The best World Cup predictions today are that no team will go silently into the night with four years until a chance to earn redemption.
Today’s lineup features the defending champion, Argentina, against the tournament’s global darling, Cape Verde. All three matches today will determine which teams advance to the Round of 16 and take one step closer to winning the most sought-after trophy in the sport.
With the games set to begin this afternoon, we’ve assembled our best World Cup predictions and prediction market picks. Here’s where we’re looking in the markets.
World Cup predictions today
Australia vs. Egypt Prediction
A win over Paraguay, a loss to the USA, and a goalless draw against Paraguay do not represent an impressive Group Stage — especially since Australia only scored two total goals. This team likes to absorb pressure and hopes to lash out on the counter, although there is very little individual creativity in the lineup. Any hopes of an upset lie in winning through brute physicality.
Egypt also didn’t turn heads in its Group Stage, drawing with Belgium and Iran and beating New Zealand while conceding in all three matches. On the plus side, Egypt also never failed to score in any of the 90-minute periods and never conceded more than once in a game. Mohamed Salah put a hamstring injury behind him and will be ready for action as the focal point of the Egyptian attack that also thrives in transition.
Australia doesn’t seem capable of creating attacks if it isn’t running in straight lines and hoofing long balls or crosses in the box. Egypt hasn’t been perfect, but it is better than the Socceroos.
Trade Handle Australia vs. Egypt prediction: Egypt to advance ($.58 at Kalshi)
Australia vs. Egypt: How to Watch
Kickoff: 2:00 p.m. ET
TV: FOX, Telemundo, FOX One
Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
Argentina vs. Cape Verde Prediction
Argentina won all three of its Group Stage matches behind the excellence of Lionel Messi, who scored six goals, including one off the bench, vaulting him right into the heart of the Golden Boot race. This appears to be the most connected team in the tournament, and it is industrious in the midfield and in defense. Messi can create chances against anyone, meaning they are always a live threat.
Cape Verde stole the headlines with a 0-0 draw against Spain in the opener, before also drawing with Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. The fact that it didn’t beat anyone and only scored in one match is concerning, no matter how impregnable its defense appeared at different points. Its compact structure will only invite pressure from the Argentines and will put lots of pressure on wingers to bomb down the flanks in transition.
Cape Verde deserves tons of credit for getting to this point, but its run will end today. And it might not be competitive.
Trade Handle Argentina vs. Cape Verde prediction: Argentina regulation moneyline ($.87 at Kalshi)
Argentina vs. Cape Verde: How to Watch
Kickoff: 6:00 p.m. ET
TV: FOX, Telemundo, FOX One
Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
Colombia vs. Ghana Prediction
Scoring five points in the Group Stage, beating DR Congo, and holding Portugal to a goalless draw are all kind reflections of Colombia’s 2026 World Cup showing. This team showed mettle in attack and in defense at different points, and has players used to playing in important matches. They appeared to run out of gas late against Portugal and could suffer if this goes to extra time, which is an important consideration.
Ghana beat Panama, stole a goalless draw against England, and was 10 minutes away from trying with Croatia in the Group Stage. Players on this team like to engage with opponents and retain the ball in their defense and midfield, largely launching their attacks once they are organized and across midfield. That said, Antoine Semenyo is a walking bailout and can turn counterattacks into scoring chances in the blink of an eye.
This match will be determined by Ghana’s mindset when the first whistle blows. If it wants to get on the ball and is willing to combat Colombia out of possession, it is a live underdog.
Trade Handle Colombia vs. Ghana prediction: Ghana to advance ($.21 at Kalshi)
Colombia vs. Ghana: How to Watch
Kickoff: 9:30 p.m. ET
TV: FOX, Telemundo, FOX One
Location: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri