The final day of the last 32 promises more drama and excitement at the 2026 World Cup with defending champions Argentina in action. Lionel Messi and Co are firm favourites to make the last 16, but Cape Verde have already defied the odds to make it this far. Nothing is guaranteed.
Australia and Egypt will face off in Dallas on Friday with both teams aiming to win a knockout match at a World Cup for the first time in their history. Meanwhile, only one of Colombia or Ghana can progress through to the next round, with the former starting to earn a reputation as dark horses.
For one final day, the door to the last 16 is open, but there is only room for three more teams to squeeze through.
Here is your complete guide on how to watch today’s World Cup games, including kick-off times, broadcast networks and online streaming options.
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Australia v Egypt
Time (ET): 2pm
Stadium: Dallas Stadium
How to watch
United States: Fox / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)
Canada: TSN (Stream)
United Kingdom: BBC One (Stream)
Australia: SBS (Stream)
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What to watch for
Australia may not always be the most exhilarating team to watch, but nobody can argue with their effectiveness. Tony Popovic has set up his side to be compact in defence and lightning quick on the break. Turkey discovered this to their cost in the group stage and Egypt must be wary of the Socceroos.
Mohamed Salah and Egypt are unbeaten through three games at the World Cup, registering one win and two draws. Like Australia, the Pharaohs are most dangerous in quick transition, and so this could be an unusual match in which neither team wants control of the ball.
Player to watch: Mohamed Salah, Egypt – The wide forward’s fitness has dominated the buildup to this match in Egypt. If Salah is ready to start, he could be the difference between two teams with similar approaches.
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Argentina v Cape Verde
Time (ET): 6pm
Stadium: Miami Stadium
How to watch
United States: Fox / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)
Canada: TSN (Stream)
United Kingdom: ITV1 (Stream)
Australia: SBS (Stream)
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What to watch for
So far, so good for Argentina in their World Cup defence. Messi and his team maintained a perfect record through the group stage, scoring eight goals and conceding just one in the process. On the basis of what they have shown so far, La Albiceleste will take some stopping. Their game is functioning well.
Cape Verde have made history at every turn this summer. Not just content with qualifying for their first World Cup, the Blue Sharks will now play their first World Cup knockout match against the defending champions. Cape Verde kept Spain and Uruguay at arm’s length and will aim to do the same against Argentina.
Player to watch: Lionel Messi, Argentina – The Goat has been in top form so far, scoring six goals in just three games. Even at 39, Messi is unmatched when it comes to deciding a match at the elite level. There’s no one like him.
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Colombia v Ghana
Time (ET): 9.30pm
Stadium: Kansas City Stadium
How to watch
United States: Fox / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)
Canada: TSN (Stream)
United Kingdom: ITV1 (Stream)
Australia: SBS (Stream)
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What to watch for
Colombia have grown into their role as dark horses, topping Group K ahead of Portugal to set up a favourable last-32 tie against Ghana. While the South Americans have scored more than one goal in just one of their three matches so far, they have shown enough to suggest a deep run could be on the cards.
Ghana have exceeded gloomy pre-tournament predictions by making it this far. Carlos Queiroz has managed to instil a doggedness in his team who have shown their defensive resolve in matches against Croatia, England and Panama. Colombia could find them difficult to break down.
Player to watch: Antoine Semenyo, Ghana – If Ghana are to stand a genuine chance of making the last 16, they’ll need Semenyo in top form. The Manchester City attacker has struggled for service, but is capable of magic with the ball at his feet.
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