Defending champions Argentina produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, overturning a two-goal deficit to beat Egypt 3-2 and book a place in the quarter-finals. Switzerland also advanced after defeating Colombia 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw, setting up a last-eight clash with Argentina.
Argentina looked on the verge of a shock elimination after Egypt took a 2-0 lead through Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko. Lionel Messi's first-half penalty was saved, and the defending champions struggled to break down a disciplined Egyptian side for much of the match. With just 11 minutes of normal time remaining, Argentina mounted a remarkable fightback.
Cristian Romero sparked the revival with a header in the 79th minute from a Messi cross. Four minutes later, Messi found the equaliser after Egypt failed to clear the ball, taking his World Cup tally to 21 goals. Deep into stoppage time, Enzo Fernández completed the turnaround with the winning goal, sending Argentina into the quarter-finals and leaving Egypt heartbroken after a spirited performance.
Messi, who was visibly emotional after the final whistle, described the victory as one of the toughest of Argentina's title defence. Coach Lionel Scaloni praised his team's resilience, saying the players never stopped believing despite trailing for most of the match. Argentina will now face Switzerland in the quarter-finals as they continue their bid to retain the World Cup.
In the day's other Round of 16 fixture, Switzerland and Colombia played out a tense 0-0 draw in Vancouver. Both teams created chances but failed to find the breakthrough in regulation or extra time, forcing the contest into a penalty shootout. Switzerland held their nerve from the spot to secure a 4-3 victory, with Ruben Vargas converting the decisive penalty after Colombia missed two of their attempts.
The results completed the quarter-final lineup of the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup. Argentina's dramatic escape and Switzerland's composure in the shootout ensured both sides progressed, setting up an intriguing last-eight encounter between the South American giants and the European challengers.
