World Cup 26 Previews

Croatia v Ghana

Croatia and Ghana will want to put themselves in a position to top Group L in the 2026 FIFA World Cup should England slip up against Panama, making this a crunch match in Philadelphia.

Match News and Current Form
There is more on the line for third-placed Croatia here after a 4-2 defeat against England and a 1-0 win over Panama, making the 2018 runners-up and 2022 bronze medallists one of the healthier third-placed teams currently. The Fiery Ones have good reason to believe that they can take matters into their own hands, as not only are they unbeaten in four previous World Cup meetings with African sides (W3, D1), but they have also lost just one of their last eight group-stage games at the tournament (W5, D2). Manager Zlatko Dalic could also make history with his starting line-up, as both Ivan Perišic and Luka Modric are in line to become the first Croatians to start 20 World Cup matches.

Simply avoiding defeat would secure the second-placed Ghanaians a top-two spot in Group L after a 1-0 win over Panama and a 0-0 stalemate with England, but the Black Stars are already effectively guaranteed a place in the knockout phase for the first time since their historic run to the quarter-finals in 2010. Manager Carlos Queiroz will therefore be in a good mood in what will be his 16th World Cup game in charge of a national team, but he will be looking to instil discipline nonetheless, as his side could become the first African country in the tournament’s history to keep three clean sheets in a single group-stage campaign.

Head-to-Head History
This will be the first-ever meeting between Croatia and Ghana.

Hot Stats and Streaks
Six of Croatia’s last eight games saw both teams score.

Croatia have never lost to a side ranked 40th or lower by FIFA in six previous such matches at the World Cup (W4, D2).

Seven of Ghana’s last nine games featured under 2.5 goals.

Ghana failed to score before half-time in their last nine matches.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Ante Budimir was Croatia’s hero against Panama, scoring the winner to continue his unbeaten streak when finding the net for his country (W6, D1). Ghana may rely on star man Antoine Semenyo for a fast start here, as six of his last seven goals for Manchester City, and his last two goals internationally, have served as the match opener.

Neither side seem to have any fresh absentees.

Betting Analysis
Given Croatia have conceded just once against African sides at World Cups and Ghana’s low-scoring affairs recently, backing both teams to find the net and under 2.5 total goals here seems smart.

Author: Peter Stavrinou

Panama v England

Already-eliminated Panama are striving for their first-ever FIFA World Cup point when they bow out of the 2026 edition at MetLife Stadium, where they meet an England side looking to secure top spot in Group L.

Match News and Current Form
Panama could count themselves unlucky to lose 1-0 to Ghana after an encouraging performance in their opening fixture of this World Cup campaign, but the same cannot be said of their matchday two defeat to Croatia. The Canal Men registered just one shot on target in that reversal, one which made them just the sixth nation in competition history to lose all of their first five matches at the finals. Panama have now won just two of their last nine games overall (D3, L4), and are unable to progress to the knockout stages no matter what happens on matchday three.

England boss Thomas Tuchel called for fans to not “lose belief” in the wake of their drab goalless draw with Ghana, a result that saw them miss the chance to secure a top-two finish with a game to spare. Failing to turn dominance into three points will be slightly concerning for Tuchel, but the German boss will be quick to point out that the stalemate marked only a third failure to win in 12 matches for the Three Lions (W9, D2, L1), so there appears to be little reason to press the panic button just yet. England are big favourites to recover strongly here, not least because they’ve only lost on matchday three of the group stage in one of their last 14 World Cup campaigns (W8, D5).

Head-to-Head History
Panama’s first-ever World Cup goal came in the only prior H2H, which England emphatically won 6-1 in the group stage of the 2018 edition - their biggest victory in competition history.

Hot Stats and Streaks
Panama have failed to score in three of their five World Cup matches.

Three of Panama’s last four defeats came by a 1-0 scoreline.

England are unbeaten in their last six World Cup games against CONCACAF teams (W3, D3).

Just two of England’s last eight matches produced over 2.5 goals.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Wing-back Amir Murillo had a team-high three shots in Panama’s defeat to Croatia, which marked his 22nd international appearance since he last scored for his country. Marcus Rashford is surely in line for a start here as only three players have ever scored more World Cup goals for England than his four, all of which arrived after half-time.

Neither side appear to have any major injury concerns, though England’s Reece James and Declan Rice are reportedly managing minor issues.

Betting Analysis
Buoyed by the frustration of their draw with Ghana, there’s plenty of appeal in backing an emphatic England win by a -2 handicap here.

Author: Ryan Fisher

Colombia v Portugal

Group K could throw up a big shock here as one of the pre-tournament favourites Portugal need to beat Colombia in Miami if they’re to top the group.

Match News and Current Form
Colombia have already qualified for the knockout stages for a third World Cup appearance in a row after beating Uzbekistan and DR Congo, but their eyes will now be fixated on securing top spot. Four successive victories stand them in good stead to do just that, and while just a point will be enough to ensure they summit Group K, the Colombians are unlikely to relent as they go in search of winning their three World Cup group games for only the second time in history. Form is certainly on the Los Cafeteros' side as they've lost just twice since March 2025 (W9, D4), and although those defeats coming earlier this year against France and Croatia offer a huge note of caution, they are unbeaten over 90 minutes in their last three World Cup clashes with European opposition (W2, D1).

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score at six World Cups as Portugal hammered Uzbekistan 5-0 in their last match. That took Roberto Martínez’s men on to four points from two games (W1, D1), and a victory here would see them sneak above their opponents and qualify for the last 32 as group winners. It appears there’s every chance too given Portugal’s formidable record across their last 17 fixtures in a World Cup group stage (W9, D6, L2), and honing in on their most recent form solidifies the argument for them having a great chance to win the group too, as the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League champions have won 11 of their last 15 games (D3, L1).

