World Cup Betting Picks and Predictions for July 3

The Round of 32 keeps rolling on July 3 with three matches that cover a wide range of storylines. Argentina, the top-ranked team on the planet, faces World Cup debutants Cape Verde in Miami. Mohamed Salah’s fitness is a genuine question mark for Egypt against Australia. And Colombia takes on a Ghana side that lost Mohammed Kudus for the rest of the tournament.

Yesterday’s results shaped the bracket nicely. Spain cruised past Austria with a 3-0 win, Portugal edged Croatia 2-1 on a late winner, and Switzerland blanked Algeria 2-0. Today’s slate is heavier on lopsided matchups, but there is still betting value if you know where to look. And if you’d like to know more, you can visit our World Cup betting guide.

Odds for July 3 World Cup Matches

Australia vs Egypt

2:00 PM ET | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX

Australia (FIFA No. 28) finished second in Group D with a 1-1-1 record. The Socceroos beat Turkiye with a 2-0 win but managed just 0.70 xG per match across the group stage. They are missing Mathew Leckie and Jacob Italiano for this one.

Egypt (FIFA No. 26) went unbeaten in Group G (1-2-0) and averaged 1.19 xG per match. The major storyline here is Mohamed Salah. He picked up a hamstring strain against Iran on June 27, and his status remains uncertain. If Salah sits, Omar Marmoush will lead the Egyptian attack. AT&T Stadium has a retractable roof, so weather is a non-factor. Head-to-head, Egypt leads the all-time series 1-0-1.

This match has the profile of a tight, low-scoring contest. Australia’s group-stage xG of 0.70 per match tells you they struggle to create chances, and Egypt will be cautious regardless of Salah’s availability. The total of 2.0 sits right on the number, and we lean toward the under here.

BTTS No at -149 (Everygame) is also worth a look here. Australia scored in just half their group matches and averaged 0.70 xG per game. If Salah sits or starts on a minutes restriction, Egypt’s ability to break down the Socceroos’ low block drops considerably.

Pick: Under 2.0 (-128 at Bovada): Australia’s attack averaged fewer than one expected goal per match through the group stage, and Egypt will prioritize keeping things tight in a knockout match. This total sits low for a reason.

Argentina vs Cape Verde

6:00 PM ET | Miami Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL

Argentina (FIFA No. 1) ran a perfect group stage with three wins, nine points, and a +7 goal differential. Lionel Messi is fully fit and co-leading the tournament in goals scored. No injuries to report, and the squad depth is deep enough to rotate without losing quality.

Cape Verde (FIFA No. 73) are the tournament’s feel-good story. They drew all three group games, including a 0-0 result against Spain and a 2-2 draw with Uruguay, making them the smallest nation to reach the World Cup knockout stages. Being unbeaten is admirable, but the jump from holding on for draws to beating Argentina is significant.

Argentina should control this match from the opening whistle. The spread of -2/-2.5 at Bovada (+105) offers plus-money on the most talented squad in the field covering by at least two goals. Cape Verde’s defensive style kept group-stage scores close, but Argentina’s front line is a different challenge entirely. Miami conditions will be hot and humid with possible evening storms, which should not bother a South American squad accustomed to those conditions.

The HT/FT market at Everygame offers Argentina/Argentina (leading at halftime, winning at full time) at -222. That is the most likely outcome by a wide margin. If you want a longer shot, BTTS No at -250 reflects just how one-sided this should be, but the juice is steep. The better additional play is Over 3.0 at BetUS (+116), where you are getting plus money on Argentina’s firepower against a team that will eventually have to push forward.

Pick: Argentina -2/-2.5 (+105 at Bovada): Argentina went +7 on goal differential in three group matches, and Cape Verde have yet to win a game at this tournament. Plus-money on a two-goal cover is strong value.

Colombia vs Ghana

9:30 PM ET | Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, MO

Colombia (FIFA No. 12) topped Group K with seven points and just one goal conceded. James Rodriguez is pulling the strings in midfield, and Luis Diaz and Richard Rios are both fit. The Colombians averaged 1.43 xG per match, showing they consistently create quality chances.

Ghana (FIFA No. 48) qualified as a third-place finisher and lost Mohammed Kudus for the tournament, which strips out their most dangerous creative outlet. Head coach Carlos Queiroz previously managed Colombia, so he knows these players well, but familiarity can only do so much when the talent gap is this wide. Ghana’s record against South American teams at the World Cup sits at 0-3.

Colombia’s xG dominance (1.43 vs. Ghana’s 0.70 per match) makes the -1/-1.5 spread at Bovada at even money one of the best plays on the board today. You are getting a Colombia side that conceded once in three group games at a flat pick-em price to win by two or more.

BTTS No at -175 (Everygame) is the additional market to watch. Ghana scored just two goals across three group matches and lost their most creative player in Kudus. Colombia kept two clean sheets. The HT/FT line of Colombia/Colombia at +100 (Everygame) also looks sharp given Colombia’s tendency to control games from the start.

Pick: Colombia -1/-1.5 (EVEN at Bovada): Colombia conceded just one goal across three group matches, and Ghana’s attack loses its most dangerous player in Kudus. Even money on a team with double the xG output is outstanding value.

Where to Bet on Today’s World Cup Matches

Bovada stands out as the top book across today’s three-match slate. They have the best spread on Argentina at -2/-2.5 (+105), the best spread on Colombia at -1/-1.5 (EVEN), and competitive totals across the board with Egypt-Australia Under 2.0 at -128. 

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