World Cup Predictions Today 3 July: Messi 2+ Goals In Today's Best Bets

As the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 reaches its final few games, here are our World Cup predictions today and best bets for three more fascinating knockout ties taking place on Friday night and into Saturday morning.

With a place in the last 16 on the line, every mistake could prove costly as Australia, Egypt, Argentina, Cape Verde, Colombia and Ghana all look to extend their World Cup campaigns.

Friday's schedule sees tournament favourites Argentina return to action, while Egypt aim to spring an upset against Australia before Colombia and Ghana round off another exciting night of knockout football.

World Cup Predictions Today

Australia vs Egypt – 19:00

Prediction: Australia 1-2 Egypt

This promises to be one of the most evenly matched contests of the Round of 32.

Australia have impressed with their organisation and defensive discipline throughout the tournament, but Egypt possess the individual quality capable of deciding tight knockout matches.

With Mohamed Salah leading the line and plenty of pace on the counter-attack, Egypt look well equipped to exploit any opportunities that come their way.

The latest World Cup Odds make this a closely priced contest with most UK Betting Sites, but Egypt's greater attacking quality could ultimately prove decisive.

Argentina vs Cape Verde – 23:00

Prediction: Argentina 3-0 Cape Verde

Argentina head into this encounter as overwhelming favourites according to the latest Argentina World Cup Odds.

Lionel Scaloni's side have looked every inch title contenders throughout the tournament, combining defensive solidity with the attacking brilliance that has made them one of the standout teams in the competition.

Cape Verde deserve enormous credit for reaching the knockout rounds, but facing the reigning South American champions represents a significant step up in class.

Expect Argentina to dominate possession, create chances throughout and progress comfortably.

Colombia vs Ghana – 02:30

Prediction: Colombia 2-1 Ghana

This has all the ingredients of an entertaining knockout clash.

Colombia have been among the tournament's most consistent sides, combining defensive organisation with plenty of creativity in the final third.

However, Ghana have repeatedly shown they possess the pace and athleticism to trouble strong opponents, particularly on the counter-attack.

The latest odds narrowly favour Colombia, although Ghana should ensure this remains competitive throughout before the South Americans edge into the last 16.

World Cup Best Bets Today

Below, we have picked out three of our best bets based on today's World Cup predictions.

All odds are taken from Betnero at 09:00 UK time on Friday, 3 July 2026.

Mohamed Salah First Goalscorer – 5.50

Our first selection is Mohamed Salah to open the scoring.

Egypt's captain remains their biggest attacking weapon and thrives in high-pressure occasions.

If Egypt are to knock out Australia, Salah is likely to be central to everything they do in the final third, and his pace, movement and finishing ability make him an attractive first goalscorer selection at generous odds.

Lionel Messi To Score 2+ Goals – 2.90

Next, we are backing Lionel Messi to score at least twice against Cape Verde.

The Argentina captain has already enhanced his position in the World Cup Golden Boot Odds after his group-stage hat-trick against Algeria and continues to perform at the highest level on football's biggest stage.

Argentina should create plenty of opportunities throughout the contest, and if they produce another dominant attacking display, Messi looks well placed to add at least two more goals to his tournament tally.

Colombia To Win & Both Teams To Score – 4.00

Finally, we are backing Colombia to progress while conceding along the way.

Colombia possess enough attacking quality to create regular chances, but Ghana have already demonstrated they can trouble quality opposition with their pace and direct approach.

With Colombia expected to control possession while Ghana threaten on the break, backing both teams to score alongside a Colombian victory offers excellent value.