The 2026 World Cup is now hotting up and just 16 teams remain in contention to become world champions.
Defending champions Argentina are in the hunt, along with France – the hottest team in the tournament to this point – and the co-hosts Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The last 16 features some mouthwatering clashes, including Spain against Portugal, Mexico against England and Brazil’s clash with Norway.
As the round of 16 gets under way, here are our picks, predictions and best bets for this phase of the 23rd edition of soccer's biggest international showcase.
Brazil to beat Norway & both teams to score (+250)
Brazil haven't set the heather on fire so far but Carlo Ancelotti's side are going about their business nonetheless.
They had to come from behind to beat Japan in the last 32 but are slowly building some momentum and with a master craftsman like Ancelotti at the helm, Selecao are likely to produce the goods when things get really serious.
Norway huffed and puffed against Ivory Coast, sitting back when they got the lead, and are without a clean sheet in their four games.
If their exceptional central defensive pairing of Marquinhos and Gabriel can put the shackles on Erling Haaland, Brazil can make their way to the last eight as they continue the quest for a first World Cup in 24 years.
England to beat Mexico & under 2.5 goals (+333)
England haven't kicked on after beating Croatia 4-2 in their opening match but Thomas Tuchel's side still have time to find their groove.
The Three Lions head to the Azteca to stare down co-hosts Mexico, whose record at this venue is so strong.
The altitude is a worry for England but it may lead to them playing a containing game.
Mexico have won their four games without conceding a goal but they are facing a better team now and, in Harry Kane, a marksman that may punish them.
A low-scoring England win is forecast.
Spain to beat Portugal (-110)
Portugal were fortunate to get past the challenge posed by Croatia despite having dominated possession for much of the first half.
They fell behind and required a penalty to repair the damage, while only a late contentious VAR call saved them from extra-time.
Roberto Martinez has problems to solve as Cristiano Ronaldo's impact is marginal and Bruno Fernandes' negligent so far.
Spain are starting to purr nicely and Luis de la Fuente's side are getting stronger with every game. They've never lost to their Iberian neighbours at a major tournament and can send Portugal packing.
USA to beat Belgium (+175)
Few teams among the remaining 16 can be more fortunate than Belgium to be here. The Red Devils were outplayed by Senegal and trailed 0-2 with five minutes left before finding two goals from nowhere to send the game to extra-time.
There were even signs of in-fighting among the Belgian players before that comeback, while talisman Kevin De Bruyne was subbed off as the game looked lost. They then gained a last-gasp penalty that was soft in the extreme to eliminate the Africans.
The USA are moving along nicely and Mauricio Pochettino will quietly fancy facing Belgium.
Folarin Balogun is suspended but if skipper Christian Pulisic steps up, the Stars and Stripes can book a place in the last eight.
Switzerland vs. Colombia - Over 3.5 Goals (+333)
The last game in the round of 16 sees Switzerland taking on Colombia in Vancouver and both teams will relish this matchup.
Both teams have scored in three of Switzerland's four games. Colombia were 1-0 winners against Ghana in the last 32 but they recorded an xG figure of 2.04 and could easily have won by a wide margin.
Only Argentina scored more than Colombia's 28 goals in CONMEBOL qualifying, while Murat Yakin's Swiss side averaged 2.33 goals per game in their qualifying group.
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
