World Cup 2026 Round of 16 Delivers Major Surprises

Norway team in front of FIFA logo

FIFA logoThe 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached the stage every supporter waits for: win or go home.

After the expanded 48-team tournament narrowed to the final 16 nations, the knockout bracket has already produced one of its biggest stories. Brazil, one of the pre-tournament favorites and five-time world champions, is out after a stunning defeat to Norway, while England survived a tense battle with Mexico to move into the quarterfinals. France and Morocco have also secured their places in the last eight, leaving several traditional powers still fighting for survival.

Monday’s schedule features two of the tournament’s most anticipated matches. Spain and Portugal renew one of international football’s fiercest rivalries, while the United States meets Belgium with a quarterfinal berth on the line. FIFA also confirmed that US striker Folarin Balogun is available after overturning his suspension, adding another layer of intrigue before kickoff.

With every remaining match now carrying elimination stakes, sportsbooks have adjusted outright championship odds almost daily as favorites fall and new contenders emerge.

Where The World Cup Stands Now

The expanded World Cup format has already delivered exactly what FIFA envisioned: more competitive knockout football and fewer predictable outcomes.

Norway’s victory over Brazil instantly became one of the defining moments of the tournament. Led by Erling Haaland, Norway now advances to face England after the Three Lions edged Mexico in an entertaining 3-2 contest. Meanwhile, France continued its efficient run with another narrow victory, while Morocco has quietly established itself as one of the tournament’s most dangerous sides.

Attention now shifts to the remaining Round of 16 fixtures.

Spain enters its meeting with Portugal having yet to concede a goal in four matches, making it one of the tournament’s strongest defensive teams. Portugal, meanwhile, has relied on timely goals and resilient defending to reach this stage despite facing several difficult moments during the knockout rounds.

Later in the evening, the United States hosts Belgium in Seattle with an opportunity to reach its first World Cup quarterfinal since 2002. Balogun’s availability significantly strengthens the American attack after FIFA dismissed Belgium’s appeal regarding his reinstatement.

Argentina, Egypt, Switzerland, and Colombia complete the Round of 16 schedule on Tuesday before the quarterfinal field is finalized. The championship match remains scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

As the bracket tightens, outright betting markets have become increasingly volatile. France, Spain, England, and Argentina remain among the leading contenders, but Norway’s upset has reminded bettors that reputations mean little once the knockout rounds begin.

Betting on the World Cup Online

Interest in World Cup betting peaks during the knockout rounds traditionally because every match produces a winner, creating more opportunities than group-stage wagering.

For American players aged 18 and older who live outside regulated sports betting jurisdictions, many continue to use internationally licensed 18+ sportsbooks that accept US players.

Current odds for the Round of 16 and quarterfinals are listed below.

Game Line Odds via Bovada

Portugal vs. Spain

Date: July 6, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM ET

  • Spread: Portugal +0.5 (-108) | Spain -0.5 (-112)
  • Moneyline: Portugal +300 | Spain -110 | Draw +260
  • Total Goals: Over 2.5 (-122) | Under 2.5 (+102)

USA vs. Belgium

Date: July 6, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM ET

  • Spread: USA 0.0 (-128) | Belgium 0.0 (+108)
  • Moneyline: USA +145 | Belgium +190 | Draw +240
  • Total Goals: Over 3.0 (+105) | Under 3.0 (-125)

Argentina vs. Egypt

Date: July 7, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM ET

  • Spread: Argentina -1, -1.5 (-115) | Egypt +1, +1.5 (-105)
  • Moneyline: Argentina -275 | Egypt +800 | Draw +380
  • Total Goals: Over 2.5 (+105) | Under 2.5 (-125)

Switzerland vs. Colombia

Date: July 7, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM ET

  • Spread: Switzerland 0, +0.5 (-110) | Colombia 0, -0.5 (-110)
  • Moneyline: Switzerland +245 | Colombia +130 | Draw +210
  • Total Goals: Over 2.0 (-128) | Under 2.0 (+108)

France vs. Morocco

Date: July 9, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM ET

  • Spread: France -1.0 (+102) | Morocco +1.0 (-122)
  • Moneyline: France -168 | Morocco +500 | Draw +290
  • Total Goals: Over 2.5 (Even) | Under 2.5 (-120)

Norway vs. England

Date: July 11, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM ET

  • Spread: Norway +0.5 (-105) | England -0.5 (-115)
  • Moneyline: Norway +300 | England -110 | Draw +270
  • Total Goals: Over 2.5 (-120) | Under 2.5 (Even)

World Cup Futures

Tournament Winner

  • France +175
  • Argentina +475
  • England +550
  • Spain +550
  • Portugal +1400
  • Norway +1600
  • Colombia +2200
  • USA +2800
  • Morocco +3300
  • Belgium +5500
  • Switzerland +7500
  • Egypt +30000

Winning Group

  • Group I +140
  • Group J +450
  • Group L +550
  • Group H +600
  • Group K +800
  • Group C +2800
  • Group D +3300
  • Group G +4000
  • Group B +8000

Golden Glove Odds

  • Mike Maignan (France) +250
  • Emiliano Martínez (Argentina) +400
  • Unai Simón (Spain) +450
  • Alisson Becker (Brazil) +650
  • Jordan Pickford (England) +700
  • Diogo Costa (Portugal) +1200
  • Yassine Bounou (Morocco) +1200
  • Ørjan Nyland (Norway) +1200
  • Thibaut Courtois (Belgium) +1600
  • Camilo Vargas (Colombia) +2000
  • Josimar Vozinha (Cabo Verde) +2000

These odds illustrate how quickly the odds have shifted since the knockout stage began. France remains the clear favorite after Brazil’s elimination, while Argentina, England, and Spain continue to attract strong support.

The United States and Norway remain longer shots, but each can significantly reshape the futures market with another upset as the tournament moves toward the semifinals. For further reference, our SportsBetting18.com soccer betting guide covers additional bet types and goes into detail on how to make smart wagers on the World Cup and other soccer events around the globe.

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