FIFA World Cup 2026, Round Of 32: Ivory Coast vs Norway Predicted Lineups, Team News, Prediction And More Football News

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Furthermore, play-off spots will also feature teams from these continents too. Our site ensures you have the latest predictions for the World Cup 2026, including qualifiers, and encourages you to make smarter betting decisions with analytical research going into each and every projection we provide. But even I can not confidently say Colombia will beat France, the most impressive team of the group stage, in a final scenario.

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• It’s not a big surprise to see leading European nations join traditional World Cup heavyweights Argentina and Brazil as the top 10 teams tipped to challenge this summer.
• All three teams have a chance greater than 5% of winning the tournament, and of at least 10% to reach the final.
• Germany arguably played some of the best football at Euro 2024, ranking second for average possession (62.5%) and goals scored (11), but Nagelsmann has plenty of selection dilemmas to consider.
• The final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.
• The likes of Vinicius Jr and Raphinha will be looking forward to leaving a mark on a World Cup in a way they haven’t before.
• Canada also just make it into the top half of the 48 teams (they rank joint 22nd, level with Paraguay and Austria).
• At Juve FC, Luca covers match analysis, squad news, and the longer threads that run through a Juventus season.
• France are the favorites to win the World Cup 2026 after a perfect group stage.
• Haaland struck 16 of those goals, matching Robert Lewandowski’s 2018 record for the most prolific UEFA World Cup qualification campaign.
• Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT is also given great odds of making it through to the next round, sitting at 78.46%.
• This matchup delivers a final showdown between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
• There are many nations from Africa that could have a huge impact on the 2026 World Cup, just like Morocco who managed to make it all the way to the semi-final of the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

For the first time in World Cup history, the winners and runners-up of each group will be joined in the knockout round of 32 by the eight best third-placed teams. The placement of each team will affect whom they face in the knockout round. The Round of 32 began on June 28, 2026 and runs through July 3. The expanded 48-team format added this extra knockout round for the first time, sending 32 of the 48 teams into single-elimination ties before the Round of 16. Debutants Cape Verde finished second in Group H ahead of two-time champions Uruguay, who were eliminated.

How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?

Saturday brings another big day at the FIFA World Cup, with six group-stage matches still to be played before the knockout rounds begin. An each way bet could be the way to go with African nations that you think have a chance, with Morocco starting with odds of 100/1 or better to win the World Cup before the tournament begins. Similarly, tactics tend to play a large role for international teams. Spain for example have always played in a similar way which involves having lots of possession, whilst Italy for example have always been well-known for being resilient defensively. Three teams earn qualification for the FIFA World Cup, and two will bank their spots in the play-off tournament, with Canada, Mexico and the USA automatically entering due to being hosts. Six places are up for grabs for CONMEBOL teams, and it is a single-league format that simply decides which top six teams advance to the FIFA World Cup Finals.

And Argentina’s win in 2022.

Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT is also given great odds of making it through to the next round, sitting at 78.46%. Canada and Mexico, the other two co-hosts, are both expected to advance comfortably as well. No team has greater odds of reaching the round of 16 than Argentina. Standing in its way is underdog Cabo Verde, whose spirited journey is expected to come to an emphatic end in the coming days.

Cricket and boxing are his other major sporting passions and he has covered the likes of Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, Wladimir Klitschko, Gennadiy Golovkin and Vasyl Lomachenko live from ringside. Two teams who might not have expected to finish top of their groups. Colombia have not conceded in their past two matches and had the better of their goalless draw against Portugal. Nestor Lorenzo’s team look a little more battle hardened and should edge through. DR Congo clinched its first-ever spot in the World Cup knockout stage, and with that, the nation was rewarded with England.

• Morocco, meanwhile, picked up seven points from their three games in Group C to finish second, only behind Brazil on goal difference.
• Brazil’s 5-title history matters less than their last 3 tournaments.
• Brazil have been improving with every match, defeating Scotland and Haiti before sharing the spoils with Morocco.
• Those teams round out the top 10 favourites, with Belgium next with a 1.9% probability.
• But even I can not confidently say Colombia will beat France, the most impressive team of the group stage, in a final scenario.
• The Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup is upon us, and there are some brilliant games coming up in the first knockout round at the tournament.
• The trio are closely matched and have regularly traded ranking positions leading up to the summer.
• Spain’s young core, led by Lamine Yamal and Pedri, looked devastating en route to Euro 2024.
• There have also been stirring underdog stories, with minnow Cape Verde qualifying as Group H runners-up behind European champions Spain, and Iran similarly going through the round-robin phase undefeated against the odds.
• We don’t want to overpromise, and we have a small team, so expect one update per day, but you will often see intraday updates after important matches.
• Looking beyond this match, Germany have a 78.6 percent chance of reaching the round of 16 and a 4.4 percent probability of winning the World Cup.

