Argentina produced one of the greatest comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, overturning a two-goal deficit to beat Egypt 3-2 in a pulsating quarterfinal clash at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Tuesday night and book their place in the semifinals.
The South Americans looked to be heading for a shock exit after Egypt stormed into a 2-0 lead with a superb first-half display, but Argentina responded with three goals in a devastating spell before Enzo Fernández completed the dramatic comeback with the winning goal deep into stoppage time.
Fernández’s strike in the 90+2nd minute not only secured Argentina’s place in the last four, but also became the 3,000th goal scored in FIFA World Cup history.
Egypt made the brighter start and nearly broke the deadlock in the sixth minute when Omar Marmoush burst into the penalty area before firing narrowly wide of Emiliano Martínez’s right-hand post.
The Pharaohs took the lead in the 12th minute through captain Mohamed Salah, who calmly slotted home after being played through by Marmoush to send the Egyptian supporters into celebration.
Egypt continued to dominate and almost doubled their advantage five minutes later. Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” found space inside the box, but his powerful effort was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by Martínez.
Argentina struggled to cope with Egypt’s pace and movement, and the Africans deservedly doubled their advantage in the 28th minute when Mostafa Mohamed rose above the defence to head home Salah’s pinpoint cross, making it 2-0.
Egypt had opportunities to put the contest beyond Argentina before halftime. In the 35th minute, Marmoush was sent clear on goal but dragged his shot inches wide of the far post. Four minutes later, Salah intercepted a misplaced pass but blasted over the crossbar from inside the penalty area with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Those missed opportunities proved costly.
Argentina came out after the break with renewed urgency and pulled one back in the 58th minute when Julián Álvarez finished neatly after a clever pass from Lionel Messi.
The goal lifted the two-time world champions, who drew level just seven minutes later. Alexis Mac Allister collected a loose ball outside the area before unleashing a fierce strike that flew into the bottom corner to make it 2-2 in the 65th minute.
Argentina continued to pile on the pressure and almost took the lead in the 73rd minute when Lautaro Martínez headed Messi’s cross against the crossbar.
Egypt also had chances to regain the lead. Salah forced Martínez into an outstanding save in the 78th minute, while substitute Mahmoud Saber fired over the bar from close range in the 84th minute after another dangerous counterattack.
Just as the match appeared destined for extra time, Argentina delivered the decisive blow. In the second minute of added time, Messi’s corner was only partially cleared and Enzo Fernández reacted quickest, firing a low shot through a crowded penalty area and into the net to complete a remarkable 3-2 comeback.
The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Argentine players and supporters as the final whistle confirmed their place in the FIFA World Cup semifinals.
For Egypt, it was a heartbreaking end to a memorable campaign. The Pharaohs had produced one of their finest performances of the tournament for much of the match, but their failure to convert several clear scoring opportunities allowed Argentina back into the contest.
Argentina will now head into the semifinals full of confidence after showing remarkable resilience and fighting spirit, while Egypt leave the tournament with their heads held high after pushing one of the favourites to the very limit.