BETTING GUIDE: Argentina vs Egypt, Switzerland vs Egypt, World Cup prediction

BETTING GUIDE: Argentina vs Egypt

Defending champions Argentina take on Egypt at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 encounter.

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The match will bring together two of football's greatest icons, Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah, with both captains carrying the hopes of their nations.

Argentina survived a major scare in the previous round, edging Cape Verde after extra time to continue their title defence.

Egypt, meanwhile, created history by reaching the World Cup knockout stages for the first time on merit, overcoming Australia in a dramatic penalty shootout.

With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, both teams will be determined to keep their World Cup dream alive.

Kick-off: 10:00 PM (Kenyan Time), Tuesday 07 July

Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

Stage: Round of 16

Current standings: Knockout Stage

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Qualification implications: The winner advances to the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals to face either Switzerland or Colombia, while the loser is eliminated from the tournament.

Form Guide

Argentina

✅ Win vs Cape Verde (AET)

✅ Win

✅ Win

✅ Win

✅ Win

Egypt

✅ Win vs Australia (Penalties)

➖ Draw

✅ Win

➖ Draw

✅ Win

Head-to-Head

The two nations have met only once, with Argentina emerging victorious.

✅ Argentina 2-0 Egypt (2008 International Friendly)

Team News

Argentina

🟡 Nico Gonzalez – Ankle injury, doubtful.

🟡 Facundo Medina – Cramp, expected to be available.

🟡 Nahuel Molina – Recovery management after extra time.

🟡 Enzo Fernandez – Recovery management after extra time.

Egypt

🟡 Karim Hafez – Hamstring injury, doubtful.

🟡 Ahmed Fatouh – Thigh injury, doubtful.

🟡 Mohamed Abdelmonem – Ankle injury, major doubt.

🟢 Mohanad Lasheen – Returns from suspension.

Player to Watch: Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Lionel Messi continues to rewrite World Cup history and remains Argentina's biggest attacking weapon.

The captain has been directly involved in crucial goals throughout the tournament and once again produced when his country needed him most against Cape Verde.

His creativity, movement and ability to decide games in the biggest moments make him the player Egypt must stop.

If Messi finds space between the lines, Argentina will be difficult to contain.

TACTICAL ANALYSIS: How Cape Verde came close to upsetting Argentina

Player to Watch: Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Mohamed Salah remains Egypt's talisman and biggest source of inspiration in attack.

His composure from the penalty spot helped send the Pharaohs into the Round of 16, while his pace and finishing can punish even the strongest defences.

With Egypt expected to spend long periods without possession, Salah's ability to exploit counter-attacks and moments of individual brilliance could be their best chance of causing an upset.

Betting Tips

🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk): Argentina to Win

🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk): Lionel Messi to Score Anytime

🔴 Long Shot (High Risk): Both Teams to Score (Yes)

MozzartSport Writers Predictions:

• Imran Otieno- Argentina over 2.5

• Meshack Kisenge- Argentina Win

• Kevin Teya- Argentina Win

• Sammy Gitahi- Argentina Win

• Brian Odhiambo- Argentina Win

• Victor Karuga- Argetina to win and over 1.5

• Josh Angatia-Argentina Win

BETTING GUIDE: Switzerland vs Colombia

Switzerland and Colombia lock horns in what promises to be one of the most evenly matched Round of 16 ties at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The two sides meet at BC Place in Vancouver, with both nations carrying strong momentum after impressive performances throughout the tournament.

Switzerland have grown stronger with every match after a slow start, winning their last three games to top Group B before comfortably defeating Algeria 2-0 in the Round of 32.

Colombia, meanwhile, remain unbeaten at the tournament and arrive with one of the best defensive records, edging Ghana 1-0 to continue their impressive run under Nestor Lorenzo.

With a place in the quarter-finals on the line, fine margins could decide this encounter.

Kick-off: 11:00 PM (Kenyan Time), Tuesday 07 July

Venue: BC Place, Vancouver

Stage: Round of 16

Current standings: Knockout Stage

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Qualification implications: The winner advances to the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals to face either Argentina or Egypt, while the loser is eliminated from the tournament.

Form Guide

Switzerland

✅ Win vs Algeria (2-0)

✅ Win vs Canada (2-1)

✅ Win vs Bosnia & Herzegovina (4-1)

➖ Draw vs Qatar (1-1)

✅ Win

Colombia

✅ Win vs Ghana (1-0)

➖ Draw vs Portugal (0-0)

✅ Win

✅ Win

✅ Win

Head-to-Head

Switzerland and Colombia have met only once in senior international football.

➖ Switzerland 1-1 Colombia (2014 International Friendly)

Team News

Switzerland

🟡 Michel Aebischer – Muscle injury, doubtful.

🟡 Luca Jaquez – Muscle injury, doubtful.

Colombia

❌ Jhon Cordoba – Hamstring injury, ruled out of the remainder of the tournament.

🟢 Luis Suarez – Expected to start after assisting against Ghana.

Player to Watch: Breel Embolo (Switzerland)

Breel Embolo remains Switzerland's biggest attacking threat and has been crucial in leading the line throughout the tournament.

His movement, strength and finishing ability make him a constant danger inside the penalty area.

With Colombia boasting one of the tournament's strongest defences, Embolo's physical presence and ability to hold up play will be vital if Switzerland are to create clear scoring opportunities.

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Player to Watch: Luis Diaz (Colombia)

Luis Diaz is Colombia's most explosive attacker and has the pace and dribbling ability to trouble any defence. His direct running from the left wing has been a major weapon throughout the World Cup.

If Colombia are to reach the quarter-finals, Diaz's ability to beat defenders one-on-one and create chances in transition could prove decisive against a disciplined Swiss backline.

Betting Tips

🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk): Under 3.5 Goals

🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk): First Half Draw

🔴 Long Shot (High Risk): Colombia to Win 2-1

MozzartSport Writers Predictions:

• Imran Otieno-Both Teams To Score

• Meshack Kisenge- Switzerland Win

• Kevin Teya- Both Teams To Score

• Sammy Gitahi- Colombia Win

• Brian Odhiambo- Colombia Win

• Victor Karuga- Colombia Win

• Josh Angatia- Colombia Win