Final

Saudi Arabia remain the wildcard, but I’m sticking with the two heavyweights to advance. This season, 51% of World Cup 2026 matches ended with over 2.5 goals, while Both Teams to Score hit in 52% of games. All completed World Cup 2026 predictions remain fully visible — review our track record anytime.

Sparkles will be flying when USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina square off in the World Cup last 32 at Levi’s Stadium. As USA have been producing excellent performances in front of home fans, our prediction points toward a 2-1 home win. Here’s exactly how we compute championship odds, group probabilities, and knockout forecasts. The 2026 knockout format starts with Round of 32 — a new round created by the 48-team expansion. 8 third-placed teams join the 24 automatic qualifiers (1st + 2nd from each of 12 groups), making the R32 path unprecedented. FIFA Annex C determines R32 pairings based on which groups the third-placed teams come from.

World Cup 2026 Group and Bracket Simulator

We don’t want to overpromise, and we have a small team, so expect one update per day, but you will often see intraday updates after important matches. By popular request, we’ve changed the projected match results table to reflect the score after 90 minutes — not including extra time. However, the model does simulate extra time and penalties, which generally favor the stronger side, in projecting which team advances.

Below are all of the confirmed matches for the Round of 32, with the schedule for when they are played and a prediction on each game. Before locking in any Brazil vs. Japan picks or World Cup 2026 predictions, you need to see what proven soccer expert Jon Eimer has to say. The most telling duel of this fixture will be Cape Verde’s defensive block against Argentina’s movement in the final third. Messi has scored six goals in three World Cup 2026 group matches, meaning Cape Verde’s centre-backs Logan Costa and Roberto Lopes must track him constantly, which in turn creates space for Martinez and Alvarez to exploit. With Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez capable of picking passes from deep, the spaces behind Cape Verde’s defensive line are likely to be tested repeatedly and at pace from the first whistle.

Even if Lamine Yamal fails to recover for the early stages of the competition, this should be plain sailing for Spain, as they hope to build upon their 2024 UEFA European Championship triumph. A battle for second place ought to be far more exciting, with Iran likely to put Egypt’s credentials to the test after a decent group-stage campaign in Qatar. Cape Verde (0.1%) have qualified and are the second-smallest nation by population (after Iceland in 2018) to achieve the feat.

Independent mathematical ratings that adjust for match importance, result, and opponent strength. Each 4-team group sends 2 teams automatically plus 8 of the 12 third-placed teams to R32.

Simulate or predict every match of the 48-team tournament — group stage through the final. England will be looking to secure top spot in Group L when they take on already-eliminated Panama in their final group-stage match. As David faces Goliath at MetLife Stadium, we predict a routine 3-0 away win. Panama are playing only for pride after suffering narrow defeats to both Ghana and Croatia. Los Canaleros can count themselves unfortunate not to have collected at lea… Top position in Group K will be at stake when Colombia and Portugal lock horns in what promises to be a fascinating World Cup showdown.

Track your path to 2026 World Cup glory with The Straits Times’ results simulator

• I would feel more confident in the U.S. going through to the semifinals in that scenario than us against someone like Spain.
• Get 2–4 premium picks daily with odds averaging 3.05 and our loss replacement guarantee.
• England will be looking to secure top spot in Group L when they take on already-eliminated Panama in their final group-stage match.
• Main Pick – Argentina to Win @ 1/6Argentina have won all five of their recent matches and scored nine goals in three World Cup group fixtures.
• However, the 2-1 defeat to Ecuador last time out was still a major disappointment, with Julian Nagelsmann’s side therefore set to enter this match off the back of a defeat.
• Houston is a long way from Canada, and this is probably where the co-hosts’ run comes to earth, with 2022 semifinalists Morocco going deep once more.
• Group A is a difficult group, with three teams capable of advancing.
• Our free AI tip for Belgium vs Senegal — home team wins or draw, with 89% confidence.
• Simulating, playing Prono, and following live results are all free.

