World Cup 2026

Argentina confirmed starting lineup vs Egypt: Lionel Scaloni’s XI for the round of 16 game

Julián Álvarez starts alongside Messi, with Lionel Scaloni making three changes for the World Cup round of 16.

Alberto Boal

Digital sports journalist

Scottish sports journalist and content creator. After running his own soccer-related projects, in 2022 he joined Diario AS, where he mainly reports on the biggest news from around Europe’s leading soccer clubs, Liga MX and MLS, and covers live games in a not-too-serious tone. Likes to mix things up by dipping into the world of American sports.

Update: Jul 7th, 2026 10:50 EDT

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Lionel Messi will have a new partner in attack when Argentina take on Egypt in the 2026 World Cup round of 16 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Tuesday.

Argentina vs Egypt live online

Messi has lined up alongside Lautaro Martínez in three of Argentina’s four games at the tournament so far, but Julián Álvarez starts against the Pharaohs in the last 16.

The Atlético Madrid forward, who had started one game and made three substitute appearances before today, is normally a first-choice option but was not 100% fit at the start of the tournament.

Messi. Argentina. Salah. Egypt. Round of 16 🇦🇷🇪🇬 pic.twitter.com/A9xpkkJYtJ
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 4, 2026

Argentina make three changes against Egypt

Álvarez is one of three changes head coach Lionel Scaloni makes to the team that was given a huge scare by Cape Verde in the round of 32.

Argentina only just scraped past the World Cup debutants, needing extra time to secure their place in the last 16.

Nicolás Tagliafico replaces Facundo Medina, who was forced off with cramp in the previous round, at left-back.

In midfield, Leandro Paredes, who like Álvarez appears to be nearing full fitness once again, comes into the team at the expense of Thiago Almada. That will likely see Alexis Mac Allister pushed into a more advanced role.

Winger Nico González, who has come off the bench three times, is the only real fitness concern because of an ankle issue.

🚨 Lionel Scaloni: “When Leandro Paredes is fit, he’s one of the best defensive midfielders in the world."

"I have no doubts about that.” @radiolared pic.twitter.com/vpma058sAY
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) July 6, 2026

Confirmed Argentina starting XI against Egypt in the 2026 World Cup round of 16

Dibu Martínez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Tagliafico; de Paul, Paredes, Fernández, Mac Allister; Messi, Álvarez.

Argentina vs. Egypt: kickoff time and how to watch in the U.S.

The round of 16 matchup kicks off Tuesday, July 7, at 12:00 p.m. ET / 9:00 a.m. PT.

Viewers in the United States can watch all the action on FOX Network, FOX One, Telemundo, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo and Peacock.