Argentina reshuffles World Cup plans after Miami storm ahead of Egypt clash

Argentina’s national team, fresh from a hard‑earned 3‑2 extra‑time win over Cape Verde, is preparing for its Round‑of‑16 match against Egypt at the Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta on 7 July 2026. A severe electrical storm in Miami forced the squad to halt its outdoor training and move to a gym for recovery work, prompting coach Lionel Scaloni to adjust the team’s preparation schedule.

The storm also delayed the team’s flight from Miami to Atlanta, with heavy rain at the destination pushing the arrival past the planned time. Upon landing, the players were taken to their hotel, and the coaching staff considered revising the training timetable to allow extra rest. Scaloni is monitoring several players who reported discomfort after the Cape Verde match, including Facundo Medina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez and Lionel Messi, and is expected to make at least three lineup changes for the Egypt tie.

FIFA confirmed that French referee François Letexier will officiate the Argentina‑Egypt game, assisted by a French duos of linesmen and a Norwegian fourth official. The combination of weather‑related disruptions, travel delays and injury concerns adds pressure on Argentina as it seeks to reach the quarter‑finals.