Fresh off a dominant qualifying cycle, England enter the tournament as one of the top favourites to take home the most prestigious international title. Germany will take on Paraguay in the last-32 stage of the 2026 World Cup on Monday, with the pair battling to reach the final 16 of the tournament. Get FREE daily news and in-depth previews for games from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football — straight to your inbox. This has all of the makings of a very, very interesting match, and we have found it difficult to pick a winner here. Netherlands have been impressive this summer, but we are expecting Morocco to record a 2-1 victory in order to progress to the round of 16.

Despite the promise shown by their young core, the Americans still seem a step behind the world’s true elite. Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun have had moments at the club level, but that’s never been extended to the national team. Argentina, meanwhile, remain built for high-pressure knockout matches and possess an edge in composure and quality. Spain’s track record in major international competitions gives them the clear edge in this scenario. They’ve consistently found ways to advance deep into tournaments, and that experience matters.

World Cup Day 10 What to Watch: Germany aims to clinch a spot in the Round of 32

Canada finished second behind Switzerland and chase a first men’s World Cup knockout win against South Africa in the opening tie. Six host nations have won the World Cup, most recently France in 1998. Simulating, playing Prono, and following live results are all free. Create a free account only when you want to save your bracket or join the prediction league. The 2026 FIFA World Cup features 48 teams — the largest in tournament history. Teams are divided into 12 groups of 4, with the top 2 from each group advancing to a 32-team knockout bracket.

Panama vs England Prediction

• The final is on July 19, 2026 at New York New Jersey Stadium, also known as MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which holds about 82,500 fans.
• The top spot could come down to goal difference, with both teams likely taking advantage of Cape Verde.
• They also won last summer’s Nations League, getting the better of both Germany and Spain in the semi-finals and finals, with largely the same group of players.
• As both sides are likely to adopt a cautious approach, we predict a 1-1 draw.
• Portugal are slight favourites according to the Opta supercomputer, winning 51.6 percent of its 25,000 pre-match simulations.
• As the two teams seem to be evenly matched ahead of this round 32 clash, our prediction leans toward a 1-1 draw.
• ET with Norway vs. Ivory Coast, followed by France vs. Sweden at 5 p.m.
• Netherlands vs Morocco – Even though the odds may be stacked against them, Morocco’s knack for upsetting elite opposition could produce the first major shock of the tournament.
• No team has greater odds of reaching the round of 16 than Argentina.
• Six World Cup games, knockout places on the line, Cape Verde make history and Iran wait for a place in the Round of 32.
• But a rampant 5-0 victory in Serbia in September showcased the Three Lions’ potential, and the emergence of Elliot Anderson seems to have finally ended their search for a central midfield partner for Declan Rice.

The Brazilians are priced at -300 to advance to the next round, with the Japanese at +235. Goals Market – Over 3 Goals @ 6/5The totals line sits at 3, with over available at 6/5 and under at 4/5. Argentina scored at least three goals in each of their three group games, and Cape Verde’s forward line managed only two goals across theirs. The most likely route to over 3 is Argentina scoring freely rather than a high-scoring exchange, and Scaloni’s side have the firepower to deliver that in a knockout tie against a side with limited attacking threat.

As both sides are likely to adopt a cautious approach, our prediction leans toward a 1-1 draw. With the home crowd firmly behind them, El Tri will be eager to extend their perfect run. Australia and Egypt take on each other at AT&T Stadium in a tightly balanced last-32 clash, with 1-1 our predicted outcome. Australia progressed from the group stage thanks to a disciplined 0-0 draw with Paraguay, where they limited their opponents to just 0.30 expected goals against (xGA). Their identity has been built on structure and defensive organisation, with 1.1 goals… Belgium and Senegal square off in the World Cup last 32 in what promises to be an entertaining battle between two in-form sides.

European teams face off in group stages to earn qualification from the World Cup, in what is considered to be the most competitive qualification process of them all. 16 teams qualify in total from the UEFA qualifiers, with 54 teams split into 12 groups. The top team from each group automatically qualifies for the FIFA World Cup Finals, whilst a 16-team play-off competition then decides the final four spots. Check out the FIFA World Cup predictions with SoccerVista through this page and choose your next bet for the biggest international tournament in the sport.

