Kathmandu: Football fans have a treat coming. Argentina and Egypt will meet in Atlanta for a place in the World Cup quarter finals. It’s a Round of 16 match and both teams have earned their spot the hard way.

How they got here

Argentina won all three of their group games and finished on top. But their next match was scary.

Debutants Cabo Verde nearly knocked them out. Argentina needed extra time and a late own goal to scrape through 3-2.

Egypt had their own rollercoaster. They drew 1-1 with Australia, then had to win on penalties, 4-2, just to reach this stage.

It’s the first time in Egypt’s history they’ve made it to the Round of 16. They also picked up their first ever World Cup group stage win along the way. So far, neither team has lost a single match in this tournament.

A rare meeting

These two countries have only played each other twice and Argentina won both times. The first was way back in 1928, at the Olympics, where Argentina won 6-0. The second was a 2-0 friendly win in 2008.

What the coaches are saying

Argentina’s manager, Lionel Scaloni, isn’t taking Egypt lightly. He said his team is on high alert, just like before the Cabo Verde game. He praised Egypt’s coach and players and had special words for Mohamed Salah, calling him a great player he’s looking forward to facing.

Egypt’s coach, Hossam Hassan, was respectful but confident. He acknowledged Argentina’s star power including Messi but said his team is ready for anyone. For him, this World Cup is a chance to show Egypt belongs on this stage.

What’s next

All eyes will be on Messi and Salah when the two sides face off. The winner moves on to play either Switzerland or Colombia on July 11 in Kansas City.

For Argentina, it’s about defending their title. For Egypt, it’s about making history. Either way, this is a match worth watching.