Scaloni rings changes for knockout clash
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has made three alterations to his starting lineup for Tuesday's 2026 FIFA World Cup round-of-16 match against Egypt. Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez drops to the bench, making way for Manchester City's Julian Alvarez. The tactical switch aims to inject fresh energy into Argentina's attack after their extra-time victory over Cape Verde.
Defender Nicolas Tagliafico and midfielder Leandro Paredes also return to the starting XI, replacing Facundo Medina and Thiago Almada respectively. Tagliafico's experience at left-back and Paredes' midfield solidity are expected to shore up Argentina's defensive structure against a dangerous Egyptian side led by Mohamed Salah.
Egypt's response and path to the last 16
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has made two changes, bringing in forward Haissem Hassan and midfielder Mohanad Lasheen for Omar Marmoush and Hamdy Fathy. The alterations signal an intent to match Argentina's intensity and exploit any defensive gaps.
Argentina booked their place in the knockout stage after a dramatic 3-2 extra-time win over Cape Verde, a match that tested their resilience. Egypt advanced following a tense penalty shootout victory over Australia after their round-of-16 qualifier ended 1-1 in regular time. The winner of this tie will face either Switzerland or Colombia in the quarter-finals.
Confirmed lineups
Argentina: Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez.
Egypt: Mostafa Shoubir; Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Ramy Rabia, Karim Hafez; Mohanad Lashin, Emam Ashour, Marawan Attia, Mostafa Zico; Mohamed Salah, Haissem Hassan.
