The excitement of the 2026 World Cup is heating up as we head into the knockout stage. The final three matchups of the Round of 32 promise exhilarating gameplay, with teams striving to secure their spot in the Round of 16. Here’s what you should know for Day 23 of this remarkable tournament.
Matchup Overview: Australia vs. Egypt
The first match on Friday, July 3, is set for 2 p.m. ET in Dallas, featuring Australia against Egypt. Both teams are aiming for their first victory in the knockout stage, with odds favoring Egypt at -142 against Australia’s +116. Each team finished second in their respective groups, setting up a tantalizing encounter. The Pharaohs will look to their star player, Mohamed Salah, who recently dealt with a hamstring strain but is expected to feature prominently in this crucial match. Salah’s impact is vital, especially as he has created more scoring opportunities than any other player in the tournament, excluding Belgium’s Leandro Trossard.
Defensively, Australia has been formidable, conceding only two goals throughout the group stage. However, their offensive struggles are evident, having managed just 26 shots in total, the second-lowest in this World Cup. Since their initial match against Türkiye, in which they secured a 2-0 win, the Socceroos have failed to find the back of the net, raising questions about their attacking capabilities in this high-stakes situation.
Cinderella Story: Cape Verde vs. Argentina
Later in the day, at 6 p.m. ET in Miami, one of the tournament’s underdogs, Cape Verde, will take on the titans of international football, Argentina, with odds heavily favoring Argentina at -2000. This match presents a David versus Goliath scenario; Cape Verde made it to this stage by drawing all three of their group matches, including a goalless tie with Spain. Facing Argentina means the Sharks must summon all their strength against a team steeped in World Cup glory and led by Lionel Messi, one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Cape Verde’s goalkeeper, Vozinha, is in for a challenging evening; Messi, who is currently contending for the Golden Boot, brings a wealth of offensive prowess, having scored six goals thus far. While Cape Verde has demonstrated notable defensive resilience by conceding only two goals during the tournament, they will be seriously tested against Argentina’s formidable attacking lineup.
Key Match: Colombia vs. Ghana
The nightcap takes place at 9:30 p.m. ET in Kansas City, where Colombia faces off against Ghana, with odds favoring Colombia at -550. Historically, Colombia has performed well against African teams, boasting victories in their last four encounters. Meanwhile, Ghana will be looking to make a mark, having had a less than stellar record against South American squads in World Cup history.
Colombia enters this match after topping Group K without suffering a loss, while Ghana finished third in Group L, securing a mixture of results with one win, one loss, and one draw. This match is critical, as the winner will play against Switzerland on Tuesday in the Round of 16, intensifying the stakes for both teams.
As these critical matchups approach, the anticipation is palpable. Fans are eager to witness which teams will advance and continue their journey in this prestigious tournament. Mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable day of football!