World Cup 2026 Odds, Updated Predictions for Monday Round of 16 Matches

The 2026 World Cup brought a record 48 nations into the tournament, but it was fair to wonder if bigger meant better. To this point, it's difficult to argue that it hasn't.

The expanded field has delivered several terrific storylines, perhaps none better than the rise of Cabo Verde. The Blue Sharks qualified for their first World Cup this year and pushed defending champion Argentina to extra time before losing 3-2 in the round of 32.

Of course, great stories have given way to legitimate contenders, as the round of 16 began over the weekend. Monday will bring two more thrilling matches as the push to the quarterfinals continues.

Here's a look at what's ahead, including scheduling information, updated odds, and some predictions.

Portugal vs. Spain

Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal

Time: 3 p.m. ET

Venue: Dallas Stadium

TV and Live Stream: Fox, Telemundo, Fox One

Money Line: Spain -220 (bet $220 to win $100), Portugal +178 (bet $100 to win $178)

Fans will get to see one of the sport's legends, perhaps for the final time on a World Cup pitch, when Portugal takes on Spain on Monday afternoon.

Cristiano Ronaldo, now 41, isn't the elite footballer he was earlier in his career. However, he remains a lethal striker and Portugal's most prolific player. Along with Premier League stars Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes, Ronaldo will give Portugal a very good shot at reaching the quarterfinals.

However, Portugal will have to cut through an elite Spanish defense to advance. Led by defensive phenom Pau Cubarsí and keeper Unai Simón, La Roja has yet to allow a goal through four World Cup matches.

Going back to the 2022 World Cup, Simón has set a world record by carrying a clean sheet across 519 consecutive minutes.

"I feel proud of him," Spain coach Luis De La Fuente said, per Greg Beacham of the Associated Press. "I feel like he is a member of my family. I'm very happy for him."

During the 2022 World Cup, Spain and Portugal faced off in the group stage and delivered a 3-3 draw. We may not see as much scoring in this one, but no one should be surprised if it again comes down to extra time.

Prediction: Spain 2, Portugal 1

USA vs. Belgium

Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Christian Pulisic of the United States

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Venue: Seattle Stadium

TV and Live Stream: Fox, Telemundo, Universo, Fox One

Money Line: USA -110, Belgium -110

In Monday's nightcap, Belgium will look to get back to the quarterfinals after failing to advance past the group stage in 2022. In 2018, the Red Devils played their way to a third-place finish.

Led by proven stars like Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans, and Thibaut Courtois, Belgium certainly has the talent to reach the next round. The Red Devils were undefeated in group play and notched a 3-2 victory over Senegal in the round of 32.

However, Belgium hasn't looked sharp for much of the tournament, and a sloppy game isn't going to get it done against the Americans.

Team USA is searching for its first quarterfinal appearance since 2002. Led by legitimate stars like Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, and Weston McKennie, the Americans probably have the best overall squad they've ever taken to the tournament. The group also got a significant boost on Sunday when FIFA announced that Folarin Balogun's red card suspension was suspended and that the star striker would be eligible to face Belgium.

Balogun had been red-carded against Bosnia and Herzegovina after appearing to awkwardly land on defender Tarik Muharemovic, though many viewed the call as controversial.

"For me? Never a red card," head coach Mauricio Pochettino said, per The Athletic's Dan Sheldon and Adam Crafton. "Never an intention to step on the player. It was a normal action in football that happened by accident."

With Balogun back to lead a potent attack, Team USA should be able to pressure Belgium early and often. That, combined with a huge home-field advantage in Seattle, might be enough to push the Americans to the quarterfinals.

Prediction: USA 2, Belgium 1

*Odds from FanDuel Sportsbook