Enzo Fernandez of Argentina celebrates his goal during the round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, July 7, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)

　　ATLANTA, United States, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Argentina staged a stunning comeback at the World Cup round of 16 as the defending champion came from two goals down to edge past Egypt 3-2 and reach the quarterfinals here on Tuesday.

　　Having trailed by two goals for nearly 80 minutes, Argentina mounted a dramatic fightback, scoring twice within five minutes before netting a stoppage-time winner to complete a sensational comeback victory.

　　"We made our supporters suffer even though we didn't have a bad game," Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said after the victory. "I am a coach for moments like these. What we showed today goes beyond simply going through. We would have been eliminated if we hadn't fought."

　　Although Argentina found themselves two goals down and tension gripped the stadium, Scaloni insisted he remained confident that his side could turn the game around.

　　"You feel concerned when you are not in control, but today we were," he said. "I saw the game going our way as we created chances."

　　Argentina was pushed to extra time by tournament debutant Cabo Verde in the round of 32 before securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory, as an own goal in the 111th minute proved decisive after the African side produced a spirited display. Egypt, meanwhile, edged past Australia 4-2 on penalties to reach the round of 16 after the teams were locked at 1-1 following extra time.

　　Egypt took the game to the defending champion from the opening whistle, showing little fear as the two sides were evenly matched in terms of possession.