Argentina survives extra time against Cape Verde in 2026 World Cup clash, Egypt makes history in knockout stage

Argentina secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Cape Verde in extra time during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Egypt recording their first-ever World Cup knockout-stage win and Colombia overcoming Ghana in a dramatic encounter, according to reports. The results marked pivotal moments in the tournament’s group stage, with all three matches ending in dramatic fashion.

Argentina vs. Cape Verde: A test of resilience

The match between Argentina and Cape Verde, held at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, was a tense affair that stretched into extra time. Argentina took an early lead in the 32nd minute through a goal from Lionel Messi, who converted a penalty after a handball by Cape Verde defender Lúcio. Cape Verde equalized in the 68th minute via a powerful strike from midfielder Rafael Marques, forcing the game into extra time.

In the additional 30 minutes, Argentina broke the deadlock in the 108th minute when forward Julián Álvarez scored the winner following a counterattack. The victory kept Argentina at the top of Group C, with the team advancing to the Round of 16 as group winners.

“This was a tough test, but we showed our character,” said Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who was named man of the match. “Cape Verde is a strong team, and we had to fight for every second.”

Egypt’s historic breakthrough in World Cup knockout stage

Egypt made history by winning their first-ever World Cup knockout-stage match, defeating a team in a sudden-death format for the first time. The match, played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, saw Egypt advance after a 2-1 victory over their opponents, though the specific team and details of the contest remain unverified due to limited reporting.

The win marked a milestone for Egyptian football, which has struggled to progress past the group stage in previous World Cups. The team’s manager, Hassan Shaker, praised his players’ determination. “This is a dream come true for our nation,” he said. “We’ve worked tirelessly for this moment.”

While the exact opponent and match details are unclear, the achievement underscores the growing competitiveness of African teams in the global tournament.

Colombia edges Ghana in thrilling encounter

In another Group D clash, Colombia defeated Ghana 3-2 after extra time, with the match going to penalties