The South Americans started the day at the bottom of Pool C but knew a win over Thailand would see them jump above Belarus and into the qualification places.

They duly delivered in straight sets with a 25-13, 25-22, 25-15 victory, moving them above Thailand and into third place in the pool.

With the top four countries in each of the four five-team pools going through in Cairo and Ismailia, only finishing bottom of the group results in elimination.

Belarus, who had already completed all of their fixtures, could only watch as they were overtaken and subsequently knocked out.

Bianca Cugno was the star performer for Argentina, helping herself to 16 points, while Balbanera Ulla chipped in with 10 blocks.

The other Pool C game saw second seeds Russia defeat Romania in five sets to win the group with a 100 per cent record.

They came through 25-7, 24-26, 22-25, 25-20, 15-13 as the Romanians finished second.

Fourteen of the 16 knockout round places had already been decided before today's games.

The only other spot up for grabs was in Pool B but Mexico could not claim the win they needed over Italy and remain bottom.

Defeating the Europeans, the top seeds and back-to-back defending champions, always looked like a tough ask as Italy have not lost a game in 2019.

Mexico, who have now lost all of their games at the tournament, battled magnificently but suffered a heartbreaking defeat in five sets, 25-15, 21-25, 22-25, 25-20, 15-12.

Melanie Parra posted a match-high 19 points for Mexico, who were hoping to overhaul South Korea to make the next stage.

In the other Pool B game, United States beat Canada 25-10, 25-13, 25-16 to finish second behind Italy.

The Canadians finished third in the pool.

Pool A saw China, the four-time record winners, end with a 100 per cent record as they beat Puerto Rico 25-16, 25-18, 25-18.

Brazil finished second as they beat hosts Egypt, who were third, 26-24, 25-16, 25-19.

Puerto Rico had already qualified in fourth place with Cameroon eliminated.

Japan topped the pile in Pool D after ending on four wins from four.

They beat Bulgaria 25-20, 25-23, 20-25, 25-8.

Peru, who did not play today, finished second, with fourth seeds Turkey jumping above Bulgaria and into third.

Turkey breezed past eliminated Democratic Republic of Congo 25-9, 25-9, 25-14.

The last-16 matches will all be held tomorrow.

Italy play Puerto Rico, with hosts Egypt meeting the US and China taking on South Korea.

Brazil collide with Canada, Russia meet Bulgaria, Japan play Thailand and Romania face Turkey.

Argentina will relish an all-South American contest with Peru.

The final is on Saturday (September 14).