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Argentina wary of another tough challenge from Egypt in last 16

Paredes in training
Paredes in trainingALEJANDRO PAGNI / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP / Profimedia

Argentina expect another tough challenge in their last-16 ⁠clash with Egypt after needing extra time to beat Cape Verde 3-2, ‌with players warning there are no easy matches ‌left in the World Cup.

The reigning ‌world champions advanced after a hard-fought victory ‌over the African debutants and expect ‌another stern test against Egypt as they seek a place in the quarter-finals.

Midfielder ‌Leandro Paredes said the tournament had ⁠shown how ‌competitive international soccer had become, pointing to the ​unpredictability of recent results such as Brazil's 2-1 defeat by Norway ​on Sunday.

"We are aware that all the national teams are very competitive. Anyone ⁠can beat ​anyone," Paredes told reporters on Monday in Atlanta.

"Obviously, seeing Brazil out of the tournament attracts attention, but there are no easy ‌matches. All the teams are very well prepared."

Win probability
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Defender Nahuel Molina said he expected Egypt to pose a significant challenge, adding that the North African side would be highly motivated and well prepared.

"In the end, nobody gives you anything. Every opponent studies you, everyone gives ‌their life for their national team," ​Molina said.

"On our side, as always, ‌we'll try to be the protagonists and represent Argentina in the best possible way," he added.

Argentina face Egypt on Tuesday in Atlanta, with the ⁠winners progressing ⁠to play Switzerland ‌or Colombia.

FIFA World Cup 2026

The 2026 World Cup took place from June 11th to July 19th in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament featured 48 national teams and was won by Spain, who beat Argentina in the final.

Full schedule and results | Group standings and bracketPast winners of the tournamentOur team of the tournament | About the 2030 World Cup