Head-to-Head History
This will be the first meeting between these two nations, but Portugal are unbeaten in their three World Cup group matches against CONMEBOL sides (W2, D1).

Hot Stats and Streaks
Six of Colombia’s last eight games have featured over 2.5 goals.

Colombia scored after the 75th minute in four of their last five matches.

Three of Portugal’s last four matches saw both teams score.

Portugal conceded only one second-half goal across their last eight games.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
After scoring in their opening two matches, Daniel Muñoz is looking to become just the second Colombian to score in all three group games at a World Cup. Rafael Leão netted his sixth Portugal goal in the win over Uzbekistan, with three of the last five serving as the last goal of the game.

Colombia are at close to full strength, while Portugal will be without Tomás Araújo once more.

Betting Analysis
Goals aren’t usually in short supply where these sides are concerned, so backing over 2.5 goals seemingly carries value.

Author: Matt Jones

D.R. Congo v Uzbekistan

Democratic Republic of Congo and Uzbekistan clash in Atlanta in Group K’s final round of fixtures, with both nations needing a win to have any chance of progressing to the FIFA World Cup knockout stages.

Match News and Current Form
DR Congo sent shockwaves across the tournament when they opened up with a 1-1 draw against Portugal, but failed to build on that as they were beaten 1-0 by Colombia last time out. Only a win will allow the Leopards to reach the knockout stage of their second-ever World Cup appearance, though such an outcome is far from a foregone conclusion for a nation who’ve scored just a single goal and claimed only one point in this tournament. Sébastien Desabre’s history-making current crop are big favourites to progress, though they’ll be unable to finish any higher than third in Group K.

Uzbekistan’s first World Cup appearance as an independent nation has been a sobering one thus far, suffering hefty defeats against Colombia (3-1) and Portugal (5-0). Due to their woeful goal difference, Fabio Cannavaro’s men need a huge win to have any chance of progression, and that certainly looks unlikely for a side who’ve now lost each of their last four matches overall. A more realistic outcome for the White Wolves could be a slice of unwanted history, as they stand to become the first World Cup debutant to concede 3+ goals in each of their group games since New Zealand in 1982.

Head-to-Head History
These sides have never previously met.

Hot Stats and Streaks
Only four of DR Congo’s last 15 games saw both teams score.

DR Congo’s first two group games each produced exactly nine corners.

Uzbekistan were held scoreless in just two of their last seven defeats.

Uzbekistan’s two group games both produced exactly two yellow cards.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
All four of Arthur Masuaku’s assists for DR Congo have come before half-time, including one against Portugal which served as their first and only goal in World Cup history. Azizjon Ganiev still awaits his first goal for Uzbekistan and was last on target at club level back in January, but won’t be afraid of taking aim from range having seen a stunner disallowed by VAR last time out against Portugal.

Both DR Congo and Uzbekistan appear to pose clean bills of health.

Betting Analysis
The Leopards should get the job done comfortably here, so DR Congo to win and over 2.5 goals appears a smart combination.

Author: Ben Olawumi

Algeria v Austria

Algeria and Austria will face each other in a pivotal fixture in Kansas City, with both sides still in contention to reach the last 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Match News and Current Form
Algeria sit third in Group J, trailing their opponents here on goal difference, yet while a draw won’t be enough to finish in the top-two, it’ll likely send them through to the knockout stages regardless. They’re still in contention thanks to a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Jordan which served as their first victory at the World Cup in 12 years after missing out on both the 2018 and 2022 editions. The Desert Warriors now have the opportunity to win back-to-back World Cup matches for the first time ever, and confidence ought to be high after eight wins from their last 11 games (D1, L2).

Austria’s need to attack is not as great as Algeria’s here, but they’re unlikely to sit in as none of their 31 World Cup matches have ended goalless - an all-time high. Ralf Rangnick’s men were beaten 2-0 by Argentina on matchday two, and their progression hopes could now depend on avoiding suffering back-to-back defeats, a fate they last fell to back in September 2022. Austria last reached the knockout phase of a World Cup back in 1954 when they went on to finish third, and while replicating that might be a stretch, a place in the Round of 32 looks within reach for a side who’ve won ten of their last 13 games (D1, L2).

Head-to-Head History
The only previous H2H saw Austria win 2-0 at the 1982 World Cup, which was the last time that they kept a clean sheet at the tournament.

Hot Stats and Streaks
Algeria scored ten of their last 11 goals after half-time.

Seven of Algeria’s last nine wins were accompanied by a clean sheet.

Just two of Austria’s last eight games produced over 2.5 goals.

Five of Austria’s last six World Cup matches saw both teams score.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Amine Gouiri got Algeria’s winner against Jordan and has now been on the winning side in all nine of his international scoring appearances. Romano Schmid broke the deadlock for Austria on matchday one - all four of his goals for his country have come before the hour mark.

Mohamed Amoura missed Algeria’s win over Jordan. Austria appear to have no fresh injury worries.

Betting Analysis
Given that a draw suits both sides here, an under 2.5 goals selection carries some appeal.

Author: Alex Bowmer

Jordan v Argentina

Jordan head into their final 2026 World Cup Group J match having already been eliminated, but they can still make history when they face the marauding defending champions Argentina in Texas.