• France have reached the final in four of the last seven editions – twice as often as any other nation during that period – and it would be a surprise if they were not there or thereabouts once again.
• MetLife Stadium will be the centre of attention when France and Sweden lock horns in an exciting last-32 encounter.
• I’m taking Senegal to secure the needed points, though Norway could still advance as a top third‑place team if they score multiple goals against Iraq.
• France head the betting to win the 2026 World Cup on Sunday July 19.
• Three of those victories came in competitive World Cup fixtures against varied opposition, and the only goal shipped was against Jordan in a dead-rubber group finale.
• Kickoff back in the UK feels like textbook ingredients for another English tale of World Cup woe.
• They are one of six participants from South America, along with five-time winners Brazil, who are now led by Carlo Ancelotti as the Seleção seek to end a barren run since claiming their last crown back in 2002.
• Now that there are 12 groups instead of eight, it’s hard to find a Group of Death with four exceptionally strong teams.
• The disappointing campaign prompted President Lee to order a full review of the national team programme, describing the result as “deeply bewildering” and questioning both the team’s structure and Hong’s appointment.
• France and Argentina are the most likely finalists, sitting on opposite halves of the bracket.
• Ivory Coast vs Senegal – Senegal’s impressive results in recent tournaments point towards an emphatic victory in this all-African knockout tie.
• After watching his team fall agonisingly short on penalties against Argentina in Qatar, he has another chance to become only the second coach to win multiple World Cups (after Vittorio Pozzo in 1934 and 1938).

Brazil vs. Japan

But Argentina go into 2026 with momentum, a settled spine, and the small matter of Lionel Messi possibly playing one last World Cup at 39. Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, and Enzo Fernández give them genuine quality even without Messi at his peak. They start as third-favourites and would be considered a major threat in any era. Looking ahead all the way to the final, two teams stand out from the crowd.

The Favourites

Messi has shown no signs of slowing down, helping Inter Miami reach the Major League Soccer Cup final while contributing a staggering 35 goals and providing 21 assists in MLS action this year. There should be plenty of service for Harry Kane, who is Europe’s most in-form striker, netting 24 goals in 20 fifa world cup groups 2026 matches for Bayern Munich since the start of the season in August. But there is a competitive race for the positions behind the England skipper after Tuchel suggested Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden could not both start, while Cole Palmer’s season has barely got going due to injuries. Messi (13) is one goal ahead of Mbappé, who will surely take possession of the record eventually.

Mexico vs Ecuador Stats: Round of 32 Live

Perhaps none has had more recent success on the international stage as France’s Didier Deschamps. He’s guided Les Bleus to two consecutive finals in FIFA’s quadrennial tournament, winning it all in 2018 and coming up heartbreakingly short four years ago in a penalty-shootout loss to Argentina. Mexico failed to reach the knockout stage at the 2022 World Cup, having previously seen a Round of 16 exit every tournament from 1994 to 2018. History is not on their side in this matchup, as Switzerland arrive with a full-strength side built on midfield physicality and an elite attacking presence in Breel Embolo and Fabian Rieder.

Whether you want to forecast the whole tournament, compete with friends, or just watch the games — we’ve got you covered. Brazil’s 5-title history matters less than their last 3 tournaments. With the 48-team format, expect slight dilution — 10–12 top-20 teams likely. Top 10 championship probabilities based on FIFA ranking, ELO, and weighted recent form. It could be a question of who goes furthest of the contenders or who capitalises on weak opponents, and France have a tough group – but with Iraq in it.

Before locking in your 2026 World Cup picks and other World Cup bets on betting sites like FanDuel, be sure to check out top picks from the team of experts at SportsLine. Similarly in the tournament itself, you might find that teams have already qualified for the knockout stage, or might be eliminated, which could lend itself to valuable FIFA World Cup betting opportunities if analysed correctly. With nations playing so infrequently, head-to-head results can have a much larger impact than it does for club teams. It can be important to look at historical matchups like England vs Germany for example, and where the results over the years may indicate which team might win the upcoming game.

