We have four fantastic fixtures stretching through a busy Friday as the 2026 World Cup knockout stage picks up pace.
Portugal and Croatia get us underway on the stroke of midnight UK time, with their Round of 32 tie at Toronto Stadium.
We then move across the breadth of Canada to BC Place Vancouver for a 4am kick-off between Switzerland and Algeria.
You could be forgiven for taking a power nap during the day to prepare for the evening games, which begin at 7pm with Australia and Egypt’s clash at Dallas Stadium.
We end the day following one of the great World Cup stories as three-time trophy winners Argentina, population 46 million, tackle surprise qualifiers Cape Verde, population 550,000. Their game at Miami Stadium kicks-off at 11pm.
To help you through a long day of top football action with NetBet Sport, we’ve selected some best picks below for each of the four Friday games based on our latest World Cup betting odds.
*All odds are subject to change
Portugal vs Croatia: Both Teams To Score – Yes @ 1.91
These two have recent history, having faced each other in the group stage of the 2024-25 Nations League. The fact that Portugal are the present champions gives you a clue as to how those ties went. The Portuguese won their home game 2-1 in September 2024 with goals from Diogo Dalot and Cristiano Ronaldo. Dalot also put through his own net for the visitors’ goal. The return game in Croatia two months later ended 1-1, Joao Felix giving Portugal the lead before Josko Gvardiol equalised. Now fast forward to the 2026 World Cup where Portugal banked a win and two draws to finish runners-up in Group K. That has extended their unbeaten run to eight games in all competitions. Croatia were runners-up in Group L securing two victories after a 4-2 defeat by group winners England. There will naturally be a lot of focus on the aging stars for both teams. Ronaldo, 41, became the first player to score in six World Cups with a double strike in Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan. Croatia’s Luka Modric, 40, became the oldest player to provide a World Cup assist in the crucial 2-1 win over Ghana. Portugal are the favourites to qualify (@ 1.32, with Croatia @ 2.85) but Croatia have only failed to score once in their last 10 matches, so goals for both sides are expected.
Switzerland vs Algeria: Anytime Goalscorer – Johan Manzambi or Riyad Mahrez @ 2.17
Switzerland came into the tournament in excellent form and two more wins and a draw saw them top Group B comfortably. They have lost just one of their last 17 games. Midfielder Johan Manzambi has been their MVP with three goals and an assist but has only started one of their matches so far. After a 25-minute substitute appearance in the 1-1 draw with Qatar, he scored twice in a 19-minute cameo in their 4-1 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina. That earned him a starting place against co-hosts Canada, and he repaid that faith with another goal and an assist in a 2-1 victory. Algeria qualified for the knockout stage as one of the best third-place teams. Riyad Mahrez scored twice as they drew 3-3 in their final group game with Austria and also provided an assist in the 2-1 win over Jordan.
Australia vs Egypt: Outcome And Both To Score – Egypt And No @ 3.35
Australia qualified as runners-up to USA in Group D despite only scoring two goals in their three games. That is the fewest in a World Cup pool since 1974. Their 2-0 victory over Turkey in their opening match has been their only success in a five-game run during which they failed to score on three occasions. Egypt are in a much healthier state, remaining unbeaten in Group G and only missing out on top spot due to goal difference. They claimed two wins and a draw and have only lost one of their last eight matches overall since the turn of the year. They have also scored at least once in each of the last five games.
Argentina vs Cape Verde: Bet Builder – Argentina to win, Over 2.5 goals and Lionel Messi to score anytime @ 2.05
Can the 2022 World Cup winners achieve what the Euro 2024 champions found to be impossible and beat Cape Verde?! The World Cup still has the ability to produce magical moments. For the purists we have Lionel Messi, Argentina’s talisman, who is competing in his sixth World Cup. His six goals in three games have taken him to a record 19 at World Cup tournaments. He has also now scored in a record seven consecutive World Cup games. For the romantics we have Cape Verde. The archipelago nation is appearing in its first ever World Cup and booked a place in the knockout stage with three draws in Group H, including 0-0 with Spain. The bigger picture is that Cape Verde have won only once in their last eight games but they have kept clean sheets in three of the last four. Argentina are on a 10-game winning run and have had EIGHT clean sheets in the process. Everything screams time is up for Cape Verde with Messi out to extend that scoring streak.
When you choose NetBet Sport, you can enjoy a whole range of top-quality sports and markets. Whatever you choose, always remember to bet responsibly. Here at NetBet, player wellbeing is our number one priority – check out our Responsible Gambling tips and tools page for more information. When the fun stops, stop.