Match News and Current Form
Jordan, who are ranked #72 by FIFA, have given a good account of themselves in their first-ever World Cup despite losing both their matches, having equalised against Austria in their opener before falling to a 3-1 defeat, followed by opening the scoring against Algeria only to narrowly lose 2-1. Jordan, nicknamed the Chivalrous Ones, will hope to make a dignified exit, but doing so against the world’s number-one ranked side will be no easy task, especially as they’ve also struggled against sides from CONMEBOL in the past, losing four of their last five such matches. Should Jordan do the unthinkable and win here, they’ll make history by becoming the lowest-ranked team ever to beat the defending champions at the World Cup.

Argentina have proved why they were worthy winners in 2022 thus far, after a pair of Lionel Messi masterclasses helped them beat Algeria 3-0 in their opener before they dispatched Austria 2-0 to get the defence of their crown off to the best possible start. Another victory here accompanied by a clean sheet would see La Selección begin a World Cup campaign with three wins and no goals conceded for just the second time in their illustrious history, something they’ll be confident of doing having won 15 of their last 17 matches (D1, L1). A further confidence boost comes from them having only lost once against a team from the AFC confederation, that being their 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in the tournament opener in 2022.

Head-to-Head History
This will be the first ever meeting between Jordan and Argentina.

Hot Stats and Streaks
Six of Jordan’s last seven matches saw both teams score.

Five of Jordan’s last seven matches saw over 3.5 goals scored.

Argentina have kept clean sheets in eight of their last nine matches.

Argentina’s last 11 matches saw the half-time result replicated come full-time.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Jordan’s goalscorer against Algeria, Nizar Al-Rashdan, could spring an early surprise on the Argentinians, since his last three international goals have all served as the match opener. All five of Argentina’s goals this tournament have come from the magical Messi, who never seems to run out of records to chase as he now has a chance to become the first man to score in seven successive World Cup matches.

Jordan seem to have come through their last match unscathed, while Argentina have doubts over Cristian Romero who was forced off injured against Austria.

Betting Analysis
The reigning champs look relentless, making Argentina to win coupled with over 2.5 match goals the logical choice to provide some value.

Author: Peter Stavrinou

Last 32 - Play Offs

 Best of luck all.

South Africa v Canada

The round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway with a meeting between South Africa and Canada, both of whom are making their knockout stage debut, in Los Angeles.

Match News and Current Form
Wild celebrations were sparked on the streets of South Africa when they beat South Korea 1-0 to secure a second-place finish in Group A. At 74 years old, Hugo Broos will become the oldest manager to take charge of a knockout game at the World Cup here in what is his final tournament before retirement. He’s overseen a remarkable turnaround after their disastrous 2-0 defeat to Mexico in the opening game of these finals, a result which formed part of a seven-match winless run (D4, L3) prior to Bafana Bafana’s shock win on matchday three.

Canada are making another piece of history here as the first World Cup host nation to play a match outside of their own borders. That fate befell Jesse Marsch’s men due to a 2-1 defeat against Switzerland in their final group outing, which kept them off the Group B summit and ended a ten-match unbeaten run that stretched back to October (W4, D6). There were plenty of positives for Canada in their group campaign regardless, as they fired in eight goals and registered 21 shots on target - ten more than their previous two World Cup campaigns combined!

Head-to-Head History
South Africa won the only prior H2H 2-0 back in 2007, while Canada have also lost both of their prior competitive meetings with African opponents, one of which came against Morocco at the 2022 World Cup.

Hot Stats and Streaks
South Africa have scored once or fewer in each of their last eight matches.

Six of South Africa’s last seven games produced under 2.5 goals.

Ten of Canada’s last 13 fixtures featured under 2.5 goals.

Six red cards have been awarded across Canada’s last ten matches.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Thapelo Maseko took more shots (8) than any other South Africa player in the group stage, with the only one of those on target serving as the winner against South Korea. Canada’s Nathan Saliba has been involved in three goals in two appearances at this World Cup (G1, A2), more than in his first 15 international matches!

South Africa don’t appear to have any injury issues here, while Canada are hoping captain Alphonso Davies and midfielder Stephen Eustáquio are fit to start.

Betting Analysis
Canada are understandably big favourites, but given both sides’ recent returns, a Canada to win and under 2.5 goals combination looks a strong choice here.

Author: Ryan Fisher

Brazil v Japan

Arguably the most eye-catching game of the Round of 32 in the 2026 World Cup takes place in Houston, where five-time winners Brazil take on a Japan side who’ve never won a knockout stage game in this competition.

Match News and Current Form
After an uninspiring performance in their opening fixture, Brazil warmed to the task nicely in Group C, registering back-to-back 3-0 wins over Haiti and Scotland to secure a first-place finish above Morocco. The Seleção have netted seven times without reply since falling behind on matchday one, their longest run of unanswered goals at the World Cup since 2002, when they last won the competition. They’ll hope legendary coach Carlo Ancelotti helps them end that drought, as although they’ve not fallen at the first knockout hurdle of a World Cup since 1990, Brazil have been eliminated from four of their last six World Cup knockout matches, more than their previous 17 combined (3).

Widely touted dark horses Japan run into one of the favourites to go all the way despite an unbeaten run through Group F (W1, D2), with their 1-1 draw against Sweden on matchday three denying Hajime Moriyasu’s men the chance to win the group. Moriyasu insists his side “aren’t a pushover” but their miserable history beyond the World Cup group stage flies in the face of that statement. The Samurai Blue have never won a knockout match at the finals (L4), and a return of just one victory in five games in this competition against CONMEBOL sides historically (D1, L3) understandably places them as outsiders to progress here.

