The round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will conclude on Tuesday with two early games, defending champions Argentina battle Egypt in Atlanta, while it’s Switzerland vs Colombia in Vancouver in a battle of tournament dark horses. As always, we offer previews and predictions for every match.
Argentina vs Egypt (Tuesday, July 7th in Atlanta)
Argentina lacked pace offensively and needed extra time to edge Cape Verde 3-2 in the round of 32. Lionel Messi is tied for the golden boot with 7 goals, but he’s been Argentina’s only attacking threat at times. Lionel Scaloni may look to make changes for this Round of 16 clash in Atlanta, where Argentina previously played in the Copa America. Ultimately, Argentina should see 70%+ possession from this game, but they will need to break Egypt down or aim for goals off set pieces like they had against Cape Verde. Julian Alvarez or Lautaro Martinez must offer more from the striker position, while players like Nico Paz and Giuliano Simeone are looking for minutes as attackers.
Egypt needed penalties to defeat Australia, but they had a better second half. Mohamed Salah ended up showing his fitness, playing a full match against Australia despite concerns around a possible injury. There’s a glass half full/half empty case here for Egypt. On the brightside, they have not conceded more than a single goal in four matches, including a 1-1 draw against Belgium in the group stage. By contrast, they have yet to score multiple goals, not just in this World Cup, but dating back to a March friendly.
This is simply not a high output Egyptian team offensively, and Omar Marmoush, who was supposed to be Salah’s sidekick, has had a poor World Cup. Egypt won’t get overrun in the midfield or in the backline, but Emi Martinez will be confident defensively. Ultimately, Argentina should bounce back and secure the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Argentina 2-0
Switzerland vs Colombia (Tuesday, July 7th in Vancouver)
Switzerland has been perfect since drawing Qatar on matchday 1. A routine 2-0 win over Algeria was how they advanced in the previous round. The offensive trio of Johan Manzambi, Ruben Vargas, and Breel Embolo has combined for 7 goals, while veteran Granit Xhaka has bossed the midfield. Gregor Kobel in goal and defenders Manuel Akanji and Ricardo Rodriguez have also been standouts. This is a steady Swiss team that maintains their identity and shape, and will be Colombia’s toughest opponent yet. Switzerland hasn’t reached the World Cup last 8 since 1954, and has exited at this stage for the past three World Cups.
Colombia aims to match their best ever World Cup result, the 2014 Quarterfinals, with a victory. They will do so without striker Jhon Cordoba. Cordoba suffered a muscle tear and is out for the rest of the World Cup, that leaves Luis Suarez, who assisted in Colombia’s only goal against Ghana, and Cucho Hernandez, who also had an assist in the group stage, as Colombia’s only named strikers on the squad. Luis Diaz could also be deputized if Manager Nestor Lorenzo tries a new tactic to unlock Diaz, who has created dangerous chances, but due to being frequently offsides, has yet to score this tournament.
Colombia has been nearly perfect defensively, with Davinson Sanchez, a veteran CB, one of the best players of the World Cup. The other question for Lorenzo is who starts at #10, James Rodriguez was subbed off at halftime of the Ghana game, suffering from the flu, Juan Fernando Quintero came on later in the second half and created 5 chances, he was praised for his performance, and the veteran has been a good contributor off the bench. Quintero could provide a new dimension for Los Cafeteros as a starter, while Gustavo Puerta has been one of the best controlling midfielders at the World Cup.
Colombia have more firepower, but Switzerland’s discipline is admirable. Colombia are slight favorites, but this feels like a game set to go to extra time. Home field advantage also lifts the team in yellow.
Prediction: Colombia 2-1 (after extra time)
Main Photo Credit: Smartframe Images