World Cup 2026: Here are USA’s potential opponents in knockout round after clinching Group D’s top spot

France and Argentina won their groups as forecast, Brazil and Germany topped theirs, and dark horses Norway, Morocco and Colombia all advanced. All 72 group stage matches covered with win probability data, banker tips, accumulator strategy, and African kick-off times. The 2026 World Cup is co-hosted by the United States (11 venues), Mexico (3 venues), and Canada (2 venues) across 16 stadiums.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Saturday schedule, Round of 32 standings, predictions

With more nations, an added knockout round, and third-place teams advancing, predicting the full tournament path is more complex, and more intriguing, than ever. Our free AI tip for Belgium vs Senegal — home team wins or draw, with 89% confidence. Our AI football predictions go far beyond World Cup 2026 matches, covering more than 160 competitions worldwide. The Round of 32 is a brand-new knockout stage introduced for 2026. All 32 teams that qualify from the group stage play a sudden-death elimination round before the traditional Round of 16.

What a story it would be if, at 41-years-old, Cristiano Ronaldo matches his arch rival Lionel Messi by helping Portugal to a first-ever World Cup this summer. The Argentina ace’s supporters have been able to play a trump card whenever the debate about the two modern-day icons has been had since Messi’s heroics in Qatar. Portugal are slight favourites according to the Opta supercomputer, winning 51.6 percent of its 25,000 pre-match simulations. Across 25,000 pre-match simulations, Croatia won 56.3 percent of the time. Ghana were victorious in 17.6 percent of simulations, while the draw was rated at 26.2 percent. There are many nations from Africa that could have a huge impact on the 2026 World Cup, just like Morocco who managed to make it all the way to the semi-final of the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

• Portugal will likely have one last dance with a slightly older Cristiano Ronaldo.
• Winnings paid in cash at normal odds and are topped up to the enhanced price in Free Bet Builder bets.
• Then, after the group stage concludes and 32 of the tournament’s 48 teams move on to the knockout rounds, users can then pick the results of each of the 31 elimination games.
• They are the reigning European champions too, having beaten England in the final two years ago, and will be looking to add to their only World Cup title from 2010.
• The Yahoo Sports soccer team has its picks for Golden Ball, Golden Boot, Golden Glove, biggest disappointments and more right here.
• The defending champions won Group J with a perfect record and drew the kinder half of the bracket.
• Ronald Koeman’s team have scored 10 times at the 2026 World Cup and have emerged as a side to watch when it comes to a potential challenge for the trophy.
• Germany will take on Paraguay in the last-32 stage of the 2026 World Cup on Monday, with the pair battling to reach the final 16 of the tournament.
• Anyone wanting to follow his World Cup betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could see big returns.
• Carlo Ancelotti may have selection problems in midfield, with Lucas Paqueta unlikely to recover from a muscle injury and Casemiro also a major d…
• Messi also led all players in Qatar for shots (32), chances created from open play (17) and fouls won (22), becoming the second player to top all three metrics at a single World Cup.
• There are eight LaLiga winners from Barcelona – but, tellingly, none from Real Madrid.
• Even if Lamine Yamal fails to recover for the early stages of the competition, this should be plain sailing for Spain, as they hope to build upon their 2024 UEFA European Championship triumph.

For Cape Verde and manager Rui Aguas, simply reaching this stage has already rewritten what is possible for African football’s smaller nations, and anything further would be a genuine shock to the tournament bracket. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first edition to feature 48 nations and the first hosted by three countries — the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The expanded format introduces 12 groups and a Round of 32 knockout stage, making it the biggest World Cup in history with 104 total matches played across 16 iconic venues. DR Congo head into their final Group K match against Uzbekistan knowing that a win should be enough to secure a place in the World Cup knockout stages. As Uzbekistan have been struggling defensively at the 2026 World Cup finals, we predict a 1-0 home win. The Leopards, meanwhile, have produced encouraging displays so far, drawing 1-1 with Portugal before suffering a narrow 1…

FIFA World Ranking (40% weight)

The defending champions won Group J with a perfect record and drew the kinder half of the bracket. Messi is in record-breaking form, and Argentina’s path to the final avoids most of the other heavyweights until the semifinals. They were the only contender to come through the group stage with a perfect record, and they did it in the toughest group in the draw. Argentina are right behind them, on the opposite side of the bracket. Here is how the leading contenders stack up as the knockouts begin.

This site contains commercial content and CBS Sports may be compensated for the links provided on this site. Luis de la Fuente’s side are arguably the best-equipped team in the tournament because they possess two attributes that are often difficult to marry together. They can dominate possession for long spells, suffocating opponents and conserving energy through control of the ball – but they can also go direct and attack space quickly when the game demands it. They are the reigning European champions too, having beaten England in the final two years ago, and will be looking to add to their only World Cup title from 2010.