Head-to-Head History
Brazil’s only defeat in 14 H2Hs against Japan (W11, D2) came in the pair’s most recent meeting in October (3-2). Brazil won the only prior World Cup meeting between the sides 4-1 back in 2006.

Hot Stats and Streaks
Brazil have won all four of their World Cup games against sides from the AFC confederation.

Seven of Brazil’s last eight wins came by 2+ goal margins.

Japan have kept six clean sheets across their last eight matches.

Japan’s three matches at this World Cup have produced an average of nine total corners.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
With another strike here, Vinícius Júnior (G4) would become the first Brazilian since the legendary pair of Rivaldo and Ronaldo in 2002 to score in each of their first four games at a single World Cup. Japan’s Ayase Ueda (G2) and Daichi Kamada (G2) are also chasing history, as they both aim to become the first Asian player to ever net three times at a single World Cup.

Brazil’s Raphinha is ruled out, while Japan’s Takefusa Kubo is unlikely to feature after sitting out of their last two group games.

Betting Analysis
These two sides have attacked well at this World Cup, which makes a Brazil to qualify and both teams to score combination a tempting route to take.

Author: Ryan Fisher

Germany v Paraguay

Four-time world champions Germany begin their first knockout stage campaign since 2014 when they head to Foxborough to take on Paraguay, a side who are making their first knockout appearance since 2010.

Match News and Current Form
Germany’s World Cup suffered a minor but noteworthy setback when they fell 2-1 to Ecuador in their final group stage game, having gone into the match with top spot of Group E already secured. Head coach Julian Nagelsmann rejected assertions from three of his own players that Germany lacked the proper mentality in their loss to Ecuador, their fourth defeat from nine World Cup games since the start of 2014 (D1, L4). It's not since lifting the trophy in 2014 with a 1-0 win over Argentina that Germany have recorded a World Cup clean sheet, although their leaky defence hasn't been an issue in 2026 with their first six wins of the year accompanied by only one shutout.

Paraguay’s ambition and belief were brought into question when they appeared to settle for a 0-0 draw against Australia, creating only 0.24 expected goals and squandering an opportunity to register consecutive World Cup wins for the first time in their history. It certainly wasn't an encouraging attacking performance for a side who have never scored in five World Cup knockout matches, but they did enough to get beyond the group stage as they did during their previous appearance when making it to the quarter-finals in 2010. It was another European nation (Spain) that knocked them out on that occasion, a fate they’ll be hopeful of avoiding here, and with four wins and four defeats from ten games since ending their World Cup qualification campaign, Paraguay’s unpredictability means anything could happen.

Head-to-Head History
These teams last met in 2013, playing out a thrilling 3-3 friendly. Germany’s loss to Ecuador ended a four-game winning streak against CONMEBOL sides at the World Cup, whilst Paraguay’s win over Turkey was their third over a UEFA side this century (D1, L5).

Hot Stats and Streaks
Six of Germany’s last seven matches saw both teams score.

Five of Germany’s last six World Cup games produced over 2.5 goals.

Paraguay scored no more than once in each of their last six World Cup games.

Paraguay scored exactly once in six of their last eight defeats.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Deniz Undav was Germany’s ‘supersub’ of the group stage, notching up three strikes and two assists from less than 90 minutes of play. One of Paraguay’s two group stage goals came from Matías Galarza, who has now struck in two of his last three internationals.

Germany’s injury list includes Nathaniel Brown and Lennart Karl, while Nico Schlotterbeck suffered a World Cup-ending injury against Ivory Coast. Paraguay's Omar Alderete is doubtful and Diego Gómez is suspended.

Betting Analysis
The trends of these two sides point towards both teams scoring.

Author: Aaron Murphy

Incredible dialogue! GL 

Netherlands v Morocco

Netherlands and Morocco will meet at Monterrey Stadium in a World Cup Round of 32 fixture in what promises to be one of the ties of the round between two nations carrying some incredible momentum.

Match News and Current Form
The Netherlands finished unbeaten in Group F (W2, D1) after a 3-1 demolition of Tunisia on matchday three set them up nicely heading into the knockouts. Topping their group for the sixth time in their last seven global tournaments, the Oranje maintained their 100% record of advancing from the group stages in each of their ten appearances at the World Cup, and going deeper into the competition seems likely for a Dutch side who've reached at least the quarter finals in five of their last six such appearances. Ronald Koeman’s side have form on their side too, as they take an 11-game competitive unbeaten run (W8, D3) into the knockout stage.

Morocco bounced back from conceding in the tenth minute to defeat Haiti 4-2 on matchday three, registering their first comeback win in World Cup history (D1, L11 when trailing). It was a record-breaking game on many counts for the Atlas Lions, who scored four goals in a World Cup game for the first time in their history while recording 69% possession - their highest in a single match in this competition. Only goal difference saw Mohamed Ouahbi’s side finish behind Brazil in Group C, and although that secured only a third-ever appearance in the World Cup knockouts, Ouahbi has declared his side have the belief to win the title, and an unbeaten eight-game sequence (W5, D3) since the end of the AFCON tournament in January makes them a tricky opponent for any team.

Head-to-Head History
This is the second World Cup H2H following the Netherlands’ 2-1 win in 1994. The Dutch are unbeaten against African sides (W5, D1) at the World Cup, while Morocco are seeking consecutive World Cup wins against European opposition after a 1-0 win over Scotland in the group stages.

Hot Stats and Streaks
Six of the Netherlands’ last seven matches saw both teams score.

Three of the Netherlands’ last five World Cup knockout round games went to penalties.

