"VAN" (Sports Desk - 05.07.2026) :: The most decorated nations in South American and African football meet in Houston as 16-time Copa America champions Argentina face seven-time CAF Africa Cup of Nations winners Egypt for a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ quarter-finals. Having swept into the knockout stage as Group K winners on the back of three consecutive victories, reigning champions Argentina were almost dealt one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history by debutants Cabo Verde in the Round of 32 – needing a late own goal to seal a 3-2 win after extra time. Egypt were required to go even further to book their place in the Round of 16 for the first time, defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw. While they each had to fight for their places at this stage, the fact remains that neither of these sides has tasted defeat yet in North America. For Argentina, the Round of 16 is familiar territory; La Albiceleste have now reached this stage at every World Cup since 2002. But this encounter represents more new ground broken for Egypt, who recorded their first-ever World Cup win in the group stage. The two nations have met only once previously at international level, when Argentina won a 2008 friendly 2-0 thanks to goals from Sergio Aguero and Nicolas Burdisso. Whoever does come out on top in this Round of 16 encounter will progress to a clash against Switzerland or Colombia in Kansas City on 11 July. CR-FIFA2026
On Sun, Jul 5, 2026