Live: Lionel Messi's Argentina takes on Mo Salah's Egypt

Defending World Cup winners Argentina and Socceroos' conquerors Egypt look to extend their World Cup journey when they meet in Atlanta, Georgia.

Later, Switzerland and Colombia meet in Vancouver with a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals on the line.

Follow all the action in our live blog.

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Argentina vs Egypt

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Wed 8 Jul 2026 at 1:32am

Wed 8 Jul 2026 at 1:32am

Egypt coach says he may wave Palestine flag again

Political tensions surrounding the World Cup deepened on Monday when Egypt coach Hossam Hassan used an official FIFA press conference to appeal for support for Palestinians ahead of his side's last-16 meeting with Argentina.

Egypt take on Argentina in the last 16 on Tuesday, and while Hassan dealt with questions about Lionel Messi and his team's chances against the holders, he also spoke at length about the Palestinians.

"If a person anywhere in the world does not feel for the Palestinian people, then they have lost part of their humanity," he told reporters after one had asked him about waving the Palestinian flag after Egypt eliminated Australia in the last 32 in Dallas last Friday, and whether he might do it again if they upset Argentina.

"What came out of me was simply a human reaction. Before being Arab, Muslim, Christian or anything else, I am a human being. Through football — the world's soft power — I want to send a message: please let the Palestinian people live. I ask athletes and journalists everywhere to help deliver that message.

"When people speak about human rights, animal rights, and justice, we should also speak about Palestinian civilians."

FIFA's Laws of the Game and tournament regulations prohibit political slogans on equipment, but Reuters could not immediately identify a rule preventing coaches from expressing political views in press conferences.

Reuters

Key Event

Wed 8 Jul 2026 at 1:27am

Wed 8 Jul 2026 at 1:27am

Three changes for Argentina, two for Egypt

By Simon Smale

Here's the team news for today's first match.

Argentina

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has made three changes to his side for today's clash.

Lautaro Martínez is replaced up front by Barcelona target Julián Alvarez in the starting lineup.

Nicolás Tagliafico comes in at left back in place of Marseilles Facundo Medina, while Thiago Almada is replaced by Leandro Paredes in midfield.

Egypt

The Pharoahs make a couple of changes too, Hossam Hassan bringing in striker Haissem Hassan and midfielder Mohanad Lashin for Omar Marmoush and Hamdy Fathy.

Mohamed Salah starts.

Wed 8 Jul 2026 at 1:16am

Wed 8 Jul 2026 at 1:16am

Good morning everyone

By Simon Smale

Hello to one and all and welcome to the ABC Sport coverage of the  2026 World Cup.

My name is Simon Smale and I will be with you this morning for another two matches as we look to lock up the quarterfinal lineup.

It is frightfully early on the eastern seaboard of Australia (and pretty damn late on the west coast) but I know that football fans across the country are up and watching as Argentina and Lionel Messi prepare to take to the field once again.

Yes, we'd all rather they were taking on the Socceroos instead of Egypt, but this still represents a great opportunity to watch one of the greatest to ever do it - something we should all take every opportunity to do.

So thanks for being with me, team news coming up.

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