World Cup 2026: Argentina vs Egypt Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds from Betway, correct at time of writing.

Reigning champions Argentina take on Egypt at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Tuesday, kickoff 18:00 CAT, as they look to keep their title defence on track. Lionel Scaloni's side won all three group games and came through a scare against Cape Verde in extra time to reach this stage. Meanwhile, Egypt earned their first ever World Cup knockout win by beating Australia on penalties, and they will look to frustrate their much more highly fancied opponents. BettingTop10 ZA sees this as one of the round's classic favourite-versus-underdog tests. For all our World Cup betting tips, head to our dedicated section.

Argentina

Argentina have won every match so far and look the class act on this side of the draw, with Lionel Messi still pulling the strings and Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez offering firepower. They did concede twice to Cape Verde and needed extra time to get over the line, so they are not unbeatable, and Gonzalo Montiel is walking a tightrope on a yellow card. Facundo Medina is a slight doubt after a knock, but Scaloni reported no fresh injury concerns of note. In my opinion the champions have far too much quality for Egypt and should win comfortably if they take their chances.

Predicted Lineup: E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, L. Martinez, Tagliafico; De Paul, E. Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Lautaro, Almada.

Egypt

Egypt have been hard to beat, drawing three of their four matches and grinding out a shootout win over Australia to make history. Mohamed Salah is the man everything runs through, and he started against Australia despite a hamstring issue picked up late in the group stage. Two defenders are one booking away from missing a potential quarter final, which may encourage caution. My read on this is that Egypt will sit deep and look to hit on the break, but keeping Argentina out for 90 minutes is a tall order.

Predicted Lineup: Shobeir; Hany, Rabia, Ibrahim, Hafez; Fathy, Attia; Ziko, Ashour, Salah; Marmoush.

Argentina are heavy favourites and Egypt will set up to stay compact and limit the damage, which points to a controlled Argentina win rather than a goal fest. I expect the champions to break through and see it out without conceding. My forecast: Argentina 2 Egypt 0.

BTTS: No (1.56)

Egypt have scored more than once in only one of their four matches and will prioritise keeping things tight against the holders. With Argentina's defence solid and Egypt likely to offer little going forward, I am backing both teams to score to land on no at 1.56.