- Argentina are priced 21/50 for the win in a game they are expected to dominate.
- Lionel Messi has scored four goals in Argentina's last five matches (W5) while playing in an advanced role.
- The over/under odds of 51/50 suggest a game with plenty of goalmouth action.
Lionel Scaloni's side are slick and ruthless
Argentina will be the clear favorite to take the spoils when they face an organised and compact Egypt in the knockout phase match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Lionel Scaloni has had a big influence on this side since taking charge in August 2018 and La Albiceleste are a slick, patient and ruthless side when given enough time.
The South American side have won their last five in all competitions, grinding out a 3-2 win over Cape Verde after extra time and breezing past Jordan 3-1. Argentina have won ten, drawn none and lost none in their last ten in all competitions, which makes them an elite level side on paper.
They are a 4-3-3 side with Messi in the middle of the front three, but they don't mind packing it out when they don't have the ball to create numerical superiority in areas of the pitch. This can result in them controlling the match tempo and keeping their opponents penned in their own half for long periods of time.
Egypt can be dangerous but can't stay compact forever
This is where Egypt will be at their least comfortable as Hossam Hassan has set his team up in a 4-2-3-1 system that is built to absorb pressure and break fast. They are organised, compact and can be very dangerous on the break so it will be a fascinating stylistic clash on Tuesday.
Egypt are coming off a mixed run of two wins, two draws and a defeat in their last five games, with back-to-back 1-1 draws in their previous two fixtures.
The most likely outcome is a comfortable Argentina win
Argentina will come into this game with the expectation of winning and that is reflected in the price of 21/50 on the favourites. Both teams to score - No at 51/100 is definitely worth backing as Argentina will control the game and Egypt will be unable to create enough sustained danger to break through.
Over 2.5 goals at 51/50 is a big odds for a fixture that is expected to see a dominant Argentina and a quiet Egypt. A 2-0 or 3-0 type result is more likely as Messi & Co. should have enough quality to open up this game to suit their strengths.
Argentina's all-competitions defence is excellent, having conceded just four goals in their last ten games for a G/A ratio of 0.40. Egypt's defence is capable but they have conceded 13 in ten for 1.30 and that gives Argentina the edge.
