World Cup 2026 July 3 R32 Predictions & Betting Tips

Round of 32 wraps up with three massive games

July 3 closes out the World Cup 2026 Round of 32, and it’s a stacked card: Egypt’s first-ever knockout appearance, Argentina chasing another routine win, and Ghana against Colombia in the day’s headline tie. All three winners head straight into the Round of 16. Here’s what to know about every match, with kick-off times converted to WAT for Nigerian fans.

### Australia vs Egypt — 7:00pm WAT

Kick-off is at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas (2:00pm ET). Australia have never won a World Cup knockout match in their history, and they scraped into the last 32 on four points from a scrappy Group D alongside the USA, Paraguay and Turkey. Tony Popovic’s side are expected to sit in a compact back three and try to hit Egypt on the counter through Nestory Irankunda.

Egypt finished second in Group G on five points, with Mohamed Salah driving their best moments, including their first-ever World Cup group-stage win. The concern heading into this one is Salah’s fitness — he picked up a hamstring strain in the draw with Iran and is a doubt to start. Even without him at full tilt, Egypt’s control through midfield should give them the edge over an Australia side built purely to defend.

Tip: Egypt to Win, odds around 1.85 on the major Nigerian bookmakers.

### Argentina vs Cape Verde — 11:00pm WAT

Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens hosts the most one-sided fixture of the day on paper. Argentina arrive with nine goals in three group games and Lionel Messi leading the tournament’s scoring charts with six. Cape Verde, playing in their first-ever World Cup Finals, reached this stage without winning a single group match — three draws against Spain, Uruguay and a third opponent were enough, making them the first debutant nation to reach the knockouts since Slovakia in 2010.

It’s a remarkable story, but Cape Verde’s approach has been built entirely around defending deep and absorbing pressure. Argentina’s movement, quality and depth in attack should be too much across 90 minutes.

Tip: Argentina to Win & Over 2.5 Goals, odds around 1.65.

### Colombia vs Ghana — 2:30am WAT (July 4)

The late kick-off at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City is the pick of the day for African football fans. Colombia won Group K without losing, conceding only once in three games, while Ghana came through as a third-placed finisher after a 2-1 loss to Croatia exposed some attacking limitations. Full breakdown and betting tips are in our dedicated Ghana vs Colombia preview, and you can follow Ghana’s full tournament story on our Ghana World Cup 2026 hub.

Tip: Colombia to Win & Under 2.5 Goals, odds around 2.50 as a bet builder.

### How the Round of 32 shapes up after today

By the end of tonight, every Round of 16 spot will be confirmed. Morocco are already through after beating the Netherlands on penalties, while South Africa, Ivory Coast, DR Congo, Senegal and Algeria have all been eliminated in earlier Round of 32 matches this week. That leaves Egypt, Cape Verde and Ghana all fighting for their tournament lives on the same day — a huge afternoon and evening for African representation at this World Cup, even with Nigeria watching from home.

### Betting responsibly

These are our reads on the games, not guarantees — knockout football at a World Cup produces upsets every single year. Stake within your means, and check our best betting sites in Nigeria page for the platforms offering the best odds and promos on today’s fixtures.

Responsible gambling: Betting should be for entertainment only. Only bet what you can afford to lose. If gambling is affecting you, contact the NLRC helpline.