Argentina survive Cabo Verde scare to set up Egypt clash

Matchday 23 of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ delivered another extraordinary day of football, with defending champions Argentina surviving a major scare from debutants Cabo Verde to book a Round of 16 meeting with Egypt. Egypt earlier made history by winning their first knockout match, edging Australia on penalties.

Egypt edge Australia on penalties

In the day's opening fixture in Dallas, Egypt secured a historic victory, winning a knockout match for the first time. The Pharaohs took the lead in the 13th minute when an unmarked Emam Ashour headed home from a free-kick. Australia pushed for an equalizer but could not break through before halftime.

Early in the second half, Omar Marmoush missed a golden chance to double Egypt's lead. Australia capitalized on that miss when Mohamed Hany turned an Aiden O'Neill free-kick into his own net to level the score. Rami Rabia then forced a fine save from Australian goalkeeper Patrick Beach, who was surprisingly substituted for Mathew Ryan before the penalty shootout.

In the shootout, Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington missed from 12 yards for Australia, while Hossam Abdelmaguid converted Egypt's fourth consecutive penalty to send the Pharaohs into the last 16.

Argentina survive Cabo Verde fightback

In Miami, the action began with Lionel Messi magic. Lisandro Martinez's lofted pass was controlled brilliantly by Messi, whose second touch produced a shot that flew past Vozinha to give Argentina the lead just before the half-hour mark.

Cabo Verde, however, showed they possess more than just spirit. Deroy Duarte collected Ryan Mendes' cross and fired through Lisandro Martinez's legs and past Emi Martinez to equalize. Two fine saves from Vozinha and a clearance from Pico Lopes kept the score level, forcing extra time.

In the 92nd minute, an unmarked Lisandro Martinez lashed home from a Messi corner flicked on by Alexis Mac Allister. But Cabo Verde responded again, with Sidny Lopes Cabral dancing past Mac Allister and unleashing a laser-like shot into the far corner for one of the goals of the tournament.

The third comeback was not to be, however. In the 111th minute, a Diney Borges own goal decided the contest, sending Argentina through on an extraordinary evening in Miami.

Records and statistics

Lionel Messi became the oldest South American player to score in the knockout phase of the World Cup at 39 years and 9 days, surpassing Uruguay's Obdulio Varela, who was 36 years and 279 days when he scored against England in 1954.

Australia have now played three knockout ties at World Cups and lost all three: 1-2 to Italy in 2006, 1-2 to Argentina in 2022, and the penalty shootout defeat to Egypt.

The Round of 16 continues on 4 July with Canada facing Morocco at 12:00 local time and Paraguay taking on France at 17:00 local time.