Lionel Scaloni's team were perfect in the group stages with wins against Algeria, Austria and Jordan before meeting surprise package Cape Verde in the Round of 32.
Lionel Messi's touch of magic edged them ahead on the night, but Cape Verde spectacularly came from behind twice, before an extra time own goal eventually nudged Argentina over the finish line.
Scaloni confirmed no fresh injury issues at full time, but after a draining battle in the previous round, he makes three staring changes to face Egypt - including a bold call on Julian Alvarez.
Lautaro Martinez has been Messi's selected strike partner so far in the tournament, with three starts from four, as Alvarez started the group stage dead rubber against Jordan.
A minor pre-World Cup injury, and the ongoing speculation over his club future - after declaring he wants to leave Atletico Madrid this summer - has kept Alvarez in the background of Scaloni's plans up to this point.
The 26-year-old scored three goals as Argentina won the 2022 World Cup, but he's yet to fire in North America, ahead of a huge chance for him from the start at the Atlanta Stadium.
Scaloni has also backed up his pledge to start Leandro Paredes in midfield, as Thiago Almada drops to the bench, and Nicolas Tagliafico replaces Facundo Medina at left-back.
Mohamed Salah captains an Egypt team which sees two changes, as Haissem Hassan and Mohanad Lasheen come in, and Manchester City striker Omar Marmoush is benched for the Pharaohs.