World Cup 2026 Odds and Predictions for Tuesday Round of 16 Bracket Matches
The 2026 World Cup has been a thrilling tournament thus far, and, believe it or not, we're rapidly approaching the finish line. What began as a field of 48 is now down to just 10 nations.
Only two sports in the quarterfinals remain up for grabs, and the final round of 16 games will be played on Tuesday. Defending champion Argentina will face Egypt before Switzerland battles Colombia, and after that, the final eight teams will be set.
The quarterfinals will begin on Thursday with a thriller between France and Morocco.
Here's a look at what's ahead for Tuesday's slate, including updated odds, scheduling information, and some predictions.
Argentina vs. Egypt
1 of 2
Time: 12 p.m. ET
Venue: Atlanta Stadium
TV and Live Stream: Fox, Telemundo, Fox One
Money Lines: Argentina -750 (bet $750 to win $100), Egypt +490 (bet $100 to win $490)
Tuesday's opener between Argentina and Egypt will be a fun watch, even if few expect it to be close.
The Pharaohs feature some top-tier players, including Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah and Manchester City star Omar Marmoush, and they managed to oust Australia on PKs in the round of 32. However, Argentina is a cut above most teams in the tournament, as evidenced by their perfect 4-0 record.
However, this doesn't mean that Argentina is invulnerable. La Albiceleste came close to being upset by Cabo Verde in the round of 32, and they've relied heavily on the brilliance of Lionel Messi.
Of course, Messi is a big reason to watch what, on paper, is a mismatch. With seven goals in the tournament, he's locked in a three-way tie with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot race.
Argentina, though, isn't a one-player show. Standouts like keeper Emiliano Martรญnez and Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernรกndez help make up one of the most complete rosters in the field.
La Albiceleste will have to play cleaner football than they've shown to this point to keep grinding through the tournament. The potential for an upset is legitimate and another big reason to watch Tuesday's early match. However, the prediction here is that Argentina avoids a massive letdown and pulls away with a very late score.
Prediction: Argentina 3, Egypt 1
Switzerland vs. Colombia
2 of 2
Time: 4 p.m. ET
Venue: BC Place Vancouver
TV and Live Stream: Fox, Telemundo, Universo, Fox One
Money Line: Colombia -164, Switzerland +134
Switzerland and Colombia will do battle for the final spot in the quarterfinals late Tuesday afternoon. The intriguing round of 16 matchup in Vancouver should feature two very capable offenses in an exciting back-and-forth affair.
Colombia enters as the favorite after going undefeated in the group stage and notching a 1-0 win over Ghana in the round of 32. Led by Luis Dรญaz and 2014 Golden Boot winner James Rodrรญguez, Los Cafeteros have a quick, creative attack that should keep the Swiss defense on its heels throughout the game.
However, Switzerland has shown throughout the tournament that it has its own explosive attack.
Like Colombia, the Swiss went 2-1-0 and won their group before recording a convincing win in the round of 32โa 2-0 decision over Algeria. Led by Dan Ndoye, Ruben Vargas, and budding star Johan Manzambi, Switzerland has regularly knifed through opposing defenses to create scoring opportunities.
However, Colombia is by far the the best squad Switzerland has faced to this point. This will be a good one, and the Swiss have no reason to feel outmatched, but the prediction here is that Los Cafeteros keeps the pressure on offensively while doing enough with an underrated defense to pull ahead late.
Prediction: Colombia 3, Switzerland 2
*Odds from FanDuel Sportsbook
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