BETTING GUIDE: Australia vs Egypt, Argentina vs Cape Verde, World Cup Predictions

BETTING GUIDE: Australia vs Egypt

Australia and Egypt meet in a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash at AT&T Stadium, with a place in the last 16 up for grabs. Both nations progressed from their respective groups as runners-up after impressive group-stage campaigns and will be aiming to continue their World Cup journey.

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Australia finished second in Group D after beating Turkey, losing to the USA and drawing with Paraguay, while Egypt secured second place in Group G behind Belgium after remaining unbeaten with a win over New Zealand and draws against Belgium and Iran.

With Argentina or Cape Verde awaiting the winner in the next round, both teams have everything to play for in this knockout encounter.

Kick-off: 9:00 PM (Kenyan Time), Friday

Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Stage: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 32

Current standings: Australia – 2nd in Group D | Egypt – 2nd in Group G

Austria's attempts were in vain: Rangnick's team easy prey for Spain

Qualification implications: The winner advances to the Round of 16 to face either Argentina or Cape Verde, while the loser is eliminated from the tournament.

Form Guide

Australia

✅ Win vs Turkey (2-0)

❌ Loss vs USA (0-2)

➖ Draw vs Paraguay (0-0)

✅ Win

➖ Draw

Egypt

➖ Draw vs Belgium (1-1)

✅ Win vs New Zealand (3-1)

➖ Draw vs Iran (1-1)

✅ Win

➖ Draw

Head-to-Head (Last Meetings)

✅ Egypt 3-0 Australia (Friendly, 2010)

Team News

Australia

❌ Jacob Italiano – Groin injury (unavailable)

❌ Mathew Leckie – Hamstring injury (unavailable)

Egypt

🟡 Mohamed Salah – Hamstring (doubt, there’s hope he could start though)

🟡 Hamdy Fathy – Groin (doubt)

🟡 Hossam Abdelmaguid – Head injury (doubt)

🟡 Mohamed Abdelmonem – Ankle injury (doubt)

🟡 Ahmed El Fotouh – Hamstring (doubt)

❌ Mohanad Lasheen – Suspended (yellow card accumulation)

Austria's attempts were in vain: Rangnick's team easy prey for Spain

Player to Watch: Nestory Irankunda (Australia)

The 20-year-old forward has quickly become one of Australia's most exciting attacking players. His pace, direct running and eye for goal make him a constant threat, and he has already found the net during this World Cup. With Australia's hopes of reaching another Round of 16 resting heavily on their attack, Irankunda will be expected to provide the spark capable of unlocking Egypt's defence.

Player to Watch: Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

If declared fit, Mohamed Salah remains Egypt's biggest match-winner. His movement, creativity and finishing ability can change the game in an instant, especially in knockout football. Although he is recovering from a hamstring problem, Egypt will hope their captain is available as they chase a historic place in the Round of 16.

🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk)

Under 3.5 Goals

🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk)

Egypt to Qualify

🔴 Long Shot (High Risk)

Egypt to Win 2-1

MozzartSport Writers Predictions:

• Imran Otieno- Over 2.5

• Meshack Kisenge- Over 1.5

• Kevin Teya- Both Teams To Score

• Sammy Gitahi- Draw

• Brian Odhiambo- Egypt Win

• Victor Karuga- Egypt Win

• Josh Angatia- Egypt Win Or Draw

BETTING GUIDE: Argentina vs Cape Verde

Defending world champions Argentina continue their quest to retain the FIFA World Cup crown when they face tournament debutants Cape Verde in the Round of 32 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Lionel Scaloni's side have been one of the standout teams in the competition, winning all three group-stage matches to finish top of their group with a perfect record.

Cape Verde have already exceeded expectations by reaching the knockout stage in their first-ever World Cup appearance. The Blue Sharks remained unbeaten in the group stage thanks to their disciplined defensive displays, earning three draws and conceding just two goals. However, they now face their toughest challenge yet against one of the tournament favourites.

Kick-off: 1:00 AM (Kenyan Time), Saturday

Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, USA

Stage: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 32

Current standings: Argentina – 1st in Group | Cape Verde – Qualified as Group runners-up

Clear message to Nagelsmann: Leave on your own or be sacked

Qualification implications: The winner advances to the Round of 16, while the loser is eliminated from the FIFA World Cup.

Form Guide

Argentina

✅ Win vs Austria

✅ Win

✅ Win

✅ Win

✅ Win

Cape Verde

➖ Draw vs Spain (0-0)

➖ Draw vs Uruguay (2-2)

➖ Draw vs Saudi Arabia (0-0)

✅ Win

✅ Win

Head-to-Head

There have been no previous meetings between Argentina and Cape Verde.

Team News

Argentina

🟢 Cristian Romero – Knee scare but expected to be fit.

🟢 Lionel Messi – Expected to return to the starting XI.

🟢 Rodrigo De Paul – Expected to return after being rested.

🟢 Alexis Mac Allister – Expected to return to the starting XI.

Cape Verde

❌ Telmo Arcanjo – Muscle injury (doubt/unavailable).

🟢 Jamiro Monteiro – Fit after injury scare.

🟢 Kevin Lenini – Fit after injury scare.

All African teams are alike; each unhappy ending has the same plot

Player to Watch: Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Lionel Messi has been in sensational form, scoring six goals in the tournament and leading Argentina's attack with his usual brilliance. His experience and ability to decide big knockout matches make him the biggest threat on the pitch.

With Argentina chasing back-to-back World Cup titles, Messi will once again be expected to inspire the defending champions and guide them into the Round of 16.

Player to Watch: Vozinha (Cape Verde)

The experienced goalkeeper has been the backbone of Cape Verde's impressive defensive displays. His outstanding saves have helped the Blue Sharks keep two clean sheets in the tournament. Against an Argentine attack led by Messi and Lautaro Martinez, Vozinha will need another exceptional performance if Cape Verde are to pull off a major upset.

🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk)

Argentina to Win

🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk)

Messi to score

🔴 Long Shot (High Risk)

First Half Draw

MozzartSport Writers Predictions:

• Imran Otieno-Argentina Win

• Meshack Kisenge- Argentina Win

• Kevin Teya- Argentina Win

• Sammy Gitahi- Argentina Win

• Brian Odhiambo- Argentina Win

• Victor Karuga- Argentina Win and Over 1.5

• Josh Angatia- Messi to Score

Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling