We are into the knockout stage of World Cup 2026.
This week features the bulk of the Round of 32, with the Round of 16 also getting underway on the weekend.
Matters are about to get very serious indeed, so sit back, relax (if you are a neutral) and enjoy some high-quality action.
Below are our football betting picks for this week’s matches, as well as the latest World Cup odds from NetBet Sport.
*All odds are subject to change
Netherlands vs Morocco: Anytime goalscorer – Ismael Saibari @ 3.33
Saibari has been one of the standout performers at World Cup 2026, scoring in every single group game for Morocco. And while Netherlands are the pre-match favourites, the Dutch have still failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven games. So Saibari can certainly fill his boots in one of the most intriguing Round of 32 clashes.
France vs Sweden: Player to score or assist – Ousmane Dembele @ 1.53
All the talk was about Kylian Mbappe prior to Norway vs France, but Ballon d’Or winner Dembele stepped up and reminded the world of his quality with a brilliant hat-trick. When the PSG star is in full flow, there are few better players to watch on the planet and with confidence levels high, Sweden’s leaky defence may feel the full force of his greatness. Graham Potter’s side lost 5-1 to Netherlands in the group stage and if the French attack clicks into gear, you fear for the Scandinavians.
Mexico to beat Ecuador @ 2.15
Mexico claimed three straight victories in the group stage over South Africa, South Korea and Czech Republic, with home advantage clearly spurring the team on. El Tri return to Mexico City for this huge clash against an Ecuador side riding the crest of a wave following their tournament-saving 2-1 victory over Germany. It should be a close contest, one in which the fans can really make the difference. Mexico are also unbeaten in 11 matches, winning each of the last six – a seriously good record!
USA vs Bosnia & Herzegovina: USA total goals – Over 1.5 @ 1.57
Co-hosts USA look a very good outfit, a lethal combo of passion and quality – particularly in attacking areas. Mauricio Pochettino’s side scored over 1.5 goals in each of their three group games, with Bosnia & Herzegovina failing to keep a clean sheet in the opening rounds – conceding six goals overall. So the chances of USA scoring multiple times in San Francisco look pretty high.
Portugal vs Croatia: Both teams to score – Yes @ 1.90
Another huge all-European clash, as Cristiano Ronaldo seeks to further enhance his World Cup legacy. Portugal stuttered through the group stage with draws against DR Congo (1-1) and Colombia (0-0) either side of a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan. Croatia responded well to defeat vs England with back-to-back wins against Panama (1-0) and Ghana (2-1). As such, picking a winner is fairly difficult, with the BTTS pick perhaps the safer option. Portugal had scored at least once in seven consecutive games prior to the draw with Colombia, while Croatia have netted twice in three of the last four.
Argentina vs Cape Verde: Argentina first goalscorer – Lionel Messi @ 2.60
Messi’s sensational free-kick vs Jordan saw him become the first-ever player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches. The records just keep on tumbling for the 39-year-old, who netted a ridiculous six times in the group stage. Messi also opened the scoring for Argentina on both of his starts vs Algeria and Austria, and we are backing him to do the same against one of the tournament’s feel-good stories in Cape Verde.
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