Expert Predictions for the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
If the Round of 32 served up that much drama, what are we in store for in the Round of 16?
Late goals and huge moments have been the story of the 2026 World Cup. Will that remain the same in this round?
Will the United States ride the home advantage to victory over Belgium? Can England overcome the altitude and hostility of a partisan Mexican crowd?
Our experts answer that and more with their predictions for every game in the Round of 16.
Canada vs. Morocco
1 of 8
Date, Time and Location: Saturday, July 4, 1 p.m. ET, Houston
TV Network: FOX
It's the end of the line for co-hosts Canada, who don't have the quality to stop a battle-tested Morocco squad that is full of quality.
Prediction: Canada 1-3 Morocco
-Nick Akerman
While Canada has had a phenomenal tournament so far, Morocco's intensity and technicality will, unfortunately, see them sent home in the Round of 16.
Prediction: Canada 1-2 Morocco
- Alex Windley
Morocco have impressed this summer against high-quality opposition and should handle business against a Canadian outfit without a fully fit Alphonso Davies.
Prediction: Canada 1-2 Morocco
- Joe Lowery
While Morocco hasn't been entirely convincing in front of goal, it will make short work of a Canada side that will be thrilled to have gotten this far.
Prediction: Canada 0-2 Morocco
- Leo Collis
Canada have shown enough to suggest they can be a threat here, but Morocco have been one of the tournament's best teams and possess a significant talent advantage.
Prediction: Morocco win 1-0
- Calum Rogers
Paraguay vs. France
2 of 8
Date, Time and Location: Saturday, July 4, 5 p.m. ET, Philadelphia
TV Network: FOX
There's no team on the planet that would stop France right now - including Paraguay, whose win over Germany will be remembered as a historic finale to their appearance at the tournament.
Prediction: Paraguay 0-3 France
-Nick Akerman
There's no more terrifying team at this tournament than France with their three-headed attacking monster of Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, and Ousmane Dembele.
Prediction: Paraguay 0-2 France
- Joe Lowery
The French look like they're on another level right now. Manager Didier Deschamps figured out how to get this attack running like a well-oiled machine. This result could get lopsided.
Prediction: Paraguay 0-4 France
- Alex Windley
While most of us thought Paraguay's matchup with Germany would be one-sided, La Albirroja had other ideas. The same fortune won't await them against France, who are just too good to go home now.
Prediction: Paraguay 0-4 France
- Leo Collis
Paraguay produced the shock of the round of 32, but France are on another planet to that Germany team (and possibly everyone else).
Prediction: France win 4-0
- Calum Rogers
Brazil vs. Norway
3 of 8
Date, Time and Location: Sunday, July 5, 4 p.m. ET, New York/New Jersey
TV Network: FOX
I think Carlo Ancelotti will be the deciding factor in a really tight game, just like he was in the last round against Japan.
Prediction: Brazil 2-1 Norway (AET)
-Nick Akerman
Brazil's late-game antics against Japan didn't necessarily instill confidence that they could make a deep run. On the flip side, with Erling Haaland leading the line for Norway, anything can happen. This will be a close one
Prediction: Brazil 3-2 Norway
- Alex Windley
Thanks to their pair of elite center backs, Brazil will slow Erling Haaland long enough for a stacked frontline to grab a couple of goals at the other end.
Prediction: Brazil 2-0 Norway
- Joe Lowery
The Erling Haaland-Gabriel Magalhรฃes battle will be delicious and worth the price of admission alone. However, Norway will find it tough to get much against a Brazil side that is improving minute by minute.
Prediction: Brazil 2-0 Norway
- Leo Collis
It's still tough to know what to make of Brazil, but they have continued to find answers to opponents' questions, and I think Carlo Ancelotti and co. will do it once more against an impressive Norway team.
Prediction: Brazil win 4-2
- Calum Rogers
England vs. Mexico
4 of 8
Date, Time and Location: Sunday, July 5, 8 p.m. ET, Mexico City
TV Network: FOX
To put it plainly: England don't have the balls to stand up to Mexico in the Azteca, despite possessing the best player on the pitch in Harry Kane.
Prediction: Mexico 1-0 England
-Nick Akerman
Azteca comes for all, and England will be no different. They most certainly have the quality to win, but Mexico will have the home crowd and elements on its side.
Prediction: Mexico 2-1 England
- Alex Windley
Much has been made of Mexico's excellence at the Azteca (see above!), but El Tri's run on home soil will come to an end against a physical England team.
Prediction: Mexico 0-2 England
- Joe Lowery
England will struggle in the Azteca conditions, and Mexico will be buoyed by home support. It's not coming home.
Prediction: Mexico 2-1 England
- Leo Collis
England have been worryingly blunt outside of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, but in an incredibly tough game to call, I think their star power is enough for them to sneak past Mexico in the matchup of the round.
