World Cup 2026 Odds, Updated Predictions for Saturday Round of 16 Matches
It may feel like the 2026 World Cup just began a few days ago, but, believe it or not, we've already reached the second stage of the knockout round. That's right, the final game of the round of 32 was played on Friday evening, with Colombia and Ghana vying for the last spot in the round of 16.
The round of 16 will begin on Saturday, with a pair of exciting matches featuring some legitimate contenders. Canada and Morocco will kick off the action in the early afternoon before Paraguay and France do battle in the early evening.
Here's a look at what's ahead for Saturday's slate, including scheduling information, updated odds, and some predictions.
Canada vs. Morocco
1 of 2
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Venue: Houston Stadium
TV and Live Stream: Fox, Telemundo, Fox One
Money Line: Canada +200 (bet 100 to win $200), Morocco -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
Despite being one of the co-hosts of this year's World Cup, Canada may not find much of a home-field advantage in Houston. It could certainly use it, as Les Rouges are slight underdogs against Morocco.
Of course, this Canadian team, led by stars like Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, has already pulled off a few surprises. Canada took second place in Group B and recorded its first ever win in the knockout round with a 1-0 game against South Africa.
Can Canada take things a step further and reach the quarterfinals? It's possible, but it will have to knock off one of the tournament's better contenders to do it.
Morocco has been here before. In fact, the Atlas Lions reached the semifinals at the 2022 World Cup. Along the way, they earned a 2-1 victory over Canada in the group stage.
Led by Brahim Diaz, Achraf Hakimi, and 18-year-old phenom Ayyoub Bouaddi, Morocco has the talent to make another run at the semis. The Atlas Lions haven't lost a match in this tournament—they did draw 1-1 with Brazil in the group stage—and they have an aggressive attack that should pressure Canada early and often.
Of course, this is arguably the best squad Canada has ever put together, so Morocco is likely in for a battle. Don't be shocked if this one goes to extra time.
Prediction: Morocco 1, Canada 1 (Morocco wins on penalty kicks)
Paraguay vs. France
2 of 2
Time: 5 p.m. ET
Venue: Philadelphia Stadium
TV and Live Stream: Fox, Telemundo, Fox One
Money Line: Paraguay +1080, France -1800
While the early afternoon match should be a thriller that comes down to the final moments, no one expects Paraguay versus France to follow a similar script.
Paraguay shouldn't be taken lightly, of course. While La Albirroja narrowly reached the knockout stage with a third-place finish in Group D, it has world-class players like Julio Enciso and Miguel Almirón, and it just took down Germany in the round of 32.
La Albirroja isn't content to simply have reached the round of 16.
"We came here to compete," team coach Gustavo Alfaro said, per ESPN's Tim Vickery. "Not to search for results."
However, France might have one of the most talented squads ever assembled for a World Cup. With an explosive attacking foursome of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, and Bradley Barcola, Les Bleus are a problem for virtually any backfield.
After a 3-1 win over Senegal to begin group play, France has won each of its last three matches by three goals. It is a heavy favorite in this one, and a fairly sizable favorite (+180) to win the entire tournament.
Expect Paraguay to have a few bright moments, but for France to pull away in this one.
Prediction: France 4, Paraguay 1
*Odds from FanDuel Sportsbook
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