Morocco scored under 1.5 goals in six of their last seven World Cup games.

Morocco kept a first-half clean sheet in six of their last eight matches.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Netherlands forward Brian Brobbey has scored his three World Cup goals in this edition within the first 20 minutes of a match. Achraf Hakimi contributed two goals (G1, A1) for Morocco in their 4-2 win over Haiti, making it the tenth win in 12 national games in which he scored (D2).

The Netherlands are missing Jurrien Timber, whilst Morocco are without Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli.

For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.

Betting Analysis
Given the recent form of the Netherlands and Morocco, both teams to score looks a likely outcome.

Author: Sridhar Bhamidi

That's down to the author's. I'm just the copy and paste man.

Appreciate your post and best of luck going forward.

Ivory Coast v Norway

Two of the most inexperienced sides in World Cup knockout football meet in Arlington, Texas, as post-group stage debutants Ivory Coast clash with a well-rested Norway.

Match News and Current Form
Ivory Coast qualified from a competitive Group E in second place, with only an inferior H2H record against Germany keeping them off top spot. Victories to nil against Ecuador and Curaçao were enough to carry them into the knockouts for the first time ever at a World Cup, and should they win here, it would equal their tally of victories across their previous three global appearances combined. History suggests they’re up against it given that prior to this tournament only two African nations had ever won their first knockout match at the World Cup, and even then both required extra time, but Ivory Coast might still fancy their chances of getting this done inside 90 minutes after winning six of their last seven internationals (D1).

Norway essentially threw away their chances of topping Group I on matchday three when they made ten changes to their starting XI against France. Ståle Solbakken described the decision as a “no brainer” given a top-two finish was assured before kick-off, and although his side were punished with a 4-1 defeat against the French, comfortable victories over Senegal and Iraq prior should mean their returning stars are confident of regaining their stride here. They’d be wise to hone in on recent form, as history offers little inspiration for a side who’ve lost both prior World Cup knockout matches, but their form across the last 19 matches (W14, D3, L2) certainly hints they can overcome that negative omen here.

Head-to-Head History
These two nations have never met before, but Norway have lost just two of their 19 matches against African nations (W9, D8) after beating Senegal 3-2 in the group stages.

Hot Stats and Streaks
Ivory Coast have opened the scoring in all three World Cup matches in 2026.

Only two of Ivory Coast’s last seven games saw both teams score.

Six of Norway’s last nine internationals produced over 3.5 goals.

Nine of Norway’s last ten matches saw both teams score.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Watch out for a fast start from Ivory Coast’s Nicolas Pépé as he opened the scoring before the 20th minute on four of his last five international scoring appearances. Thelo Aasgaard’s first-half strike against France ended a streak of four successive Norway goals to arrive after the hour mark.

Wilfried Singo missed Ivory Coast’s win against Curaçao, while Norway are sweating on Julian Ryerson’s involvement moving forward in this tournament.

Betting Analysis
For two vastly inexperienced sides at this stage, we could see a cagey affair that ends in a draw after 90 minutes.

Author: Chris Wilson

France v Sweden

France meet Group F’s third-place finishers Sweden at New York’s MetLife Stadium as Les Bleus look to keep up their 100% winning record so far against a Sweden side breaking records of their own.

Match News and Current Form
France have made a statement of intent by scoring ten times across three group stage victories, the joint-most of any side, four of which came against a second-string Norway in the final group game (W 4-1). Those results secured Les Bleus’ first perfect passage through a World Cup group since winning the tournament on home soil in 1998, a solid omen they can point towards to solidify their status as one of the favourites to lift the trophy in mid-July. Scoring at least three goals in their last four World Cup games underlines the attacking prowess within the French ranks, and as they stand on the brink of becoming the first side to do so in five successive games, securing that feat is almost certain to lead to another broken record of seven consecutive World Cup wins against UEFA nations.

Despite only qualifying as one of the best third-placed sides, Graham Potter’s Sweden broke their own national record with seven goals scored at a World Cup group stage (W1, D1, L1). They’ve still got some way to go to equal the 15 they managed across the whole tournament when the USA last hosted the World Cup back in 1994 and they finished third, and an unkind route to the final certainly means they’re right up against it on both fronts. The size of the task here cannot be understated, but the Swedes will be quick to point out that they were only eliminated from two of their last seven games in the first World Cup knockout round, even if both defeats came across the last three such occasions.

Head-to-Head History
France lead the way after 23 prior encounters against Sweden (W12, D5, L6), but the only two H2Hs at major tournaments ended in a 1-1 draw in 1992 and a 2-0 Sweden win in 2012, both in the UEFA European Championship.

Hot Stats and Streaks
France have scored 2+ goals in 15 of their last 16 games.

Seven of France’s last eight matches saw both teams score.

Seven of Sweden’s last nine internationals produced over 3.5 goals.

Sweden’s last nine matches saw both teams score.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
France’s Ousmane Dembélé became the first man to hit a first-half hat trick in the World Cup since Russia’s Oleg Salenko at USA ‘94, although seven of his eight international goals before that came after half-time! After scoring in the final two group games, Anthony Elanga could now become the first Sweden player to score in three successive World Cup appearances since 1994 - six of his eight strikes for his country arrived after the break.

France hope to have William Saliba available after he missed the Norway game, while Isak Hien and Victor Lindelöf were substituted with injuries in Sweden’s previous match.

Betting Analysis
It’s hard to make a strong case against France’s potent front line running rampant once more, so backing France to score 3+ goals could provide value.