Prediction: England win on penalties after a 2-2 draw
- Calum Rogers
Spain vs. Portugal
5 of 8
Date, Time and Location: Monday, July 5, 3 p.m. ET, Dallas
TV Network: FOX
With Spain gearing up after a demolition of Austria in the Round of 32 and Portugal only making it this far by a hair's breadth, the Spanish have the clear edge.
Prediction: Portugal 1-2 Spain
- Joe Lowery
Though Portugal made it past Croatia, their performance in that match didn't inspire confidence. In comparison, Spain looks to be hitting a good patch of form at the right time.
Prediction: Portugal 2-3 Spain (AET)
- Alex Windley
It will be a hard-fought battle between the Iberian neighbors, with goals coming at either end of the pitch. Spain is starting to show why it is the European champion, though, and Portugal won't be able to keep up.
Prediction: Portugal 2-4 Spain (AET)
- Leo Collis
Portugal's performances tend to assimilate to the quality of their opponent, but I think Spain is a step too far due to their immense pace and willingness to throw numbers forward.ย
Prediction: Portugal 0-2 Spain
-Nick Akerman
I have regretted picking Portugal to win the tournament since realizing just how slow and ponderous they would be in possession, but their thrilling comeback victory over Croatia (and my own stubbornness) has me willing to double down despite mounting evidence that Spain is the better team.
Prediction: Portugal win on penalties after a 1-1 draw
- Calum Rogers
USA vs. Belgium
6 of 8
Date, Time and Location: Monday July 5, 8 p.m. ET, Seattle
TV Network: FOX
Just like England against Mexico, Belgium are exactly the type of big-name team to lose to co-hosts USA, due to a poor blend of underperforming players who can't quite deal with the pressure put on them by supporters back home.
Prediction: USA 2-1 Belgium
-Nick Akerman
While Belgium haven't impressed at this World Cup, their talent advantage will make itself known in a hard-fought battle against a Folarin Balogun-less United States team.
Prediction: USA 1-2 Belgium
- Joe Lowery
Agreed with my colleagues regarding Belgium's lack of prowess! However, with no Folarin Balogun, getting past a Belgian side that can fight back from being down multiple goals doesn't bode well for the USMNT's chances.
Prediction: USA 1-2 Belgium
- Alex Windley
Belgium might not have been convincing at the tournament, but it has pulled out results when it really matters. The pattern will follow here.
Prediction: USA 0-2 Belgium
- Leo Collis
It's a shame for Folarin Balogun and the USMNT that his absurd red card has ruled him out, but likely replacement Ricardo Pepi still feels more than capable of troubling a shaky Belgium defence.
Prediction: USA win 3-2 in extra time
- Calum Rogers
Argentina vs. Egypt
7 of 8
Date, Time and Location: Tuesday, July 6, 12 p.m. ET, Atlanta
TV Network: FOX
Argentina will simply overwhelm Egypt with their central overloads, booking Lionel Messi a spot in the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Argentina 2-0 Egypt
- Joe Lowery
After a slight scare against a very solid Cape Verde side, Argentina won't take any chances in the next round and will likely try to put this one to bed early.
Prediction: Argentina 3-1 Egypt
- Alex Windley
The Cabo Verde game will prove to be a lesson for Argentina, and La Albiceleste will come out firing against Egypt with little reply.
Prediction: Argentina 2-0 Egypt
- Leo Collis
Cape Verde did an excellent job of showing Argentina aren't as unbeatable as people may think - but this match won't be as close as that one. The scare should improve Lionel Scaloni's side.
Prediction: Argentina 2-0 Egypt
- Nick Akerman
Argentina survived an almighty scare against Cabo Verde, but Egypt just don't have enough at either end of the pitch to trouble them.
Prediction: Argentina win 3-0
- Calum Rogers
Switzerland vs. Colombia
8 of 8
Date, Time and Location: Tuesday, July 6, 4 p.m. ET, Vancouver
TV Network: FOX
Switzerland appears to have taken the 'dark horse' mantle from the Netherlands, riding a three-game win streak at the tournament. However, Colombia looks tough and will certainly work hard and make it physical until the very end.
Prediction: Switzerland 0-1 Colombia
- Alex Windley
It will be a tight affair, but young star Johan Manzambi's phenomenal tournament will continue and give the edge to the Swiss.
Prediction: Switzerland 1-0 Colombia
- Joe Lowery
This might be the toughest one to call, with Colombia excellent on its day but not yet coming alive in the tournament. Switzerland, on the other hand, has proved consistent and organized, and that could prove the difference.
Prediction: Switzerland 2-1 Colombia
- Leo Collis
This is really difficult to call, but I'm going to lean for Colombia due to the Luis Diaz factor. His dribbling lures people towards him, opening up space for his colleagues to run into and exploit.
Prediction: Switzerland 1-2 Colombia (AET)
- Nick Akerman
Both these teams have been quietly impressive, but Colombia have played a far higher standard of opposition than Switzerland and should be more battle-tested.
Prediction: Colombia win 2-1
- Calum Rogers
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