World Cup Betting Tips Today: Predictions & Best Bets for July 3rd

The knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup continue on Friday with three more matches, where the reigning champions are back in action. Argentina won all three group games and come up against Cape Verde - who famously drew 0-0 with Spain in round one. Fellow South Americans Colombia are in action vs Ghana before Australia take on Egypt.

Our World Cup tipster Nathan Joyes provides his best three bets. Read his World Cup tips below.

Argentina vs Cape Verde

It's a real David vs Goliath on Friday as the champions take on the surprise package this World Cup in the form of Cape Verde. Argentina head into the round of 32 as one of the favourites to protect their title with a rather generous draw in their favour - and having won all three group matches it's difficult to argue with the market.

So far, it has all been about Lionel Messi who has scored six goals - including a hattrick vs Algeria and brace against Austria. But while the headlines have been about the greatest player of this generation, Lionel Scaloni's side have so much depth and attacking options that will concern Cape Verde.

The debutants shocked Spain and Uruguay - and head into their fourth World Cup match still unbeaten - but for how long? Argentina have prepped for these kind of matches in the build up to the World Cup. Puerto Rico, Angola, Honduras and Iceland all brushed to one side - and Scaloni's side can easily beat low blocks.

With that in mind, I'm sticking up Argentina HT/FT and BTTS No at 20/21 with BetMGM.

Colombia vs Ghana

Colombia have arguably been one of the most exciting teams this summer and qualified top of the group after beating Uzbekistan, DR Congo and holding Portugal to a draw. More impressively, Colombia have only conceded one goal, and it didn't come against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

Los Cafeteros scored three against Uzbekistan and although it took a while for them to find the winner vs DR Congo, their high press penned the Africans into their own half before Daniel Munoz scored his second of the World Cup.

Colombia have options across the park. Luis Diaz, Luis Suarez, Jhon Arias and James Rodriguez all pose threats in the final third, and Ghana may struggle with their pace and power.

Ghana may have held England to a 0-0 draw, but Thomas Tuchel's side can't move the ball as quick as the South Americans. They have come through an easier group than most faced, but now drawn against a nation hopeful of a deep run in the tournament, this should be the end of the line for Ghana, who don't lack the firepower or stars that Colombia have.

Therefore, I'm happy to play Colombia to win to nil at 11/10 with BetMGM.

Australia vs Egypt

Egypt are unbeaten heading into the knockout stage having held both Belgium and Iran while beating New Zealand 3-1 in round two. Australia, on the other hand, weren't expected to join them but an opening day win over Turkiye saw them all but qualify after 90 minutes.

The Pharoah's had not won a World Cup match before beating the Kiwis, and it won't be a formality against the Socceroos to claim their second. Up front, they can be lethal with Omar Marmoush and Mohammed Salah, but defensively there a few cracks that Australia will look to expose.

However, they haven't scored since the 75th minute in round one and Australia need to show much more going forward if they are to make it to the next round. This match looks as though it could go all the way - and extra-time/penalties provides plenty of value.

The Socceroos are incredibly tough to break down, while Egypt haven't shown much in front of goal aside from against a poor New Zealand outfit.

I'm backing the draw at 15/8 with BetMGM.

Betting Tips

Argentina vs Cape Verde: Argentina HT/FT and BTTS No at 20/21

Colombia vs Ghana: Colombia to win to nil at 11/10

Australia vs Egypt: Draw at 15/8