Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni says there are no clear favourites in the World Cup as his side prepares for a last-16 match against Egypt. Ahead of Tuesday’s clash, Scaloni points to how the tournament has levelled the playing field, with traditional powerhouses finding it harder to assert dominance than in past editions. He also refers to Argentina’s recent progress and performance in the competition. Argentina, who are the defending champions, enter the match after winning all three of their group-stage games. The team’s campaign has also included a late scare against Cape Verde, which was described as a major test before Argentina advanced. Scaloni’s comments frame the knockout stage as more open and unpredictable, suggesting that team-by-team outcomes may hinge on match conditions rather than reputation alone. Multiple outlets report Scaloni’s stance that World Cup contenders cannot assume their status will translate into straightforward wins in the later rounds, and that Argentina will approach the Egypt game with that context in mind.