Argentina writes World Cup history: from 0-2 behind (79') to 3-2
Argentina overturned a 0-2 deficit in the 79th minute to beat Egypt 3-2 in the eighth final of the 2026 World Cup. According to Opta, this is the last minute ever in a World Cup match in which a team was down by two goals and still won within 90 minutes.
Argentina writes World Cup history: from 0-2 behind (79') to 3-2
Argentina pulled off a historic comeback against Egypt in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The South Americans trailed 0-2 until the 79th minute, but completely turned the game around in the final phase and still won 3-2 within regular time. According to data analysis agency Opta, this is the last minute ever at a world championship in which a team was still down by two goals and yet won without extra time.The turnaround took shape in three sharp taps. First of all, defender Cristian Romero headed in the tying goal in the 79th minute after a cross from Lionel Messi. The captain took responsibility himself four minutes later: in the 83rd minute, Messi shot the equalizer against the ropes, neutralizing the Egyptian lead in a few minutes. The climax followed in injury time. Enzo Fernández appeared in the box in minute 90+2 and coolly finished after an assist from Lautaro Martínez: 3-2.
The defending champion thus achieved a rarely seen performance. Overturning a two-goal deficit so late in the match is extremely exceptional at World Cup level. Opta emphasized that this comeback is a tournament record: never before has a team managed to win from the 79th minute with two goals behind in regular playing time. It says a lot about the mental toughness and quality at the forefront of the Argentinians, with leadership and efficiency at the decisive moment.
For Egypt it is a hard blow after a long phase in which the North Africans maintained defensive control and seemed to be comfortably heading for a stunt just before the end. However, the dynamics completely changed when Romero connected, after which the Argentine pressure became unstoppable. With Messi as director and finisher, and Martínez as the winner, the match was decided in a few hectic minutes.
With the victory, Argentina qualifies for the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup. The South Americans are waiting for the winner of the match between Switzerland and Colombia. With the confidence of this spectacular escape and the statistical milestone in hand, the team looks ahead to the next hurdle in the knockout phase. The question now is whether the Argentinians can continue this form and resilience towards the final part of the tournament. One thing is clear: anyone who puts Argentina behind will only be safe at the final whistle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the match between Argentina and Egypt?
The final score was 3-2 in favor of Argentina.
Who scored the goals for Argentina in the round of 16?
Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernández scored the goals for Argentina.
In which minute did Argentina score the equalizer?Egypt?
Argentina equalized in the 83rd minute.
What is special about Argentina's comeback in this match?
It is the first time in World Cup history that a team with two goals behind still wins in regular time after the 79th minute.
Who provided the assist for Enzo Fernández's winning goal?
Lautaro Martínez provided the assist for Enzo Fernández's winning goal.
Read more on our latest coverage and stay tuned for updates on what happens next.
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