Argentina mount astonishing late comeback to break Egypt hearts and reach quarter-finals.
Lionel Messi inspired Argentina back from the brink against Egypt, notching a late goal and assist as his side fought from two goals down to win 3-2 and advance to the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup (WC).
After a cagey start, the Pharaohs took a shock lead with their first shot of the contest, as Yasser Ibrahim powered home a 15th-minute header from a well-worked corner routine.
But after the centre-back scored at one end, a forward found himself defending at the other, and a clumsy challenge from Haissem Hassan gave La Albiceleste a golden opportunity to quickly draw level from the spot.
However, Mostafa Shobeir made his second penalty save of the tournament, with Messi chalking up a rather more unwanted second failure from 12 yards (and a fourth of his WC career).
The Argentine pressure continued unabated, and Alexis Mac Allister had the next big chance to restore parity, as his close-range header was repelled by the impressive Shobeir.
Messi then came within inches of making amends for his miss, with his free-kick just lacking the bend to sneak inside the post, instead going behind via the woodwork.
Julián Alvarez looked certain to deliver the equaliser shortly before the break, latching onto a Nicolás Tagliafico cross, only for Shobeir to come up trumps once again with an exceptional reaction save.
As expected, there was more one-way traffic after the restart, although only a soft foul given against Mohamed Salah stopped the erstwhile Liverpool man from dashing through on goal.
La Albiceleste did not learn from this looming counter-attacking threat, and a beautiful outside-of-the-boot pass from Salah set Mostafa Ziko away for what looked to be a remarkable second goal for Egypt, before a VAR intervention for a foul in the build-up offered a much-needed reprieve.
Yet Argentina simply would not heed the warning, and Egypt eventually doubled their lead with a goal that was almost a carbon copy of the one they saw disallowed. Salah was instrumental in the build-up again, picking out Hassan, whose square ball gave Ziko his big moment at last.
After plenty of huffing and puffing, Cristian Romero halved the deficit in the 79th minute, connecting with Messi’s perfect delivery to set up a grandstand finish.
Messi almost turned provider again in spectacular style, weaving through bodies to pick out Lautaro MartÃnez, but the Inter Milan striker spurned the golden chance.
Instead, as it always does, the task fell to Messi himself, and his effort from the edge of the box was simply too powerful for Shobeir to keep out, marking his ninth successive scoring appearance at a WC.
Neither team seemed keen to settle for extra time, which made for a remarkably open finale. Into injury time, Egypt felt as though they should have had a penalty, before MartÃnez broke into acres of space and crossed for Enzo Fernández, who headed home the most dramatic of winning goals.
Having now survived successive scares, Argentina still have a chance to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to defend a WC title, and will face either Switzerland or Colombia next.
Egypt will wonder how on earth they let this slip so emphatically, falling to their second defeat in nine internationals in the most unlikely of circumstances.
FIFA World Cup 2026
The 2026 World Cup is taking place from June 11th to July 19th in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament features 48 national teams and is played at 16 modern stadiums.
Ghana Black Stars finished 24th in the final standings of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
A noteworthy achievement that highlights their resilience and competitive spirit on football’s biggest stage. This marks a significant milestone in the team's recent history, as they successfully advanced to the newly introduced Round of 32, demonstrating their ability to compete against some of the best teams in the world. Their journey through the tournament was marked by determination, strategic gameplay, and a display of tactical discipline, which ultimately earned them a respectable position in the final rankings.
Finishing ahead of several highly regarded teams, the Black Stars proved their strength and resilience. They surpassed reigning African champions Senegal, a team known for its formidable defense and talented squad, as well as Algeria and Cape Verde, both of whom have shown significant progress and competitiveness in recent years. Additionally, Ghana outperformed traditional football giants such as Uruguay, with its rich footballing history and passionate fan base, and Sweden, known for their disciplined approach and solid team play. These accomplishments underscore Ghana's growth as a competitive force in international football and reflect the development of their squad, coaching staff, and overall football infrastructure.
The tournament performance has been widely celebrated within Ghana and among football fans worldwide, as it signifies a successful return to the global spotlight after previous challenges. The Black Stars' ability to finish ahead of several highly ranked teams has boosted national pride and rekindled hope for future success. Moreover, their showing at the 2026 World Cup is expected to inspire a new generation of Ghanaian footballers, encouraging youth participation and investment in the sport domestically.
Looking ahead, this strong showing in the 2026 World Cup could serve as a catalyst for further development within Ghanaian football, motivating players, coaches, and administrators to aim higher and strive for even greater achievements in upcoming tournaments. The team's performance has also garnered increased attention from international scouts, sponsors, and football associations, opening opportunities for enhanced training programs, player exchanges, and strategic partnerships to ensure sustained growth. Overall, finishing 24th in the tournament stands as a proud moment for Ghana, symbolizing their resilience, potential, and bright future in global football.
Ghana's Black Stars have made a significant leap in the latest FIFA World Rankings
Ghana's Black Stars have made a significant leap in the latest FIFA World Rankings, climbing eight places to secure the 65th position following their impressive performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they reached the Round of 32. This upward movement in the rankings reflects the team's strong showing throughout the tournament and their ability to compete effectively against some of the world's top football nations. Their advancement in the rankings is a testament to the progress and development of Ghanaian football, as well as the increased confidence and morale within the squad after their notable performance on the global stage.
The Black Stars' rise is particularly remarkable considering the competitive nature of international football rankings. Their eight-place jump is the second-largest increase in the world, surpassed only by Norway, which also experienced a significant boost in their ranking following their own successful tournament results. This notable movement underscores the impact of Ghana’s strong performances and the recognition they are gaining within the international football community. It also highlights the effectiveness of their preparations, strategic gameplay, and the emergence of talented players who contributed to their improved standing.
Meanwhile, in a historic achievement, Spain reclaimed the top spot in the FIFA World Rankings after winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their victory not only secured them the prestigious championship title but also propelled them back to the number-one position, reaffirming their status as one of the dominant forces in international football. Spain’s return to the top spot underscores their consistency, talent, and tactical prowess, which have made them a formidable team on the global stage for years.
Overall, Ghana’s rise in the FIFA rankings is a positive indicator of the country's growing football prowess and potential for future success. It boosts the confidence of players, coaches, and fans alike, inspiring further investment and development within Ghanaian football. The ranking improvement also serves as motivation for the team to build upon their recent achievements, aiming for even higher placements in upcoming tournaments. As Ghana continues to develop its football infrastructure and nurture emerging talent, their improved world ranking promises an exciting future, with the Black Stars poised to make even more significant impacts on the international stage.