Argentina vs Egypt Predicted Lineups & Team News

Two world superstars collide in Atlanta, Georgia on Tuesday (12pm local, 5pm BST, ITV 1) as Lionel Messi's Argentina take on Mohamed Salah's Egypt in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Below you'll find the Argentina vs Egypt predicted lineups and team news ahead of this knockout tie from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Argentina

Nahuel Molina, Enzo Fernandez and Facundo Medina all failed to complete a full recovery session the day after Argentina's 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde in the round of 32 last week, but there are no huge concerns over any of the three, with cramp probably playing a role for the Albiceleste trio.

"Enzo got a little cramp at the end, but he recovered," said Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni. "He finished the game with cramps again, but we didn't have any more windows of opportunity.

"We're happy with Facundo. He finished very tired because we used him quite a bit in attack, which he's not used to. He'd been playing as a third centre-back, without attacking much. He ended up with cramps but he was fine, and luckily we have Nico [Tagliafico] on the bench who gives us the help we need and he showed that he's also fit."

Nico Gonzalez, however, sustained a twisted ankle during extra-time, placing his status in doubt, although he didn't start against Cape Verde, so Scaloni could name an unchanged lineup.

Should he decide to make any alterations, Julian Alvarez could come in up top at the expense of Lautaro Martinez.

Gonzalo Montiel, who came on for Molina in the 104th minute of his country's round-of-32 tie, was the only Argentine booked, so only he is at risk of a suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards in the quarter-finals, should La Albiceleste make it there.

Egypt

Egypt are boosted by the return of midfielder Mohanad Lasheen, who was banned for the Pharaohs' round-of-32 tie with Australia, won 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra-time. It remains to be seen whether Hossam Hassan restores Lasheen to his starting XI, though, or sticks with the side that began the last round against the Socceroos.

Left back Karim Hafez, who replaced the injured Ahmed Fatouh (muscle) against Australia and assisted Emam Ashour's opening strike in the 13th minute, was withdrawn in the 80th minute, potentially with a hamstring problem, so his fitness will have to be monitored. With Fatouh unlikely to make Tuesday's game, Hafez's availability will be even more crucial.

Centre back Mohamed Abdelmonem, who also missed Egypt's last match with an ankle injury sustained against Iran in the group stage, is doubtful, too.

Remember you can bet on this match and check out all of the live Argentina vs Egypt Odds over on betfred.com

Argentina vs Egypt Key Players:

Lisandro Martinez (Argentina)

Messi is obviously Argentina's best and most important player, but let's give Manchester United centre back Lisandro Martinez a shoutout here after his round-of-32 heroics against Cape Verde.

Alright, he was part of a back line that gave up two goals to the tournament minnows, but he set up Messi for the game's first strike and put La Albiceleste into the lead in extra-time with a smart effort into the top corner.

With doubts over the fitness of Medina, it may be that Nicolas Tagliafico is called upon at left back, and whoever is up against Salah and Ashour on Egypt's right-hand side will likely be in for a tough night.

As Argentina's left-sided centre back, Martinez will be expected to sweep up anything behind the left back, and so he could prove decisive in both boxes again on Tuesday.

Emam Ashour (Egypt)

Like Messi, Salah is the obvious shout for Egypt's key player, but how about a little bit of love for Ashour, who has opened the scoring in 1-1 draws with Belgium and Australia at these finals, underlining his big-game credentials.

The 28-year-old, who plies his trade in his homeland for Al-Ahly, has been a crucial cog in the Pharaohs' attack, scoring twice and winning 11 fouls, including five in the round of 32 to offer his side some vital respite.

His ability to win free-kicks and get Egypt up the pitch could prove important again in Atlanta.

For all of our coverage and betting markets for the festival of football this summer, please check out our World Cup Odds over on betfred.com