Argentina wary of Egypt last-16 test after Cape Verde scare

06 Jul 2026, 18:47 · CNA · Join

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Argentina Training - Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia, U.S. - July 6, 2026 Argentina's Lionel Messi and Leandro Paredes during training. REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Egypt Training - Atlanta United Training Centre, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. - July 6, 2026 Egypt players during training IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Brett Davis

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Argentina Training - Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia, U.S. - July 6, 2026 Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni with his players during training. REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Egypt Training - Atlanta United Training Centre, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. - July 6, 2026 Egypt players during training IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Brett Davis

Read a summary of this article on FAST.
Get bite-sized news via a new
cards interface. Give it a try.
Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST
FAST

July 6 : Argentina expect another tough challenge in their last-16 clash with Egypt after needing extra time to beat Cape Verde 3-2, with players warning there are no easy matches left in the World Cup.

The reigning world champions advanced after a hard-fought victory over the African debutants and expect another stern test against Egypt as they seek a place in the quarter-finals.

• Midfielder Leandro Paredes said the tournament had shown how competitive international soccer had become, pointing to the unpredictability of recent results such as Brazil's 2-1 defeat by Norway on Sunday.

• "We are aware that all the national teams are very competitive. Anyone can beat anyone," Paredes told reporters on Monday in Atlanta.

CNA Games

Guess Word
Crack the word, one row at a time

Buzzword
Create words using the given letters

Mini Sudoku
Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser

Mini Crossword
Small grid, big challenge

Word Search
Spot as many words as you can
Show More
Show Less

• "Obviously, seeing Brazil out of the tournament attracts attention, but there are no easy matches. All the teams are very well prepared."

• Defender Nahuel Molina said he expected Egypt to pose a significant challenge, adding that the North African side would be highly motivated and well prepared.

• "In the end, nobody gives you anything. Every opponent studies you, everyone gives their life for their national team," Molina said.

• "On our side, as always, we'll try to be the protagonists and represent Argentina in the best possible way," he added.

• Argentina face Egypt on Tuesday in Atlanta, with the winners progressing to play Switzerland or Colombia.

Argentina wary of Egypt last-16 test after Cape Verde scare

Recommended Read

Sign up for our newsletters

Get the CNA app