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

* Odds supplied by Betway, accurate when this preview was written.

Title holders Argentina face Egypt at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Tuesday, with kickoff set for 18:00 CAT, as they aim to keep their defence of the crown moving. Lionel Scaloni's team took maximum points from the group and then survived a fright against Cape Verde, needing extra time to get to this point. Egypt, for their part, recorded the first World Cup knockout win in their history by edging Australia on penalties, and they will try to frustrate a far more fancied opponent. At BettingTop10 ZA we see this as a textbook favourite against underdog contest for the round. Every one of our World Cup betting tips is available in our dedicated section.

Argentina

Argentina have a perfect record so far and look the strongest team in this half of the draw, with Lionel Messi still running the show and Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez providing the cutting edge. Cape Verde did score twice against them and it took extra time to finish the job, so they can be got at, and Gonzalo Montiel is one yellow card from trouble. Facundo Medina is a minor doubt after picking up a knock, though Scaloni said there were no new injury worries of note. I think the holders have much more quality than Egypt and should win with something to spare if they are clinical.

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

Egypt

Egypt have proved tough to break down, drawing three of their four games and battling to a historic shootout victory over Australia. Mohamed Salah is the hub of everything they do, and he started against Australia even with the hamstring problem he picked up towards the end of the group stage. Two of their defenders are a single caution away from missing a possible quarter final, which could make them play with care. I see Egypt sitting in a low block and trying to counter, but shutting out Argentina for 90 minutes is a big ask.

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

Argentina go in as strong favourites, while Egypt will look to stay compact and keep the scoreline respectable, which suggests a controlled Argentina victory rather than a high scoring affair. I think the holders will find a way through and then close the game out with a clean sheet. My forecast: Argentina 2 Egypt 0.

BTTS: No (1.56)

Egypt have managed more than one goal in just one of their four games and will focus on staying solid against the champions. Given how sound the Argentina defence has been and how little Egypt are likely to create, my pick is both teams to score: no, priced at 1.56.