Author: Matthew Billon

Mexico v Ecuador

Co-hosts Mexico once again return to the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City for this last 32 clash against Ecuador, who are the latest side trying to end the Mexicans' formidable record on this ground.

Match News and Current Form
After collecting nine points and three clean sheets from their Group A fixtures, Mexico go into this clash on a six-game winning streak and without a defeat since their final game of 2025 (W9, D2). During this unbeaten run, Javier Aguirre’s side conceded only two goals and faced only five shots on target across their three group stage matches at this tournament. Attention now turns towards at least matching their two previous quarter-finals appearances as hosts in 1970 and 1986, and taking the next step on the road at the Azteca seems likely given they’ve never lost a World Cup game on this ground (W6, D2) and haven't been beaten at all here since September 2013! That seems a huge stroke of fortune for Mexico, who have the worst win percentage in World Cup knockout stage games of any side to feature in more than five such fixtures (W1, D2, L7).

Ecuador claimed a slice of history in the group stages, as after failing to score in their opening two matches, a 2-1 win against Germany on matchday three saw them become only the second side in the 21st century to fail to score in both of their first two World Cup group games and still progress to the knockout stage. Victory presents Ecuador with an opportunity to win back-to-back World Cup games for the first time ever, and they’ll hope a return to winning ways can rekindle the kind of run they managed pre-tournament when they went unbeaten in 19 matches. They’ll certainly need that to be the case if they’re to avoid replicating their only other appearance in a World Cup knockout stage which ended in elimination at the first hurdle.

Head-to-Head History
The only prior World Cup H2H between these sides saw Mexico run out 2-1 victors in 2002, but that’s incredibly their only win in 14 World Cup matches against South American sides (D3, L10).

Hot Stats and Streaks
Mexico haven’t conceded after the 47th minute in any of their last 11 matches.

Only one of Mexico's last six matches saw both teams score.

Ecuador have not conceded 2+ goals in any of their last 26 fixtures.

Thirteen of Ecuador’s last 16 games produced under 2.5 goals.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Luis Romo was on the bench for Mexico’s opener but has contributed to their opening goal, both within the first ten minutes of the second half, in each of their last two games (G1, A1). Nilson Angulo failed to score in any of his first 11 international appearances, but his goal against Germany means he has scored in three of his last six appearances for Ecuador.

Both sides appear to be close to full strength.

Betting Analysis
Both teams have very strong defensive records so backing under 1.5 goals could be a smart play.

Author: Tom Penn

England v D.R. Congo

England will hope they can come into their own in the World Cup knockout stages, as they travel to Atlanta to face a DR Congo side who are in uncharted territory in this competition.

Match News and Current Form
Although they won Group L thanks to a 2-0 victory over Panama on matchday three, England flattered to deceive for large parts of their group stage campaign, heightening nerves as they bid to reach at least the quarter-finals in a fifth successive major tournament. They’ve tended to come into their own in competitive action under Thomas Tuchel, winning ten of their 11 such games (D1), although the sole exception did come against African opposition in Ghana in the group stage. African sides account for 50% of Tuchel’s failures to win (D1, L1) since taking charge of England (W13, D2, L2), and a clean sheet could hold the key to avoiding adding to that tally given that 14 of the Three Lions’ last 15 wins were accompanied by a clean sheet.

DR Congo will make history here as they embark upon their first-ever World Cup knockout match, and they do so by virtue of a third-placed finish in Group K. A 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan on matchday three was enough to see them secure their place here as the best-ranked third placed finisher, while a draw against Portugal in their group stage opener showed they can be a stubborn opponent for top European opposition. And although the Leopards have only won one of their last five matches (D2, L2), they’re unlikely to be pushovers as DR Congo haven’t been beaten by more than one goal in a competitive setting since March 2022!

Head-to-Head History
These two nations have never met before, although this is the third occasion in which England have met African opposition in the World Cup knockouts, after winning both of their previous games.

Hot Stats and Streaks
Seven of England’s last nine matches produced under 2.5 goals.

Six of the last eight goals scored by England came after half-time.

Thirteen of DR Congo’s last 16 games produced under 2.5 goals.

DR Congo haven’t scored before the half-hour mark in their last ten games.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Harry Kane’s goal against Panama saw him become England’s all-time leading scorer at the World Cup (G11) and he was on target before half-time in two of England’s last three games against African opposition. Three of DR Congo’s four goals at this World Cup have been scored by Yoane Wissa, who has netted the second goal of the game on five of his last six international scoring appearances.

England’s Jarell Quansah limped off against Panama, adding to their woes at right-back with Reece James also out. DR Congo appear to be at full strength.

Betting Analysis
The Three Lions should have enough to win this game, but with DR Congo not tending to be beaten heavily, backing a 1-0 England win looks to carry value.

Author: Chris Wilson

Belgium v Senegal

A thumping win on matchday three was enough to secure top spot in Group G for Belgium and set up a last-32 tie in Seattle against a Senegal side who snuck into the knockouts as the eighth-best third-placed side.

Match News and Current Form
Belgium were at risk of elimination in the final group game, but ended up becoming the first European side since England in 1990 to win their group after failing to win their opening two matches by posting their biggest-ever win at a World Cup with a thumping 5-1 win over New Zealand. Those five goals represent more than the Red Devils had managed across their previous seven World Cup matches combined, and it was another showing that hints they’re finding their feet at just the right time. In spite of their slow start, Belgium head into this game on the back of their second-longest unbeaten run in history (W10, D6), two of which came against African opposition (W1, D1).

