Egypt Crashes Out of World Cup

The Pharaohs of Egypt, in a most uncharitable manner, have crashed out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after surrendering a 2 goals lead to lose 2-3 to defending champions Argentina.

The North Africans, playing their best World Cup, having surpassed previous experience by winning their first-ever World Cup match and reaching the knockout stages for the first time, took the lead in the first half.

Yasser Ibrahim had in the 15th minute, given Egypt a surprised lead as he headed home. In the 20th minute, what would have been the equaliser for the South Americans and defending champions Argentina was averted, as Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir saved a penalty from Lionel Messi.

What would have been the second goal for the seven-time African Champion was ruled out after a lengthy VAR check had judged there was a foul in the build-up to the goal.

However, Mostafa Zico, whose goal was earlier denied by VAR, doubled the lead in the 67th minute. With the second goal secured, the Egyptians looked good to create an upset and book their place in the quarter-finals.

However, the South Americans continued to fight, and this paid off as Cristian Romero pulled one back in the 79th minute of regular time. Lionel Messi’s 84th-minute goal was not just enough to redeem the penalty miss he had earlier in the first half, but more importantly, ensure the defending champions came back into the game, even as the Pharaohs of Egypt surrendered their 2 goals lead in about minutes and less than 10 minutes to full time.

The icing on the cake for the Argentinian national team came with a Fernadez Enzo 92nd minute goal, which effectively knocked out the  Egyptians and took the South Americans into the last 8.

Source: MRA