FIFA World Cup Betting Picks for July 3: Lionel Messi continues Golden Boot chase
It’s the final chance for teams to book their ticket to the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday.
The first phase of the knockout round concludes with a three-game slate beginning in Texas with Egypt facing Argentina.
The defending World Cup champions are next up as Argentina goes head-to-head with Cape Verde in Miami.
And the day’s action closes out in Kansas City with Colombia and Ghana going toe-to-toe.
Here’s our top World Cup betting picks and parlay plays for July 3.
Make sure to check out Sports Interaction’s complete list of World Cup game odds, World Cup futures and World Cup specials and props.
Australia vs. Egypt
Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Time: 2 p.m. ET
How to watch in Canada: TSN, TSN+
Australia finished runner-up in Group D after stringing together a win, loss and draw each, with their 0-0 tie against Paraguay on Matchday 3 allowing both teams to reach the knockout stage. The Socceroos are the healthier team entering this match, which is a huge advantage between two teams that sit right around each other in the FIFA world rankings.
Egypt actually tied with Belgium on points in Group G, but settled for runner-up because their plus-two goal differential didn’t beat the Red Devils’ plus-five. The biggest concern for this game is Mohamed Salah’s hamstring injury, which will likely slow down the national team captain.
Australia vs. Egypt betting pick: Australia three-way moneyline (+230)
Parlay play: Australia three-way moneyline + both teams to score (+700)
You can see our full Australia vs. Egypt game preview and score prediction here.
Argentina vs. Cape Verde
Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida
Time: 6 p.m. ET
How to watch in Canada: TSN, TSN+
With Kylian Mbappe and France already playing their Round of 32 game, Argentina’s Lionel Messi has a great chance to take the lead in the Golden Boot race as the two superstars are tied at six goals apiece. The 39-year-old has accounted for 75 per cent of Argentina’s eight goals and he should be comfortable back in Miami, although Inter Miami play their home games at Nu Stadium, not Hard Rock Stadium.
Cape Verde will counter with fan-favourite goalkeeper Vozinha, who led the Blue Sharks to a surprise runner-up finish in Group H. Cape Verde is the only first-time World Cup team to make it the the knockout stage this year, but Argentina and Messi are a beast this underdog team won’t slay.
Argentina vs. Cape Verde betting pick: Lionel Messi goal and Argentina win (-185)
Parlay play: Lione Messi anytime goal + Argetina Over 2.5 goals + Argentina lead at halftime and fulltime (+165)
You can see our full Argentina vs. Cape Verde game preview and score prediction here.
Colombia vs. Ghana
Location: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
How to watch in Canada: TSN, TSN+
Colombia held Portugal to a 0-0 draw in the group stage finale to take Group K. The Tricolour have been defensively stingy, conceding just one goal in the tournament. That spells trouble for a Ghana side that has only scored twice in three group stage games.
Ghana is through to the knockout round as one of the top third-placed teams. The Black Stars have proven to be a tough out, holding England to a scoreless draw on Matchday 2.
Colombia vs. Ghana betting pick: Game total Under 2.5 (-160)
Parlay play: Luis Suarez anytime goal + game total Under 2.5 + Colombia three-way moneyline (+675)
You can see our full Colombia vs. Ghana game preview and score prediction here.