Senegal’s group stage campaign had striking similarities to Belgium’s, as they failed to win either of their opening two games (L2) before hammering in five goals on matchday three against a ten-man Iraq to become the only third-placed side to qualify with three points. High-scoring affairs were a running theme for Senegal in the group stage, with only games involving Norway (G15) producing more goals than the 14 in Senegal’s outings, but conceding six of them against European opposition in Norway and France should see them approach this game cautiously. They’ve had issues in the past against European opposition too, as their last two World Cup knockout games both ended in defeats to nil against Turkey and England respectively.

Head-to-Head History
This will be the first-ever meeting between these nations. Belgium are unbeaten in five of their six World Cup encounters against African sides (W3, D2), while Senegal have lost each of their last four games at the tournament against European nations.

Hot Stats and Streaks
Belgium averaged seven shots on target per match in the group stage.

Belgium have conceded just one second-half goal across their last six games.

Five of Senegal’s last six games featured over 3.5 goals.

Senegal scored ten of their last 12 goals after half-time.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Following his goal and assist in the previous round, Romelu Lukaku now has more World Cup goal involvements than any other Belgium player since 1966 (G6, A2), and he could score in successive games at the tournament for the second time after doing so in 2018, the second of which came against African opposition! Senegal’s Pape Gueye had a hand in three of his side’s five goals in the final group game (G2, A1), putting him just one goal contribution shy of the all-time Senegalese record for a player at a World Cup.

Belgium boast a clean bill of health, while Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy will miss this round with a knee sprain.

Betting Analysis
Given that both sides enter this on the back of respective five-goal hauls, going bold with an over 3.5 goals selection could provide value.

Author: Matthew Billon

USA v Bosnia & Herzegovina

Co-hosts USA will look to progress from the Round of 32 stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they welcome Bosnia & Herzegovina to California.

Match News and Current Form
After securing top spot in Group D with wins in their first two matches, USA were dealt a minor setback when they lost to the already eliminated Turkey, albeit with a rotated side and a ‘nothing to gain’ mentality. Manager Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping their momentum hasn't stalled as they seek to rectify a horrible record of seven losses from their last eight World Cup knockout matches, the most recent of which - against the Netherlands in 2022 (L 3-1) - began what is now a run of ten consecutive defeats to European sides including friendlies. The Turkey defeat was just their second from their last nine competitive games on home soil (W6, D1), so they'll be expected to convert their home nation advantage into success.

Bosnia & Herzegovina enter this fixture as substantial underdogs after finishing third in Group B behind Switzerland and Canada. A routine 3-1 victory over Qatar on matchday three saw them squeeze into the Round of 32, though after conceding six goals in total, they enter this stage as one of the tournament’s worst remaining defensive sides. No nation has played more matches at the World Cup without recording a single clean sheet than Bosnia's six, and whilst that's not an ideal preparation for their World Cup knockout debut, their penalty shootout wins over Wales and Italy in the final stage of qualifying show they're not afraid of higher ranked opponents or playing beyond 90 minutes.

Head-to-Head History
This will be the fourth H2H meeting, with USA unbeaten in three friendlies from 2013 to 2021. USA have not won any of their last 13 World Cup games against European nations (D6, L7).

Hot Stats and Streaks
USA’s last eight internationals have averaged 4.4 total goals per game.

USA attempted 10+ shots in each of their three group stage matches.

Eleven of Bosnia’s last 12 internationals have seen both teams score.

Bosnia have recorded 3+ shots on target in 12 of their last 13 internationals.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Folarin Balogun is looking to become just the third USA player to score at least three goals in a World Cup campaign, now having struck six goals in his last 11 internationals which include two during the group stage. Ermin Mahmic recorded two goals in two games as a substitute during the group stages, with both coming during or after the 80th minute.

USA will assess both Mark McKenzie and Auston Trusty closer to matchday, while Bosnia welcome Tarik Muharemovic back from suspension.

Betting Analysis
After enjoying a strong group stage campaign, USA look better equipped of the two sides here, so we anticipate USA to qualify and both teams to score.

Author: Nathan Evans

Spain v Austria

This all-European clash in the FIFA World Cup round of 32 in Los Angeles sees regular visitors to the knockouts Spain taking on Austria, who haven’t made it this far in over 70 years.

Match News and Current Form
Spain remain one of the favourites to win the World Cup after progressing through the group stage without conceding for the first time (W2, D1), topping Group H by beating Uruguay 1-0 on matchday three. That result stretched their unbeaten run to 13 matches (W9, D4), and with each of those games seeing the half-time outcome replicated at full-time, once La Roja get a stranglehold on a match, they seldom relinquish it. That bodes well coming into this, although the reigning European champions have lost their last two World Cup knockout fixtures since winning the final in 2010, and they’ve never previously suffered three consecutive knockout defeats at the World Cup.

Austria secured second place in Group J after a thrilling, albeit controversial, 3-3 draw with Algeria in their final group game, a contest in which they both scored and conceded in second-half stoppage time. That draw stretched their run of World Cup fixtures without a clean sheet to 12 dating back to 1982, which is a concern as they attempt to keep the Spanish attack at bay in what is also unfamiliar territory for those involved with Das Team. Although they’ve played five previous World Cup knockout games, all of them against European opponents (W3, L2), this will be their first since 1954!

Head-to-Head History
Spain are unbeaten across the last five H2Hs (W4, D1) although Austria won their only previous World Cup meeting 2-1 in 1978.

Hot Stats and Streaks
None of Spain’s last nine games witnessed scoring after the 75th minute.

Spain scored exactly once in each of their last seven World Cup knockout matches against European opposition.

