World Cup Predictions Today 7 July: Messi Vs Salah In Today's Best Bets

As the FIFA World Cup Last 16 continues, here are our World Cup predictions today and best bets for two fascinating knockout ties taking place on Tuesday.

With quarter-final places on the line, every match carries huge significance as Argentina, Egypt, Switzerland and Colombia all look to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

Tuesday's schedule sees tournament favourites Argentina return to action after a major scare, while Switzerland and Colombia meet in what promises to be one of the tightest contests of the Last 16.

World Cup Predictions Today

Argentina vs Egypt – 17:00

Prediction: Argentina 3-1 Egypt

Argentina survived one of the biggest scares in World Cup history after edging past Cape Verde 3-2 following extra time.

Lionel Scaloni's side came close to a shock exit before eventually finding a way through, highlighting both their resilience and the fine margins that define knockout football.

Despite that scare, the latest Argentina World Cup Odds continue to place the South Americans among the leading contenders for the trophy thanks to the quality throughout their squad.

With seven goals, Lionel Messi also remains firmly in contention in the World Cup Golden Boot Odds, and the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner will once again be expected to inspire his side in the final third.

Egypt, meanwhile, progressed in dramatic fashion after drawing 1-1 with Australia before producing a composed display in the penalty shootout to win 4-2.

Mohamed Salah remains Egypt's biggest attacking threat and possesses the quality to punish any defensive lapses, particularly on the counter-attack.

However, Argentina should learn from their Round of 32 scare and deliver a much more controlled performance to book their place in the quarter-finals.

Switzerland vs Colombia – 21:00

Prediction: Switzerland 1-1 Colombia (Switzerland to win on penalties)

This has all the ingredients of a classic knockout encounter.

Switzerland continued their impressive tournament with a disciplined 2-0 victory over Algeria, once again demonstrating the defensive organisation that has made them one of the competition's toughest teams to break down.

Their structure without the ball has been excellent throughout the tournament, while they have consistently taken their chances at key moments.

Colombia also impressed in the Round of 32, edging past Ghana 1-0 in a tightly contested affair.

Their disciplined approach and technical quality in midfield allowed them to control long spells of possession, although clear-cut opportunities proved difficult to create.

The latest World Cup odds suggest there is very little between these two nations, with most UK Betting Sites expecting another closely fought battle.

With both sides so evenly matched, extra time and penalties could ultimately be required before Switzerland edge through from the spot.

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 Tuesday, 7 July 2026.

Argentina To Win & Both Teams To Score – 3.75

Our first selection is Argentina to progress while conceding along the way.

Although Argentina remain one of the strongest teams left in the tournament, their defensive vulnerabilities were exposed against Cape Verde.

Egypt possess enough pace and attacking talent through Salah to find the net, but Argentina's superior quality across the pitch should ultimately see them safely into the last eight.

Lionel Messi First Goalscorer – 2.90

Next, we are backing Lionel Messi to open the scoring.

The Argentina captain continues to lead from the front and remains one of the tournament's most dangerous attacking players.

With his movement, creativity and composure inside the penalty area, Messi looks well placed to strike first and further strengthen his position in the Golden Boot race.

Switzerland To Win On Penalties – 12.00

Finally, we are backing Switzerland to prevail in a penalty shootout.

There is little separating these two disciplined sides, and both have shown throughout the tournament that they are capable of remaining organised under pressure.

If neither team can find a decisive breakthrough over 120 minutes, Switzerland's composure and defensive resilience could prove enough to see them through from the spot, making this an attractive value selection at generous odds.