Egypt Ends Argentina’s 44-Month Unbeaten Streak at World Cup

Argentina found themselves trailing in a World Cup match for the first time in 44 months during their Round of 16 clash against Egypt at the 2026 tournament. Defender Yasser Ibrahim put the Pharaohs ahead in the 15th minute, stunning the reigning world champions. That goal ended two remarkable runs for Lionel Scaloni’s side. The last time Argentina fell behind at a World Cup was on November 22, 2022, when they shockingly lost 2-1 to Saudi Arabia in the group stage in Qatar. Even longer was their knockout-phase streak. Prior to facing Egypt, Argentina had not conceded first in a knockout match since their 4-3 defeat to France in the Round of 16 on June 30, 2018, in Russia. Shortly after falling behind, Scaloni’s men had a golden chance to equalize, but Egypt goalkeeper Mustafa Shobeir denied an Argentine star to preserve his team’s lead. The winner of this tie will advance to the World Cup 2026 quarterfinals, where they will face the victor of Switzerland vs. Colombia.