On July 8th, Beijing time, the 2026 USA-CMC World Cup entered its final day of the Round of 16, with four teams vying for the last two quarter-final spots. Defending champions Albiceleste will face Egypt, while Switzerland from Europe will take on South American powerhouse Colombia.
Argentina vs. Egypt: Messi and Salah in a clash of titans
Argentina is currently ranked 2nd in the FIFA world rankings, with a total squad value of 800 million euros. In the Round of 32, after 120 minutes of intense play, Argentina defeated Cape Verdean player Diniyi 3-2 thanks to Romero's header from a corner kick, which forced an own goal.
Head coach Scaloni stated in the pre-match press conference that Nicolás González's participation was doubtful due to an ankle injury, while right-back Molina and left-back Medina both left the previous match against Cape Verde early due to discomfort. The good news is that Medina only experienced cramps, and Molina's recovery is progressing well; both are expected to be fit for the match against Egypt. In case of unforeseen circumstances, Tagliafico and Montiel will be available to fill in at any time. Midfielder Paredes, who was previously injured and called up to the squad, has recovered, and Scaloni indicated that Paredes will be in his starting lineup.
Under Scaloni, Argentina primarily employs a 4-4-2 formation. In the center-back position, the partnership between Lisandro Martinez and Romero is quite solid. In midfield, given the coach's indication that Paredes will play, it is more likely that Paredes, Enzo, De Paul, and Almada will form the midfield combination, with Lautaro and captain Messi leading the attack.
Without a doubt, captain Lionel Messi remains Argentina's most crucial player. He has scored in every single match Argentina has played in this World Cup, showcasing excellent form. With seven goals, he is tied for the top spot on the scoring charts with Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland. If Messi continues his scoring streak against Egypt, he will not only lead the scoring charts alone but also become only the sixth player in World Cup history to score in the first five matches of a single tournament. Meanwhile, Lautaro Martinez's form in attack has been less than ideal. Starting and playing 63 minutes in the last match, he failed to register a single shot and lost possession four times. In midfield, Enzo Fernandez remains a key member of the team, covering 14.74 km in the last match and playing the full 120 minutes. His tireless running is indispensable to this aging Argentine team.
Egypt is currently ranked 24th in the FIFA rankings, with a total squad value of approximately €110 million. In the Round of 32, Egypt defeated Australia in a grueling penalty shootout, securing a victory in their first appearance in the World Cup knockout stage. Under coach Hassan, Egypt primarily employs a 4-2-3-1 formation. Midfielder Rahim returns from suspension and is expected to start, partnering with Atya in the double pivot. Up front, Salah, Malmush, and Ashur, who scored in the last match, will lead the attack. The 34-year-old Salah is not only the core of Egypt's attack but also its spiritual leader. Although his speed has declined compared to his peak, his playmaking remains Egypt's most dangerous element. Malmush, the team's most valuable player, has yet to score in this World Cup and carries considerable pressure.
Both Argentina and Egypt endured grueling 120-minute battles in their last matches, and both sides are likely to experience fatigue. This match will not only test their tactical and technical skills but also their physical endurance. Argentina undoubtedly holds the overall advantage and will likely dominate the game. However, Egypt, having weathered several tough matches, also demonstrates resilience. How to contain Messi and Salah will be a crucial question for both teams' defenses. Let's wait and see if Salah leads Egypt to further history tonight, or if Messi guides the defending champions forward.
Basic information about the competition
Match time: 0:00 Beijing time, July 8th
Venue: Atlanta Stadium, USA
Referee: Jean-Luc Le Tessier (France)
Switzerland vs. Colombia: Chocolate vs. Coffee Beans! The Battle for the Last Quarterfinal Spot
Switzerland is currently ranked 15th in the FIFA rankings, with a total squad value of 330 million euros. In the Round of 32, Switzerland defeated Algeria 2-0, ending their seven-game losing streak in the World Cup knockout stages and achieving their first knockout stage victory in 88 years.
Under head coach Jakim, the Swiss national team primarily employs a four-defender formation. Except for their opening match against Qatar, where they used a three-center-back system, they maintained this formation for the subsequent three games. Goalkeeper Kerber anchors the goal, while the central defensive pairing of Akanji and Elvedi remains consistent. Ricardo Rodriguez played the full 90 minutes at left-back in all four matches, and the right-back position will be contested between Widmer and Zakaria. In midfield, Xhaka and Freuler are crucial to Switzerland's midfield, both in passing and interception, with Xhaka's long-range shooting prowess also a significant attacking weapon. Up front, Manzambique, who has shone brightly in this World Cup, left training early, raising concerns about his availability. Coach Jakim stated that Manzambique and Vargas ended training early, and the team's injuries are still being assessed. If both players are unavailable, Switzerland will have to rely more heavily on Embolo and Ndoye, with Fabian Reid and Ebercher also potentially getting opportunities.
Switzerland's playing style emphasizes teamwork, with excellent coverage across all three lines. While maintaining a solid defense, they utilize their speed in the attacking third to launch high-quality counter-attacks. Their first goal against Algeria was initiated by captain Xhaka, a highly efficient counter-attack achieved with only four players committed up front. Considering Colombia also possesses excellent attacking players like Diaz and Muñoz, Switzerland's strategy should remain focused on a solid defense and counter-attacks, limiting Colombia's space.
Colombia is currently ranked 11th in the FIFA rankings and has a total market value of 300 million euros. The two teams are very close in terms of both FIFA rankings and total market value. Colombia defeated Ghana 1-0 in the Round of 32 with a goal from Arias. The team has kept a clean sheet in three consecutive matches, showing excellent form.
Under coach Lorenzo, Colombia primarily employs a 4-1-2-3 formation, with players positioning themselves in a diamond midfield. Lerma plays a deeper role in midfield, focusing on sweeping and intercepting attacks. Puerta and Arias occupy the flanks, pushing forward in attack and providing defensive support to the full-backs. Captain James Rodriguez plays as the attacking midfielder, his playmaking and ability to deliver threatening passes remaining indispensable. When the team retreats defensively, Rodriguez stays in the attacking third, being the only player who doesn't require excessive defensive commitment. Up front, striker Cordoba was forced off injured in the match against Ghana and will miss the rest of the World Cup. Lorenzo is expected to start Luis Suarez from Sporting Lisbon as the center forward, while Luis Diaz, the team's most valuable player, is considered their most explosive attacking threat, possessing both exceptional speed and finishing ability.
The key to this match will likely depend on whether Colombia can break down Switzerland's tight defense down the flanks. Diaz will continue to act as the explosive left-winger, using his individual dribbling and vertical runs to stretch the defense and create attacking space in the penalty area for his teammates. Switzerland, on the other hand, is unlikely to engage in direct attacks; they are more likely to limit Colombia's penetration with a compact central defense, relying on Ndoye's forward runs and Embolo's explosiveness to launch high-quality counter-attacks. It's worth noting that Switzerland has played their last two matches at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, and this Round of 16 match will be their third at that stadium. They have a certain advantage over Colombia in terms of familiarity and physical condition. Whichever team advances will equal their best World Cup result: Switzerland reached the quarterfinals in 1934, 1938, and 1954, while Colombia's best result was reaching the quarterfinals in the 2014 World Cup.
Basic information about the competition
Match time: 4:00 AM Beijing time, July 8th
Venue: BC Place Stadium, Vancouver, Canada
Referee: Ivan Barton (El Salvador)