All three of Austria’s group games featured at least one goal after the 90th minute.

Five of Austria’s last six matches featured more goals after half-time than before.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Mikel Oyarzabal has had a hand in three of Spain’s five goals at this tournament (G2, A1) and has contributed to 22 goals across the last 15 internationals he started (G15, A7). Marko Arnautovic is the only Austrian to have scored more than once at the 2026 World Cup (G2), while three of his last four goals for club or country came after the 50th minute.

Spain’s Yéremy Pino and Nico Williams suffered injuries against Uruguay, with Pino unlikely to feature again in the tournament. Austria appear to have a clean bill of health heading into the knockouts.

Betting Analysis
As a slow start wouldn’t surprise here given the high-stakes nature of the game, backing the second half to produce most goals could be worth considering.

Author: John Pennington

This is my 100th post and I wanted to dedicate it to people of Venezuela.

''Sometimes as we celebrate a world cup, we forget the World and just see a cup''.

Thank you, and good luck going forward.

@Namazu

Good man, and well said.  

Thanks Ushpa.

Portugal v Croatia

Portugal’s path towards a first-ever World Cup crown is a treacherous one, and begins with a last 32 clash against a Croatia side who’ve reached the semi-final of the last two editions.

Match News and Current Form
Portugal flattered to deceive in the group stage, and while they stayed unbeaten (W1, D2), failures to beat DR Congo and Colombia consigned them to a second-placed finish. Portugal do at least have the chance to go four games unbeaten at a single World Cup for just the third time ever here, and as the other two instances saw them go all the way to the semi-finals (1966 and 2006), the omens are with them if they can come through the first knockout round for a third successive major tournament. Roberto Martínez’s men have also lost just twice in 23 matches overall since the end of Euro 2024 (W15, D6).

Croatia recovered from a 4-2 defeat against England on matchday one of the group stage, responding with wins over Panama (1-0) and Ghana (2-1) to seal a fourth progression to the World Cup knockouts. Their squad may be aging, but under Zlatko Dalic’s leadership, it’s made up of a core group that came third in 2022 and were runners-up in 2018, so they certainly know how to get the job done in this tournament. Croatia have the chance to win three successive major tournament games for the first time since the 2018 World Cup, but to do so they’ll have to halt a three-match winless run at the finals against European nations (D1, L2), with both losses coming by the same 4-2 scoreline.

Head-to-Head History
Portugal have never lost a competitive game against Croatia (W5, D1), and have been beaten in just one of the ten H2Hs overall (W7, D2).

Hot Stats and Streaks
Portugal failed to score in each of their last four defeats.

Portugal took just ten corners across their three group stage matches.

Seven of Croatia’s last nine games saw both teams score.

Five of Croatia’s last six internationals featured scoring after the 80th minute.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
None of Cristiano Ronaldo’s world record 145 international goals have come in his eight previous World Cup knockout games, with no player taking more shots than his 29 at this stage without ever finding the net. He lined up alongside Luka Modric a whopping 222 times at Real Madrid, and the Croatia captain is in line to make his 23rd World Cup appearance here - only four players, including Ronaldo, have made more.

Neither side appear to have any major injury concerns.

Betting Analysis
Given Portugal’s struggles, Croatia to win is priced up nicely, especially when considering their knockout stage prowess at the World Cup.

Author: Ryan Fisher

Switzerland v Algeria

For a Switzerland side who haven’t progressed from a World Cup knockout tie in 88 years, this clash with an Algeria side who struggle against European opposition seemingly represents an ideal assignment.

Match News and Current Form
Switzerland’s prize for winning Group B (W2, D1) is a last-32 clash at BC Place in Vancouver against a third-place finisher, and the Swiss will need any help they can get moving forward in this tournament having been eliminated in each of their last seven World Cup knockout matches (excl. group play-offs). They last progressed from a knockout tie in this competition in 1938, but their group stage form should offer some hope they can banish those demons here after beating both Bosnia and Canada in their final two fixtures, affording them the chance to win three successive World Cup matches for the first time ever. Losing just once since the start of 2025 (W10, D6), there appears every chance that Switzerland could make history on more than one front here.

Algeria’s knockout route might have been much different had they not conceded a stoppage-time equaliser in controversial circumstances in their final Group J game against Austria (3-3). Despite some calls of the result being fixed, FIFA have elected not to investigate the result of the game, paving the way for Algeria to solely focus on just their second-ever knockout appearance at the World Cup. Their only prior knockout jaunt ended at the first hurdle, and few would rule out the prospect of history repeating itself given Algeria are winless in their last nine World Cup games against European opposition (D4, L5).

Head-to-Head History
This is a first-ever competitive meeting between these sides, but both prior friendlies have been won by Switzerland, who have also won their two previous World Cup matches against African opposition.

Hot Stats and Streaks
Five of Switzerland’s last nine knockout matches in major tournaments have gone to penalties (W1, L4).

Eight of Switzerland’s last nine matches saw both teams score.

Algeria’s last four games produced over 2.5 goals.

Algeria conceded first in their last five World Cup games.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Switzerland’s Rubén Vargas has two goals to his name at this World Cup and has opened the scoring on six of his last eight international scoring appearances. After his brace against Austria, Riyad Mahrez needs to contribute to just one more goal to claim the outright record for the most goal involvements by an Algeria player at a single World Cup edition.

Switzerland’s Miro Muheim should return here, while Algeria’s Mohamed Amoura has missed their last two games.

Betting Analysis
Given how tight Swiss knockout games tend to be, backing this tie to be decided on penalties seemingly offers great value.

Author: Chris Wilson