World Cup 2026: Argentina vs Egypt confirmed lineups

Defending champions Argentina will face a formidable test against Egypt in a highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash today at Atlanta Stadium.

Managers Lionel Scaloni and Hossam Hassan have unveiled their official tactical roadmaps, highlighting a direct battle between legendary global icons Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah.

Both squads enter the pitch after grueling Round of 32 ties that tested their physical and mental endurance to the absolute limit.

Argentina booked their ticket following a dramatic, high-octane 3-2 extra-time win over tournament debutants Cape Verde. Seeking to maintain their flawless winning trajectory and defend the global crown, Scaloni has adjusted his tactical engine room.

The Albiceleste line up in a flexible 4-4-2 framework. In a significant personnel update, Julian Alvarez replaces Lautaro Martinez up front to provide dynamic pressing energy alongside Messi.

Behind them, veteran midfielder Leandro Paredes returns to the starting core to maximize possession control. Meanwhile, Nicolas Tagliafico slots into the left-back role to replace the injured Facundo Medina.

Egypt arrives at this historic knockout milestone riding an emotional wave of resilience. The Pharaohs navigated a brutal war of attrition against Australia, ultimately triumphing 4-2 in a high-stakes penalty shootout after a exhausting 1-1 draw.

Hassan has deployed a strategically structured 4-2-3-1 system specifically engineered to minimize space while unleashing quick transitions. After significant fitness speculation, talismanic captain Mohamed Salah is confirmed fully fit and will spearhead the attack.

He joins forces with Emam Ashour and Mostafa Ziko in a creative trident configured to supply lethal target forward Haissem Hassan. Mostafa Shobeir starts in goal to protect a rugged defensive backline.

The tactical blueprints for tonight’s epic encounter are detailed below:

Argentina Lineup (4-4-2)

•             Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez

•             Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico

•             Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister

•             Forwards: Lionel Messi (C), Julián Álvarez

Substitutes: Musso, Rulli, Senesi, Montiel, Otamendi, Medina, Barco, Lo Celso, Palacios, González, Simeone, Paz, López, Lautaro Martínez.

Egypt Lineup (4-2-3-1)

•             Goalkeeper: Mostafa Shobeir

•             Defenders: Mohamed Hany, Ramy Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim, Karim Hafez

•             Defensive Midfielders: Marwan Attia, Mohanad Lasheen

•             Attacking Midfielders: Mohamed Salah (C), Emam Ashour, Mostafa Ziko

•             Forward: Haissem Hassan

Substitutes: El Shenawy, Soliman, M. Alaa, Abdelmaguid, T. Alaa, Fathy, Emad (Donga), Saber, Trézéguet, Abdelkarim, Adel, Marmoush, Zizo.