Group H: Spain and Uruguay Set for Tight Race in Experienced Group

As Spain faced no difficulties in the group stages, we predict a routine 2-0 home win. La Roja cruised through the group stage without conceding a single goal, underlining their status as genuine title contenders. World Cup 2026 Outright – Argentina @ 4/1Argentina sit second in the World Cup 2026 outright winner market at 4/1.

Morocco have never won the World Cup, but they did reach the semi-finals of the 2022 tournament, which represented their best-ever run in the competition. Of the teams in the bottom quarter of our projections, there are a few standout nations who the system thinks could spring a surprise. In a five-week knockout competition there is massive variance. Just one shock exit from a tournament favourite can cause other dominos to fall and the draw can suddenly open up for an unexpected team to challenge.

Jamiro Monteiro and Garry Rodrigues add craft in midfield, and manager Aguas is expected to name a similar side to the one that earned three draws through the group phase. For the co-hosts, Canada sits lowest in the rankings at 0.47%, with Mexico up at 1.81%. The USMNT leads the way once again at 2.45%, but there are 10 teams seen as more likely winners.

• As David faces Goliath at MetLife Stadium, we predict a routine 3-0 away win.
• Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who turns 39 on June 24, won the Golden Ball as the best player at the 2022 tournament, tallying seven goals and three assists.
• Perhaps none has had more recent success on the international stage as France’s Didier Deschamps.
• In total, there are 16 stadiums spanning across the U.S., Canada and Mexico that will be used during the month-long tournament.
• The bracket is set, and now all 32 teams can start to dream about their path to the final.
• Six World Cup games, knockout places on the line, Cape Verde make history and Iran wait for a place in the Round of 32.
• However, SportsLine soccer expert Matt Severance is looking for a little added security by playing Mexico (tie no bet) for a -215 payout.

Kylian Mbappe iches closer to Lionel Messi’s World Cup goal record

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal should not be discounted, while the three host nations will be desperate to make their mark. These two met at the same stage of Euro 2024 and Spain won en route to glory. France, with their deeper, lavishly gifted squad, can gain revenge as the fresher of the two over this slog of a tournament. Houston is a long way from Canada, and this is probably where the co-hosts’ run comes to earth, with 2022 semifinalists Morocco going deep once more. European opponents tend to fill the United States with dread, but Bosnia has faded down the stretch in all of their matches, even the win over Qatar. Both of these teams have enjoyed free-scoring group-stage outingsm but if Sweden enter a 90-minute shootout with Kylian Mbappe and company, they are likely to be outgunned.

Paraguay will be aiming to claim yet another major scalp when they face France in the World Cup last 16. However, we predict a 3-0 away win as les Tricolores look unstoppable at the moment. Paraguay produced a disciplined display to eliminate Germany after a dramatic penalty shootout, proving once again how difficult they are to break down in knockout football. England and DR Congo will be vying for a spot in the World Cup last 16 when they lock horns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday.

However, Spain’s technical quality and squad depth should ultimately tip the balance in their favour. Brazil vs Japan – Under normal circumstances, this would be a no-brainer. However, Brazil’s form has been far from convincing, while Japan’s ability to compete with top sides suggests this could be far more competitive than expected. South Korea vs Bosnia & Herzegovina – Despite overcoming Italy in the qualifying play-offs, this tie could spell the end of Bosnia’s World Cup journey. Argentina’s quest to become just the third nation in World Cup history to successfully defend their title should face no real threat in Group J.

Messi extends his World Cup legacy while Ronaldo faces defining moment

Debutants Uzbekistan are seen as having a slightly better chance of impressing than the other new nations, as they have a 0.2% chance of going all the way. A more realistic aim might be getting through the groups after impressing in AFC qualification – beating out sides like Qatar and United Arab Emirates. And of course, there are also six teams still to be decided in March’s play-offs. There is currently a combined 3.7% chance of any of those sides going all the way, with Italy surely the most likely candidates if they can end their World Cup exile. Croatia are another team whose best days may be behind them but can never be ruled out. Semi-finalists in both 2018 and 2022, they are assigned a 1.1% chance of glory – lower than Mexico and Uruguay (1.7%), whose coach Bielsa recently went on a rant in a press conference following speculation over his position.

