The Round of 32 knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is nearly complete. Spain beat Austria 3-0 on Wednesday to advance to the Round of 16 and Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 in regulation. We have over three quarters of the 16-team field set at the time of this writing. July 3 is the twenty-third match day of the tournament and the sixth day of Round of 32 knockout stage play.
There are 3 Round of 32 knockout stage games on Friday. Australia faces off against Egypt in the opener. Argentina plays Cape Verde in the second game, and Colombia will square off against Ghana in the nightcap.
Can Egypt win outright, cover the 0.5-goal spread, and advance to the Round of 16? Will Argentina score 3+ goals and cover the 2.5-goal spread as favorites against Cape Verde? Can Colombia defeat a tenacious Ghana squad by 2 goals or more in Kansas City, USA?
Note: If a game is tied at the end of 90 minutes and stoppage time, it is technically ruled a "draw" for betting purposes. Additionally, spreads and totals only apply to the 90 minutes of regulation time and stoppage time unless specified.
I'll make picks for all 3 of the day's contests below. Continue reading for our World Cup Best Bets July 3 article.
Australia vs. Egypt — Time & How to Watch
| Where | AT&T STADIUM, ARLINGTON, TX, USA |
| When | FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2026, 2 PM ET |
| Competition | 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP / KNOCKOUT STAGE / ROUND OF 32 |
| TV | FOX, FOX ONE, TELEMUNDO, FUBO |
Australia vs. Egypt Odds
| Spread | Moneyline | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUSTRALIA | +0.5 (-165) | +260 | O 1.5 (-170) |
| EGYPT | -0.5 (+130) | +140 | U 1.5 (+135) |
| DRAW | – | +190 | – |
Odds accurate as of Friday, July 3, 2026, via TheSpread.com.
Australia vs Egypt Prediction July 3 Game Result Pick
Egypt is primed to cover the 0.5-goal spread as favorites on Friday by exploiting Australia's offensive limitations.
While the Socceroos rely on a low block and scored just twice in Group D, Egypt enters the Round of 32 unbeaten, having found the net in every match. Coach Hossam Hassan’s counter-attacking tactics perfectly maximize the elite final-third brilliance of Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush—star power Tony Popovic's squad severely lacks.
With their most talented team in recent memory, the Pharaohs fiercely want to snap a 92-year knockout-stage drought. Expect Egypt to utilize wide overloads to break down Australia and secure a historic, spread-covering victory in regulation.
Pick: Egypt -0.5 (+130)
Argentina vs. Cape Verde — Time & How to Watch
| Where | HARD ROCK STADIUM, MIAMI GARDENS, FL, USA |
| When | FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2026, 6 PM ET |
| Competition | 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP / KNOCKOUT STAGE / ROUND OF 32 |
| TV | FOX, FOX ONE, TELEMUNDO, FUBO |
Argentina vs. Cape Verde Odds
| Spread | Moneyline | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARGENTINA | -2.5 (+130) | -650 | O 2.5 (-165) |
| CAPE VERDE | +2.5 (-165) | +1900 | U 2.5 (+130) |
| DRAW | – | +700 | – |
Argentina vs Cape Verde Prediction July 3 Game Result Pick
Cape Verde can comfortably cover the 2.5-goal spread as underdogs against Argentina by relying on the elite defensive resilience that kept them unbeaten in the group stage.
Manager Bubista’s disciplined 4-5-1 low block is specifically designed to frustrate Lionel Messi and choke central attacking channels. Furthermore, 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha has been a statistical wall, boasting an 83% save percentage and 2 clean sheets so far in this World Cup.
While Argentina dominates possession, Cape Verde’s ultra-tight defensive shape limits high-quality scoring chances. Expect veteran Ryan Mendes to lead clock-draining counter-attacks, ensuring any potential Argentine victory remains narrow enough for the Blue Sharks to secure the cover.
Pick: Cape Verde +2.5 (-165)
Colombia vs. Ghana — Time & How to Watch
| Where | GEHA FIELD AT ARROWHEAD STADIUM, KANSAS CITY, MO, USA |
| When | FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2026, 9:30 PM ET |
| Competition | 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP / KNOCKOUT STAGE / ROUND OF 32 |
| TV | FOX, FOX ONE, TELEMUNDO, FUBO |
Colombia vs. Ghana Odds
| Spread | Moneyline | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| COLOMBIA | -1.5 (+125) | -230 | O 2.5 (+105) |
| GHANA | +1.5 (-160) | +750 | U 2.5 (-130) |
| DRAW | – | +340 | – |
Colombia vs Ghana Prediction July 3 Game Result Pick
Ghana is well-positioned to cover the 1.5-goal spread as underdogs against Colombia on Friday night. The Black Stars will do so by executing a highly disciplined mid-block.
While Colombia enters Friday's Round of 32 match unbeaten, the Black Stars' tactical organization is built to frustrate Los Cafeteros' technical attack. The pivotal midfield clash between Thomas Partey and Richard Ríos will dictate the tempo, allowing Ghana to disrupt rhythm and limit high-danger scoring chances.
Because they can maintain their solid defensive shape against Colombia's overlapping runs, backing Ghana offers tremendous value. The Black Stars will keep this knockout match tight enough to secure the against-the-spread cover.
Pick: Ghana +1.5 (-160)
The Round of 32 knockout stage is nearly complete. If you're new to soccer betting, check out our how to bet on soccer guide.
Today's World Cup Predictions
- Egypt -0.5 (+130)
- Cape Verde +2.5 (-165)
- Ghana +1.5 (-160)