2026 World Cup Matchday Predictions – Round of 16

At the 2022 World Cup, Morocco defeated Canada 2-1 in the group stage—and now they’re headed to the Round of 16 in Houston. The Canadians celebrated their first-ever World Cup knockout-round victory against South Africa (1–0 on a goal by Eustaquio in stoppage time). Morocco knocked out the Netherlands in a penalty shootout and is the first African team to record knockout-round victories in two consecutive World Cups. With Hakimi and their superior form in the tournament, Morocco is the favorite.

Prediction: 2

Paraguay knocked Germany out in a penalty shootout in the Round of 16 and continues to write its own tournament fairy tale. But now France awaits—a team that has scored at least three goals in five consecutive World Cup matches, a tournament record. Kylian Mbappé scored twice in the 3-0 win over Sweden and set another record: ten knockout-round goals in World Cup finals. Paraguay’s defense won’t be enough to withstand the might of the French team.

Prediction: 2

At the 1998 World Cup, Norway beat defending champion Brazil 2-1 in the group stage, with current coach Ståle Solbakken on the field. Twenty-eight years later, Norway is back in the World Cup spotlight, with Erling Haaland as its superstar (five tournament goals). Brazil had a nail-biter against Japan, but has the individual talent to prevail against any opponent. Even Haaland said before the match that Norway’s chances were “very slim.” Still, we might be in for a little surprise here.

Prediction: X (in 90 min.)

Mexico will face England at the Estadio Azteca, located at an altitude of over 2,200 meters. El Tri has marched through the tournament with four wins, eight goals, and no goals conceded. England had to fight back from a 0-1 deficit against the DR Congo, thanks to Kane’s two goals. Tuchel is already warning about the thin air. England remains the slight favorite, but Mexico will be on the lookout for its chances.

Prediction: 2

Portugal and Spain will face off again in a knockout round—a rematch of the 2025 Nations League final, which Spain won in a penalty shootout. Ronaldo saved Portugal with a penalty kick against Croatia, scoring his first-ever goal in a World Cup knockout round. Spain crushed Austria 3–0; goalkeeper Unai Simon has gone 520 tournament minutes without conceding a goal. Spain is the favorite.

Prediction: 2

A rematch from Brazil 2014: Back then, Belgium knocked the U.S. out in the Round of 16 after extra time. Now it’s a rematch in Seattle, with home-field advantage for the Americans. Belgium came back from a 0–2 deficit against Senegal and won on a late Tielemans penalty kick in extra time. The U.S. beat Bosnia 2–0 but will be without top scorer Balogun due to a red-card suspension. Without him, it will be tough against Lukaku and company—Belgium has more individual talent.

Prediction: X (in 90 min.)

Argentina struggled in the Round of 32 in a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Cape Verde. It wasn’t until extra time that the Gauchos eliminated the surprise team of this World Cup. Nevertheless, the Albiceleste enters its match against Egypt as the clear favorite. With Lionel Messi—who just turned 39—in top form, Egypt’s defense will have its hands full. Egypt also didn’t secure its spot in the Round of 16 against Australia until a penalty shootout. Hopes rest on former Liverpool star Mohamed Salah and City forward Omar Marmoush—but Argentina is unlikely to let anything slip here.

Prediction: 1

In the Round of 16, Switzerland secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Algeria. Now, Colombia—arguably the toughest opponent so far—awaits Murat Yakin’s team. The two former Bundesliga pros, Breel Embolo and Ruben Vargas, have impressed so far and have already combined for seven points. On the other side, Colombia is arguably the second-strongest South American team in the tournament. The team led by Bayern Munich star Luis Díaz already passed its first real test in the group stage with a draw against Portugal. Colombia brings a bit more individual talent to the table—but everything is still up for grabs in this matchup.

Prediction: X (in 90 min.)