Egyptian football legend Taher Abou Zeid praised the remarkable level that his national team is showing in the 2026 World Cup, stressing that the match against Argentina, scheduled for today (Tuesday) in the Round of 16, will be extremely difficult.

Confidence is Egypt's weapon.

Taher Abou Zeid said in exclusive statements to Okaz: 'The Argentina match is tough and completely different from all of Egypt's previous World Cup encounters, but the confidence the team has gained from past matches and not having suffered any defeat so far make the players reject the idea of losing at any time.'

Argentina is the favorite... surprises are possible.

He added: 'The Argentine team is more experienced, bold, and seasoned, and the circumstances favor them, but football has taught us that surprises are possible, so we hope our national team can achieve a surprise against Argentina, especially since it will be an open match and not a cautious one, because it is a knockout game, and thus there will be effectiveness from both sides.'

Strategic commitment and avoiding mistakes.

He continued: 'The Egyptian team must adhere to tactical performance and positive spirit, as they are our weapons in the match, along with more caution and vigilance, and avoiding impactful mistakes against the world champion.'

Hossam Hassan achieved what no coach has.

Regarding his opinion on what coach Hossam Hassan has achieved with the Egyptian team so far, 'The Maradona of the Nile' said: 'Hossam Hassan has achieved what no Egyptian or foreign coach has throughout history.'

Egypt's journey in the World Cup.

The Egyptian team, led by coach Hossam Hassan, succeeded in advancing from the group stage for the first time in its history, after drawing with Belgium 1-1, and winning against New Zealand 3-1, achieving its first World Cup victory in history, then drawing with Iran 1-1, to finish second in Group G with five points.

In the Round of 32, the Egyptian team defeated Australia in a penalty shootout 4-2, after the original and extra time ended in a 1-1 draw, setting up a fiery encounter with Argentina.