World Cup July 3, 2026: Three Matches Today and What to Watch
Australia vs Egypt, Argentina vs Cape Verde, Colombia vs Ghana - July 3 World Cup schedule in plain English with UK times and why each game matters.
July 3 is the last day of the World Cup Round of 32 - the stage where 16 teams play for survival.
Three games today. Three winners stay. Three nations go home.
Here is the schedule in plain language, with UK times.
July 3 schedule
| UK time | Match | Stadium | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 PM | Australia vs Egypt | AT&T Stadium | Dallas |
| 11:00 PM | Argentina vs Cape Verde | Hard Rock Stadium | Miami |
| 1:30 AM (July 4) | Colombia vs Ghana | Arrowhead Stadium | Kansas City |
All three are knockout games. Lose and you are out of the World Cup.
Match 1 - Australia vs Egypt (7 PM UK)
Why watch: Mohamed Salah and Egypt against Australia - two teams trying to win their first ever World Cup knockout match.
Australia shocked people by beating Turkey in the group stage. Egypt beat Belgium with Salah pulling the strings.
Simple prediction: tight game. One goal could decide it.
Winner plays: the Netherlands or another Round of 16 tie - bracket depends on other results.
Match 2 - Argentina vs Cape Verde (11 PM UK)
Why watch: This is the story of the day.
Argentina are the defending champions. Lionel Messi has 6 goals at this World Cup and could score in an 8th straight World Cup game - a record.
Cape Verde are the smallest country ever to reach a World Cup knockout round. Goalkeeper Vozinha became an internet star when he kept Spain to 0-0 in the group stage - millions of new followers in one night.
Messi vs Vozinha. Champions vs fairytale. Miami will be loud.
Simple prediction: Argentina are favorites. But Cape Verde already proved they are not scared of anyone.
Match 3 - Colombia vs Ghana (1:30 AM UK, July 4)
Why watch: Colombia won Group K ahead of Portugal. Ghana scraped through as one of the best third-placed teams.
Ghana under Carlos Queiroz defend well and hit on the break. Colombia have been one of the most organized teams in the tournament.
Late kickoff for Europe - but worth it if you love underdog football.
Winner plays: Switzerland on Tuesday in Vancouver - the Swiss beat Algeria 2-0 overnight.
What already happened
Before today’s games:
- Spain beat Austria 3-0 on July 2 - read our full summary
- Switzerland beat Algeria 2-0 in Vancouver - Embolo and Ndoye scored
Tomorrow July 4: Canada vs Morocco and France vs Paraguay.
Coming this weekend
- July 5: Brazil vs Norway (Haaland), Mexico vs England at the Azteca
The World Cup is entering its best week. Three games today. Pick one - or stay up for all three.