Argentina survive major World Cup scare as Egypt edge past Australia

Published on 04/07/2026 - 7:56 GMT+2•Updated 8:01

Lionel Messi's Argentina inched through to the World Cup round of 16 on Friday night after scraping past Cape Verde in Miami.

World Cup newcomers Cape Verde produced one of the performances of the tournament as they looked set to take Argentina to penalties. But a late own goal in extra time eventually saw Argentina safely into the next round.

Argentina had taken the lead in the 29th minute when Messi prodded home past goalkeeper Vozinha after a sublime bit of control, before Deroy Duarte equalised with a low strike on 59 minutes.

Manchester United's Lisandro Martínez then looked to have won it for Argentina in extra time with a powerful strike into the roof of the net, but Sidny Lopes Cabral whipped a ball from the edge of the box into the top corner to level things up once again, in what was one of the World Cup's great goals.

A Christian Romero header deflected off Diney Borges to put the Argentines up 3-2 and seal the win in the 103rd minute.

Argentina had beaten Algeria, Austria, and Jordan to finish top of Group J.

They will go on to play Egypt in Atlanta in the round of 16 after Mohammed Salah's side beat Australia on penalties on Friday.

Salah's cool Panenka penalty helped the Egyptians claim victory in Dallas after a cagey affair that ended with heartbreak for the Socceroos, despite another strong performance from goalkeeper Patrick Beach - who was substituted for veteran shot-stopper Mat Ryan ahead of the shootout.

Australia's Harry Souttar blasted the opening penalty over the bar before Lucas Herrington hit the bar, while Egypt went four for four from the spot.