World Cup 2026: Argentina 3-2 Egypt Player Ratings

Egypt came within touching distance of one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup history before defending champions Argentina produced a stunning late comeback to win 3-2 in Atlanta and book their place in the quarter-finals. The Pharaohs led 2-0 and looked in complete control, but three goals in the final 11 minutes ended their memorable run in heartbreaking fashion.

Match Report

Hossam Hassan’s side made a dream start against the reigning world champions. Defender Yasser Ibrahim powered home a header in the 15th minute to silence the Atlanta crowd before Mostafa Shobeir preserved Egypt’s advantage by saving Lionel Messi’s first-half penalty. The Al Ahly goalkeeper produced several excellent saves as Argentina struggled to find a breakthrough.

Egypt doubled their advantage in the 67th minute when Mostafa Ziko finished off a devastating counterattack after a lengthy VAR review confirmed the goal. At that stage, the Pharaohs were on course for a famous victory over the defending champions.

Argentina finally responded in the closing stages. Cristian Romero headed home from a Lionel Messi delivery in the 79th minute before Messi equalised four minutes later after Egypt failed to clear their lines. With extra time looming, Enzo Fernandez completed the comeback in stoppage time, firing home the winner to send Argentina into the last eight.

Despite the defeat, Egypt earned widespread admiration for pushing one of the tournament favourites to the brink and leaving everything on the pitch.

Egypt Player Ratings

Goalkeeper

Mostafa Shobeir – 7.3

Made several outstanding saves, including stopping Messi’s first-half penalty, and kept Egypt in front for much of the match.

Defence

Karim Hafez – 6.2

Worked hard defensively before making way late in the game.

Rami Rabia – 6.8

A composed display in central defence despite Argentina’s late pressure.

Yasser Ibrahim – 7.3

Opened the scoring with a superb header and defended brilliantly for most of the contest.

Mohamed Hany – 5.7

Endured a difficult evening and struggled as Argentina increased the tempo late on.

Midfield

Marwan Attia – 6.6

Received a booking but worked tirelessly in midfield.

Mohanad Lasheen – 6.6

Disciplined performance shielding the defence.

Haissem Hassan – 6.7

Lively throughout before being substituted in the second half.

Emam Ashour – 6.4

Worked hard but was withdrawn at halftime after picking up an injury.

Attack

Mohamed Salah – 6.7

Led by example and caused problems with his movement, though he was unable to add to Egypt’s tally.

Mostafa Ziko – 7.6

Egypt’s best attacking player. Scored the second goal and constantly threatened Argentina on the counter.

Substitutes

Hamdy Fathy – 6.6

Added defensive solidity after replacing Ashour but received a yellow card.

Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” – 6.4

Could not influence the match after coming on.

Omar Marmoush – 6.5

Introduced late but found few opportunities.

Zizo – N/A

Came on in stoppage time with little chance to make an impact.

Verdict

Mostafa Ziko and Yasser Ibrahim produced outstanding performances, while Mostafa Shobeir’s penalty save nearly inspired a historic victory. Egypt ultimately paid the price for Argentina’s relentless quality in the closing minutes, but the Pharaohs leave the tournament with their heads held high after pushing the world champions to the absolute limit.