Egypt will attempt to make more African football history when they face defending champions Argentina in a blockbuster 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Tuesday evening.The meeting places two of world footballs biggest icons against each other, with Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah set to headline one of the standout ties of the knockout stage.While Argentina survived a major scare against tournament debutants Cape Verde in the previous round, Egypt arrive full of belief after recording their first-ever World Cup knockout victory by overcoming Australia on penalties.Argentina rely on winning mentalityDespite entering the tournament as reigning world champions, Argentina have yet to fully convince during the knockout stages.Lionel Scalonis side needed extra time to edge past Cape Verde in a dramatic 3-2 victory in the Round of 32, but the South Americans continue to show a remarkable ability to grind out results when it matters most.Argentina have now won 11 successive matches and remain strongly tipped to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the FIFA World Cup title.The signs also favour La Albiceleste historically. Only one defending champion has ever been eliminated at this stage of the competition, while Argentina have also won their last 24 matches played on neutral ground.The South Americans have additionally enjoyed strong results against African opposition at the World Cup, winning each of their last eight meetings against teams from the continent.Egypt dreaming of another historic breakthroughEgypts campaign has already become one of the major stories for African football at this tournament.The Pharaohs created history by defeating Australia on penalties to secure the nations first knockout victory at a FIFA World Cup, and they now stand one match away from becoming just the fifth African country to reach the quarter-finals.Coach Hossam Hassan has overseen a disciplined and resilient side, with Egypt losing only once in their last eight international matches.Three of Egypts four World Cup matches have ended level after 90 minutes, underlining the teams defensive organisation and ability to remain competitive against stronger opponents.However, history suggests the challenge facing the North Africans remains enormous. Egypt have beaten a South American nation from the CONMEBOL federation only once in their history, drawing three and losing 12 of their other meetings.Team news ahead of Atlanta showdownArgentina are monitoring the fitness of left-back Facundo Medina after he picked up an injury concern against Cape Verde, while midfielder Nico Gonzalez also remains doubtful.Nicolas Tagliafico is expected to replace Medina if required, with Scaloni otherwise likely to keep faith with the side that progressed from the last round.Egypt have been boosted by the return of Mohanad Lasheen following suspension, although Karim Hafez remains a fitness concern after suffering a knock against Australia.Should Hafez fail to recover in time, Ramy Rabia is expected to switch to left-back, allowing Hamdi Fathy to move into the defensive line.Kick-off timeThe Round of 16 encounter between Argentina and Egypt will be played on Tuesday, July 7, with kick-off scheduled for 16:00 GMT at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. 



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