July 3, 2026, 6:30 a.m. ET
Day 23 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup closes out the round of 32 with three matches. After today’s slate, the full field of 16 will be decided and the tournament bracket becomes much clearer.
Australia and Egypt open the day in Arlington. Argentina and Cape Verde meet in Miami. Colombia and Ghana close out the round of 32 in Kansas City.
All times Eastern and accurate as of Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 12:47 p.m.
Round of 32: Australia vs Egypt
Time/TV: 2:00 PM ET on Fox at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas
Why watch: These are two plucky sides capable of causing headaches the further they advance. While neither team is considered to be a favorite, they have the ability to defend well and strike on the break. That will worry any big side they come up against. The attraction here is that these two are so evenly matched that it should make for an interesting matchup.
Why it could disappoint: Both teams are defensive-minded, cagey, and low-scoring by design. If neither side takes a risk in the first hour, this can drift into a slow-burn 0-0 or 1-1 that has to be settled in penalties.
Round of 32: Argentina vs Cape Verde
Time/TV: 6:00 PM ET on Fox at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida
Why watch: Cape Verde are the biggest Cinderella story in quite some time. Now they must deal with the world champs and greatest player ever. How will Messi respond after Mbappe pulled within one of the scoring record?
Why it could disappoint: The betting odds are as one-sided as any knockout tilt of the tournament. Cape Verde’s plan is to defend and hope for a set piece. If Argentina scores in the first half, this can get out of hand really quickly.
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Round of 32: Colombia vs Ghana
Time/TV: 9:30 PM ET on Fox at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri
Why watch: Colombia always bring a party with them on and off the field at the World Cup. The knockout stage is when it really starts kicking into high gear. However, Ghana are here to wreck the festivities. Can the South Americans turn on their style and flair and make another deep run? This will be a great first test for them.
Why it could disappoint: Ghana has already proven they don’t care about making the match fun to watch. They are here to get the result by any means necessary. That will involve sitting back and staying compact. If Colombia can’t break through early, it could be another long and tedious march to the end like we saw in the England match.
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