Egypt's World Cup Dream Ends as Argentina Rally Denies Africa Quarter-Final Spot
Egypt threw away a 2‑0 lead to lose 3‑2 to Argentina in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, played Tuesday July 7 at Atlanta Stadium. Yasser Ibrahim opened the scoring in the 15th minute, Mostafa Zico doubled the lead before Lionel Messi, Cristian Romero and Enzo Fernandez struck late for Argentina, securing the defending champions’ place in the quarter‑finals.
The loss leaves Morocco as the sole African team still alive in the tournament. Ten African nations – Tunisia, DR Congo, South Africa, Ghana, Cape Verde, Senegal, Algeria, Ivory Coast, Egypt and Morocco – started the expanded 48‑team World Cup, a historic continental milestone. Nine progressed from the group stage, with only Tunisia eliminated early. After the Round of 32, Morocco and Egypt were the last two African sides standing; Morocco then beat co‑host Canada 3‑0 to set up a quarter‑final clash with France on Thursday.
Lagos‑based journalist Femi Fabunmi told DAILY POST he doubts Morocco can overcome France, noting that while African teams gave their best, the European and South American sides remain at a higher level, though he conceded that upsets do happen in football.
Will Morocco’s surprising run continue against France, or will Africa’s World Cup journey end at the quarter‑final stage?