World Cup Round of 16 Match Predictions: Best Bets for Every Match, Including Brazil-Norway
July 3, 2026 · Global
This article looks at betting predictions for the World Cup round of 16 matches, highlighting key matches and betting strategies for teams such as Morocco, France and Norway.
The round of 16 of the World Cup has begun with some of the favorite teams making it through, while others had to go home early. Some interesting matches will take place, such as David versus Goliath between Paraguay and France, as well as Canada against continental champion Morocco. High-quality knockout football promises thrilling drama, and these matches will be no different. Remember that bets are valid for regulation time only, unless otherwise stated. In other words, overtime and penalty shootouts do not count in most bets. Some books also offer bets that explicitly cover overtime, so be sure to pay attention to the type of bet you choose.
The following is the analysis for each confirmed round of 16 match:
Saturday, July 4
Morocco wins (-120) vs. Canada
Both Morocco and Canada showed a better game than their opponents in the round of 32. Morocco had to go to penalties to beat the Netherlands, while Canada scored a late goal to win 1-0 over South Africa. Morocco recorded 11 shots towards the Dutch goal with an expected goal of 1.4 compared to 0.2 for the Netherlands. Morocco's match was much more impressive compared to their previous opponents. The Atlas Lions team is more proactive than when they reached the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup, where they had ball possession under 30%. Morocco will have no trouble in possession after registering 69% against the Netherlands. Canada will likely return to a defense and counterattack strategy, looking for gaps when Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui advance. I pick Morocco to win in a three-way betting line, just like their win over Canada in the 2022 group stages.
France over 1.5 goals in first half (+190) vs. Paraguay
Paraguay, who qualified sixth in CONMEBOL, were the surprise of the knockout stage after beating Germany on penalties. Now, a tougher challenge awaits them in front of France. Les Bleus are in top form, becoming the first team in World Cup history to score three goals in five consecutive matches. And I choose France to score more than 1.5 goals in the first half.
Sunday, July 5
Norway double chance (-108) vs. Brazil
I should keep betting against Brazil until it works, right? Maybe Carlo Ancelotti has found a solution to Brazil's midfield problems. Replacing Endrick in the second half against Japan, and then adding Gabriel Martinelli to the midfield, helped provide cover for the 34-year-old Casemiro. However, I'm not completely convinced that Brazil's problems have been resolved after one round. Japan lacks the top-class attacking talent to punish Brazil, but Norway has Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard. Norway have scored at least two goals in all three matches they have played in this World Cup. I'm picking Norway to at least take this game to extra time.