FIFA World Cup Picks and Predictions: July 3, 2026
Written by: Nate Hornung
Published: Fri Jul 03, 2026, 10:40 am ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
FIFA World Cup
The Round of 32 concludes today in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the final three matches of this stage. We have matchups for six of our eight Round of 16 contests, with the winners of Argentina vs. Cape Verde and Australia and Egypt meeting in the next round, while Colombia or Ghana will face off against Switzerland. We've had plenty of success in the knockout stage, so let's hope it continues today with our favorite World Cup picks.
Check out the best odds on the market and tons of picks in different soccer leagues across the world.
Australia vs. Egypt FIFA World Cup Picks
Australia made it out of the Group Stage and now face Egypt in the Round of 32
Best Bet: Australia/Egypt 1H Draw (-110) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
This is a tough match to decipher for me. On paper, I believe Egypt is the better team. But after watching Australia during the Group Stage matches, I needed to readjust my personal evaluation of the Socceroos. The books clearly think this is going to be a low scoring match, with the total set at a flat two goals. I tend to lean that way as well.
I am making this bet thinking we see a scoreless first half. Now, you can take the 1H Under 0.5 for (+140) if you'd rather sweat that out. I'll take a bit of cushion in case this is a 1-1 draw at the first break. Australia scored one of their two goals against Turkey in the first half, and allowed both goals to the United States before the break as well. I think they come into this match incredibly focused on the defensive side of the ball.
As for Egypt, they've scored twice and conceded twice in the first half of their group stage matches, but given this is a knockout round, they should be more cautious. I see both teams being very afraid to make a mistake early on, with this match opening up in the second half.
Argentina vs. Cape Verde FIFA World Cup Picks
Lautaro Martinez and Argentina take on Cape Verde in the Round of 32. Will they have more success than Spain did?
Best Bet: Argentina/Cape Verde Under 3 (-122) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
We are paying a buck 22 for this under at a flat three goals, giving us some push potential. Cape Verde played Spain to a scoreless draw. I don't see them being that lucky in this contest, but they should still be able to contain Argentina, especially if they are unwilling to run up the score.
Look for Argentina to find a go ahead goal very quickly in this match, causing them to sit back and be less aggressive. Again, I do not see Messi and company running up the score. Rather, they should build a comfortable lead early on, and look to play possession and save their legs. Ultimately, I do not see Cape Verde scoring at all, but I also did not see them netting any (let alone two against Uruguay) in their group stage matches.
This one might be sweaty, but I only see it being a 2-0 Argentinian victory (+435).
Colombia vs. Ghana FIFA World Cup Picks
Luis Diaz and Colombia take on Ghana tonight in the Round of 32 at Arrowhead Stadium
Best Bet: Colombia ML/Under 3.5 (-102) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
I see Colombia winning a low scoring match here, and I also endorse Colombia to win to nil at (+102). This team allowed just one goal in their three group stage matches, but really dominated the stat sheet in all of them.
They beat Uzbekistan 3-1, securing 61% of possession and creating 1.61 expected goals. Against Congo, they controlled 64% of possession in their 1-0 win, creating 0.98 xG while allowing just 0.37. Lastly, they played a scoreless draw against Portugal, but controlled 55% of possession and won the xG battle 1.70 to 0.93. This team is rock solid on both ends of the pitch, and I see them taking it to Ghana today.
Ghana barely beat Panama, created just 0.21 expected goals against England, and lost to Croatia 2-1, despite winning the xG battle 0.64 to 0.42. Their best shot is bracing for the Colombian attack, and I imagine they will be on their heels most of the match.
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Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.
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