AF WC Roundup: Argentina edge through a pulsating clash, Egypt seal progression in penalty drama

Welcome to All Football's Kick Off, we bring you all important news in the past 24 hours. Make sure you do not miss out.

Match Highlights

Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (aet): La Albiceleste qualify to RO16 to face Egypt after epic game

Argentina were taken all the way to ET for a record-extending 12th time at the FIFA World Cup (WC) before eventually beating Cape Verde 3-2 in the round of 32 in Florida.

Australia 1-1 Egypt (2-4 on pens): Pharaohs prevail on penalties as Australia go under in Dallas

Egypt won a FIFA World Cup (WC) knockout match for the very first time, beating Australia 4-2 on penalties in Dallas to reach the Round of 16 where they'll face either defending champions Argentina or Cape Verde.

Colombia 1-0 Ghana: Arias's goal with Suarez's assist seals Colombia the final candidate for RO16

Game is over and the final score is Colombia 1-0 Ghana. Here is the match report.

Key Stats Board

Mohamed Hany becomes the first player to score two own goals at a single men’s World Cup

Mohamed Hany becomes only the second player in history to score two own goals in a single World Cup.

9 ASSISTS! Lionel Messi becomes the player with MOST ASSISTS EVER in World Cup history

Lionel Messi becomes the player with MOST ASSISTS EVER in World Cup history!

Own goal decides World Cup match in extra time for the first time in 72 years

In the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 in the US, Canada, and Mexico, Argentina narrowly defeated Cape Verde 3-2. Cristian Romero's 111th-minute goal was ultimately ruled an own goal by Cape Verdean center-back Diney.

Argentina have drawn 5 times in 7 World Cup knockout matches but have always advanced

In the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Argentina twice took the lead against Cape Verde and were twice pegged back, ultimately securing a thrilling 3-2 victory to advance. Argentina have been equalized against 5 times after taking the lead in their last 7 FIFA World Cup knockout matches, but have never been eliminated.

Vozinha makes 8 saves, denies Messi four times

On July 3rd, the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between Argentina and Cape Verde concluded, with Cape Verdean goalkeeper Vozinha once again delivering a legendary performance.

Lisandro Martinez shines: goal, assist, 98% passing and six clearances vs Cape Verde

On July 3rd, in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup, Argentina defeated Cape Verde 3-2. Lisandro Martinez started and played the full match, contributing one assist and one goal to help his team secure the win.

7 out of 13 European teams advance to World Cup quarterfinals

In the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup, 7 of the 13 European teams successfully advanced. France, Spain, and Portugal won their all-European clashes, while Norway, England, Belgium, and Switzerland all eliminated African teams.

African teams nearly wiped out: 7 of 9 exit, Morocco and Egypt advance on penalties

In the group stage of the FIFA World Cup, African teams performed exceptionally well, with 9 out of 10 teams—excluding Tunisia—advancing to the knockout stage. However, after the Round of 32, only 2 of the 9 African teams remained.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha's fan count exceeds 18M, surpassing Courtois and Neuer

On July 3rd, Cape Verde narrowly lost to Argentina in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup, bringing their knockout-stage journey to an end. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha once again delivered an outstanding performance. After the match, his fan count surpassed 18 million, exceeding those of Courtois and Neuer.

These Things Happen

OFFICIAL: Al Nassr confirm Postecoglou as the club's new head coach

OFFICIAL: Real Madrid not intended to sign Enzo

According to Real Madrid's official statement, the club didn't intend to sign Enzo Fernandes.

Lip-reading expert reveals what Cristiano Ronaldo said to devastated old friend Luka Modric

Cristiano Ronaldo commiserated his old friend and team-mate Luka Modric and shared a heartfelt embrace and chat after his Portugal side knocked the Croatians out of the World Cup.

OFFICIAL: Bayern sign 23 y/o German star Brown for a transfer fee of 55 million Euros

OFFICIAL: Bayern sign 23-year-old German international Brown for a transfer fee of 55 million Euros

OFFICIAL: Fenerbahçe reached an agreement with Man City's Nathan Aké and signed contract

OFFICIAL: Fenerbahçe reached an agreement with Man City defender Nathan Aké and signed official contract

OFFICIAL: Allegri becomes the new head coach of Napoli

According to Napoli's official announcement, the former Juventus and Milan Head Coach Massimilano Allegri is now the head coach of Napoli.

Jurgen Klopp CONFIRMS he's in talks to become the next Germany boss after Nagelsmann's £6m exit

Jurgen Klopp has revealed he will hold talks about succeeding Julian Nagelsmann as Germany boss.

Inside the Enzo Fernandez to Real Madrid saga: Why Spanish club's denial does not spell the end

It was 3.52am local time in Miami when Real Madrid released their Comunicado Oficial to the world, and Enzo Fernandez's representative, Javier Pastore, is in Florida’s vibrant coastal city ahead of Argentina’s World Cup last-32 clash with Cape Verde.

Man Utd news: Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba verdicts reached as double transfer planned

Manchester United are yet to get rolling in the transfer market but will need to strengthen ahead of a Champions League campaign

Revealed: Why Granit Xhaka has turned his back on Chelsea to stay with Sunderland

Granit Xhaka is to remain at Sunderland this window despite the advances of Chelsea.

What They Say

Messi: Winning a game like this is difficult and important; will focus on the next match

Messi accepted an interview after Argentina winning over Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time. He confessed that a match like this is very difficult to handle.

Palmer tells Tuchel 'I could have offered something different' after his England World Cup snub

Cole Palmer has told Thomas Tuchel he could have offered England 'something different' as he opened up for the first time about missing out on the German's World Cup squad.

Croatians complain World Cup ball's 'Snicko' tech has a major FLAW

Croatians have gone on the attack against FIFA and referees after their World Cup exit to Portugal, claiming a specific rule should have kept their hopes alive.

Cape Verde coach: we brought honor to our country, proud of our players