The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues with the knockout rounds underway! It’s time to dive into the World Cup matches today to get you ready to enjoy the tournament in all its glory. The World Cup schedule today features three Round of 32 matches, headlined by Argentina and Colombia in action. Let’s preview today’s World Cup matches with the top players, biggest storylines, and betting odds to know for Friday, July 3rd. 

Today’s FIFA World Cup Schedule 7/3

We have three matches on the World Cup schedule today as the Round of 32 rolls on. Check out the World Cup matches today before you enjoy the action:

  • Australia vs. Egypt – 2 pm ET on FOX (Dallas)
  • Argentina vs. Cape Verde – 6 pm ET on FOX (Miami)
  • Colombia vs. Ghana – 9:30 pm ET on FOX (Kansas City)

 

 


 

Best World Cup Match To Watch Today

Today’s World Cup matches are all worth tuning into as the Round of 32 wraps up. Both Argentina and Colombia are expected to beat Cape Verde and Ghana, respectively. Meanwhile, the Australia vs. Egypt matchup is more of a coin flip, with both teams live to advance. 

Egypt finished second in Group G with a win and two draws. The 1-1 stalemate with Belgium in the opening group match was an especially encouraging result. The Egyptians will now try to win their first-ever World Cup knockout-round game. This is also the first time ever that the nation has advanced past the group stage in this tournament. 

Meanwhile, Australia is poised to crash the party as a slight underdog in the match. The Australians are also looking for their first World Cup knockout-round win in team history. They advanced past the group stage in the 2022 World Cup, but then promptly ran into Argentina. Can the Socceroos pull off a victory? 

Top Players To Watch in Today’s Matches

The World Cup matches today feature several top players worth watching. Lionel Messi, of course, headlines the slate as he leads Argentina’s attack. Can the GOAT add to his goals tally and keep pace in the Golden Boot race? Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez also provide scoring upside for the Argentinian offense. 

Elsewhere in today’s World Cup matches, James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz anchor Colombia’s dangerous attack. On the other side of that game, Ghana will lean on Thomas Partey and Jordan Ayew to try to pull the upset. Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush star in Egypt’s attack. 

 

 

 

Biggest Storylines Heading Into Today’s Matches 

As we dive deeper into the World Cup schedule today, let’s look at some of the biggest storylines to know. Argentina continues its quest to become the first back-to-back World Cup champion since Brazil did it in 1958 and 1962. The Argentinians won all three of their group matches by an 8-1 combined scoreline. 

Of course, any conversation about Argentina also includes Lionel Messi’s chase for the Golden Boot. The GOAT led all players in group play with 6 goals scored. He’s now tied with Kylian Mbappe for the goals lead after the latter scored twice in France’s knockout-round victory. Harry Kane and Erling Haaland aren’t far behind with 5 goals apiece. 

As noted above, both Australia and Egypt are looking to make history. Neither team has ever won a knockout-round match in the World Cup. One of the squads is guaranteed to get it done today as they face off. Meanwhile, Ghana will try to win its first knockout-round game since the 2010 tournament. 

World Cup Odds Today at BetMGM Sportsbook

Now that we’ve set the stage for the World Cup matches today, let’s talk betting odds. Check out how the odds and lines shake out for the World Cup schedule today, courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook. The moneyline and total goals odds are for regular time, while the odds to advance include any extra time or penalty kicks. 

Australia vs. Egypt

  • Moneyline: Australia +255 | Draw +185 | Egypt +145
  • Odds To Advance: Australia +120 | Egypt -150
  • Total Goals: Over 1.5 (-165) | Under 1.5 (+135)

Argentina vs. Cape Verde 

  • Moneyline: Argentina -700 | Draw +750 | Cape Verde +2000
  • Odds To Advance: Argentina -2500 | Cape Verde +1000
  • Total Goals: Over 2.5 (-165) | Under 2.5 (+130)

Colombia vs. Ghana

  • Moneyline: Colombia -230 | Draw +340 | Ghana +750
  • Odds To Advance: Colombia -650 | Ghana +425
  • Total Goals: Over 2.5 (+105) | Under 2.5 (-130)

 

 

 

What Today’s Matches Mean For The Tournament

The tournament’s knockout rounds continue in the World Cup matches today. The winner of the Australia vs. Egypt matchup will take on the winner of Argentina vs. Cape Verde. That Round of 16 match is scheduled for July 7th. Meanwhile, the winner of Colombia vs. Ghana will face Switzerland, which advanced past Algeria last night.