez. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha denied Messi later on in the second half from close range to force extra time.

Despite Lisandro Martinez putting Lionel Scaloni’s side ahead early on, the Blue Sharks continued to show their resilience, making it 2-2 after Sidny Lopes Cabral scored an absolute stunner just before the end of the first half of extra time. Cape Verdean hearts were shattered once and for all after a Messi corner was turned in by Diney Borges into his own net.

While Argentina still managed to find a way to win against Cape Verde, the game showed that La Albiceleste do have weaknesses that can be exploited. Several players had to deal with cramps in that match, meaning recovery is essential in the build up to this game.

Egypt Betting Preview

The Pharaohs needed penalties to advance past Australia in the Round of 32. A Mohamed Salah panenka was the highlight, as Egypt held their nerve after the two sides could not be separated at 1-1 through 120 minutes of soccer. That ensured Egypt recorded their first-ever World Cup knockout round victory.

Egypt remains undefeated at the tournament. They won one and drew two in Group G, which included a solid point against Belgium. An early goal from Ashour after just 13 minutes against the Socceroos put them in control early doors, but they failed to take control of the game from there, eventually conceding in the second half.

Main man Salah was an injury doubt for the Australia game but played the full 120 minutes so is expected to be good to go here. He and Omar Marmoush are the key threats for Egypt, and the pair will need to be in top form if they are to upset the odds and defeat current World Cup champions Argentina.

How Argentina and Egypt Match Up Against Each Other

Scaloni’s narrow 4-4-2 shape focuses on creating chances through central combinations. Without any out-and-out wingers in the side, Argentina predominantly relies on their wing-backs for width, yet prefers to focus on attacking the middle of the pitch.

Messi plays a very fluid role, often dropping deep to get on the ball or drifting out wide to create space and interchange with Rodrigo De Paul. Expect intricate play in and around the box. La Albiceleste will look for vertical balls from deep to find their talisman and others making runs in behind the defense.

The game against Cape Verde shows how Argentina can have vulnerable moments at the back. For their first goal, Bubista’s side combined well down the flank and exploited the half space. The Pharaohs will need Salah and Marmoush to challenge the Argentinian defense by making runs into the channels if they are to cause a threat.

Egypt is also dangerous down the flanks and will look to get crosses into the box. We saw that once again against the Aussies after Ashour headed home from a Karim Hafez cross. Both nations had to play out extra time in their Round of 32 matches and have had less than four days to recover ahead of the game, so fatigue is expected to be a factor.