World Cup Round of 32 Concludes with Key Matches Featuring Argentina, Egypt, Colombia

The Round of 32 in the 2026 World Cup concludes overnight with three decisive matches determining the teams advancing to the Round of 16. Australia faces Egypt in a crucial knockout match at 21:00, where Australia aims to continue its tradition of reaching the last 16, having done so in 2006 and 2022. Egypt, appearing in the knockout stage for the first time, seeks its first victory, led by star Mohamed Salah, who is likely playing his final tournament and is eager to achieve a historic milestone after a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations.

At 1:00, Argentina plays Cape Verde. Argentina, a strong favorite for the title, will mark coach Lionel Scaloni's 100th match in charge. The team, led by Lionel Messi, the World Cup's all-time top scorer alongside Kylian Mbappé, aims for its fourth World Cup trophy. Cape Verde, the second smallest nation ever to compete in the tournament, remains undefeated in the campaign and is determined not to be a mere backdrop for the champions, as coach Pedro 'Bobista' Leitão emphasized.

The final match at 4:30 features Colombia against Ghana. Colombia, coached by Nestor Lorenzo, topped their group ahead of Portugal and will welcome back defenders Daniel Muñoz and Johan Mojica. Colombia plans to field its strongest lineup. Ghana, led by coach Carlos Queiroz in his fifth consecutive World Cup, seeks to make history for the African nation. Forward Antoine Semenyo is expected to challenge Colombia's defense significantly. These matches will finalize the lineup for the tournament's Round of 16.