Argentina v Cape Verde headlines who is playing in the world cup today on Friday 3 July, the final day of the last 32 at the 2026 World Cup. Australia meet Egypt in Dallas and Colombia face Ghana, with three more teams to join the last 16.
Lionel Messi and Argentina
Argentina arrive with a perfect group stage behind them, eight goals scored and one conceded. Lionel Messi has been the name to watch after six goals in three games, and the defending champions now carry that form into a knockout tie that Cape Verde have never reached before.
That contrast sharpens the match. La Albiceleste have the numbers and the title, while the Blue Sharks are playing their first World Cup knockout match after already clearing the biggest hurdle in their history.
Mohamed Salah in Dallas
Australia and Egypt bring a different kind of pressure. Tony Popovic has set Australia up to stay compact in defence and quick on the break, while Mohamed Salah and Egypt reach the round unbeaten through three games with one win and two draws.
Egypt in Dallas has been the focus because of Salah’s fitness, which has dominated the buildup. For the Pharaohs, that leaves every minute of his availability carrying more weight than a typical group-stage note, especially in a match where both sides are chasing a first knockout win at a World Cup.
Colombia, Ghana and Fox
Colombia topped Group K ahead of Portugal and enter as dark horses, while Ghana have already shown defensive resolve against Croatia, England and Panama. Carlos Queiroz has Ghana organised, and Antoine Semenyo is the player to watch for a side that has already proved hard to break down.
Viewers in the United States can follow the matches on Fox and Telemundo, with streaming on Fubo. Friday’s schedule closes the last 32 with only three places left in the last 16, so the reader’s practical job is simple: pick the match, find the channel, and watch which of Argentina, Cape Verde, Australia, Egypt, Colombia or Ghana takes the next step.