Canada reached the last 16 thanks to a hard-fought 1-0 win over South Africa, with Stephen Eustaquio scoring the dec… The favoured teams, however, are France and Spain, with England deemed to have a strong chance as well. France will pursue a third straight final and third title overall, while past winners Spain enter as European champions. It was Spain’s victory over England in the Euro 2024 final that heralded the end of Gareth Southgate’s time leading the Three Lions, ushering in Thomas Tuchel’s reign.

Group L: Croatia vs England Clash Tops Competitive Final Group

And the 38-year-old has continued to post stunning MLS numbers for Inter Miami over recent seasons as he prepares to lead his nation. With Messi complemented by two high-profile strikers still in their prime, Lautaro Martínez and Julián Alvarez, Argentina should not be short of goals. The striker is already the record goalscorer for England and has remained a pivotal figure for Tuchel, under whom the early returns have been strong. France have reached the final in four of the last seven editions – twice as often as any other nation during that period – and it would be a surprise if they were not there or thereabouts once again. Deschamps also lifted the trophy as a player when he was captain in 1998, and this World Cup will be the first for Mbappé as France skipper.

Why are some players wearing pink cleats at the World Cup?

There are no major injury concerns for either side, with both managers expected to field their strongest available lineups. Norway, meanwhile, is making its first World Cup appearance since France 1998 and has looked every bit like a dangerous dark horse. Both nations are chasing a place in the last 16, but only one will keep their World Cup dream alive. Leading the way is France with a chance of 18.66%, putting Les Bleus marginally ahead of Argentina’s 16.26%. As the round of 32 prepares to get underway on Sunday, the cogs of the Opta supercomputer have been whirring to rate every team’s chances of glory. (via FanDuel Sportsbook, subject to change)See full World Cup picks at SportsLine.

England vs Portugal – Ronaldo may have to take comfort from beating his arch-nemesis in the quarter-finals. Turkey vs Best 3rd place Group B/E/F/I/J – Despite their lengthy absence from football’s biggest stage, the Crescent-Stars might return with a bang. Expectations are sky-high in Mauricio Pochettino’s corner, yet the United States’ recent World Cup performances cannot inspire confidence, even though they’ve reached the knockouts in three of the last four tournaments. Before bowing out in the group stages four years ago in Qatar, Mexico had reached the knockout phase at seven consecutive World Cups. With Javier Aguirre at the helm now, they look likely to achieve that feat again.

We’ve added a new chart to show you the method of advancement (regulation, extra time, penalties) just to cover all our bases. All eyes will be on SoFi Stadium when South Africa and Canada face each other in the World Cup knockout stages. As Canada look sharp up front and determined to go all the way at the showpiece tournament, we predict a 2-0 away win. Bafana Bafana booked their place in the last 32 thanks to a shock 1-0 victory over South Korea, showing great discipline and defensive organizatio… Expect a thrilling atmosphere when Canada and Morocco face each other in the World Cup last 16, with both teams dreaming of a place in the quarter-finals. As Morocco have been producing excellent displays at the showpiece tournament, we predict a 1-0 away win.

We have covered the seven teams who are most likely to win the tournament, but there are also a few other potential winners. Of course, they were famously crowned world champions in South Africa – but that 2010 success also represents the only time they have reached the semi-finals from their last 14 participations. But Spain’s quality is highlighted by being the only team rated as more likely than not to reach the quarter-finals, which they did 52.1% of the time. The Sporting News is tracking the favourites to win and best betting offers including 50/1 for a goal to be scored in England vs. Congo and 40/1 for Harry Kane to have a shot in the match. This final comes down to France’s athleticism, depth and physical dominance against Portugal’s control of possession and tempo.

Scorer Market – Lautaro Martinez to Score AnytimeLautaro Martinez has scored once in the tournament and registered five goals across Argentina’s last five matches in all competitions. With Messi drawing defensive attention and Julian Alvarez providing the running, Martinez is regularly afforded space inside the area and is one of the most reliable penalty-box finishers in this Argentina squad. He is worth including in any anytime scorer selections at the best available price. The World Cup 2026 knockout stage ruthlessly separates those who have managed a passage through a group from those who can compete at the elite level over 90 minutes. Brazil and France sit at the top of most prediction models, and for good reason.