From Sweden 1958 to the Epic of Egypt 2026.. Argentina's History with World Cup Comebacks

SadaNews - The thrilling victory achieved by the Argentine national team against Egypt in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup was not just a ticket to the quarter-finals, but it added a new page to a long record of comebacks that shaped the identity of the Albiceleste in the World Cup.

After trailing by two goals, the world champions managed to turn the tables and win with a score of (3-2), marking their fifth historic comeback in World Cup participation, and once again confirming that the Argentine team does not give up even in the toughest circumstances.

Here is the history of the "Tango" team with comebacks in the World Cup, according to the Argentine newspaper "El Gráfico".

First Comeback.. Starting from the 1958 World Cup in Sweden

The Sweden edition witnessed the first Argentine comeback in World Cup history. In a match against Northern Ireland, the team found itself trailing 1-0, before turning the score around to win (3-1). The goals for Argentina were scored by Orestes Omar Corbatta from a penalty, Norberto Menéndez, and Ludovico Avio, making this match the first evidence of the team's ability to recover after falling behind.

1978 World Cup.. A comeback that paved the way for the first title

Twenty years later, the Argentine team repeated the scenario, but this time on home soil and in front of their fans. In their opening match against Hungary, the hosts conceded an early goal that disrupted plans, but the reaction was swift. Leopoldo Luque brought the game back to a level score before Daniel Bertoni secured the victory for Argentina with a score of (2-1), a win considered a significant landmark in the road to clinching the country's first world title.

USA 1994.. Maradona's Touch and Caniggia's Decision

In the USA World Cup, the scene repeated itself against Nigeria in the group stage. The African team opened the scoring, but Argentina, led by Diego Armando Maradona, quickly regained their balance. Claudio Caniggia scored both winning goals, one of which came after a swift and surprising execution of a free kick by Maradona, in a moment that became one of the most famous scenes from that World Cup.

Germany 2006.. A Memorable Goal by Maxi Rodríguez

One of the most memorable matches for fans was the encounter against Mexico in the Round of 16 of the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Mexico took the lead, but Hernan Crespo quickly brought Argentina back into the game. In extra time, Maxi Rodríguez launched an exceptional volley that found the net, giving his team a victory of (2-1) and marking one of the most beautiful goals in World Cup history.

2026 World Cup.. A Comeback from the Heart of the Impossible Against Egypt

The latest chapter in this historical series came in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup against the Egyptian team. Egypt started the match strongly and managed to take a two-goal lead, first through Yasser Ibrahim in the 15th minute, followed by Mostafa Ziko who scored the second goal in the 67th minute, making it seem that Argentina's dream of continuing to defend their title was fading.

However, the Argentine team refused to give up. Cristian Romero narrowed the gap with a header in the 79th minute, before Lionel Messi equalized just four minutes later, restoring hope to the Albiceleste fans. In stoppage time, specifically in the 92nd minute, Enzo Fernández snatched a dramatic winning goal, leading Argentina to a historic victory with a score of (3-2), adding their fifth comeback to the national team's record in the World Cup.