The World Cup enters the round-of-32 stage with the list of contenders now trimmed to 32 as a week of magical knockout ties lies ahead.
Each of the co-hosts has made it through the initial stage. The United States face Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Mexico take on Ecuador. Canada, by way of finishing second in their group, ceded home advantage as they face South Africa in Los Angeles.
Big-name goalscorers like Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane have been living up to their billing so far, while minnows Cape Verde were rewarded for remaining unbeaten in the group stage as they get to face defending champions Argentina in the last 32.
Going into the knockouts it is France at +333 that are favorites to win the World Cup, closely followed by Argentina at +400 with Spain and England both priced at +700.
Despite underwhelming in the group stage Portugal are +1200, ahead of Brazil at +1400 and the Netherlands at +1600.
Of the host nations, USA are shortest in the betting at +3300, with Mexico +5000 and Canada showing at +15000.
As the knockouts begin, here are some picks and predictions for the remainder of the 23rd edition of soccer's biggest international showcase leading to the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Round of 32 2026 World Cup betting picks and predictions
Brazil & Lionel Messi – Winner and Top Goalscorer (+3300)
The bottom half of the draw now looks the best place to be, with Germany, France, Netherlands, Morocco, Portugal, Croatia and Spain all housed in the top half.
Argentina's knockout journey begins against Cape Verde and Lionel Messi should add to his tally of six goals against the plucky minnows.
With Australia, Egypt, Switzerland, Algeria, Colombia and Ghana making up that quarter of the draw, the defending champions are fancied to reach the semi-finals where arch-rivals Brazil could await.
Carlo Ancelotti's side started with a draw against Morocco but are growing into this tournament with every passing game.
Vinicius Jr has four goals, Matheus Cunha has three and even Neymar enjoyed a cameo in the win over Scotland.
Selecao are going to have to keep on improving in the knockouts but they may do just that and a deep run is forecast.
Messi's goalscoring feats mean he could easily win the Golden Boot but if Brazil end Argentina's defence in the last four, odds of Messi as Top Goalscorer and Brazil to win their first World Cup in 24 years are generous.
Netherlands to reach the semifinal (+350)
The Netherlands have made a solid start to the tournament as they took seven points from three group games and scored 10 goals.
Manager Ronald Koeman was set a pre-tournament target of reaching at least the semifinals and he'll feel that is achievable despite a tough road ahead.
The Oranje face 2022 semifinalist Morocco next, where their attacking verve may help seal a win, before potentially facing co-hosts Canada in Houston.
If things go to form, Spain will await in the quarterfinals but the European champions haven't looked as good as many pundits predicted and the Dutch could upset them.
The Netherlands were a kick of the ball from eliminating eventual winners Argentina four years ago, losing on penalties, and they are capable of having a big say in this tournament with a good mix of defensive strength and attacking purpose.
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Ecuador to be eliminated by penalty shootout (+600)
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar featured a record tally of five penalty shootouts and with an extra 16 knockout games this time around, we can anticipate that number being beaten. Searing temperatures could be a contributing factor when games go beyond 90 minutes.
Ecuador are a team that could well end up in a shootout. La Tricolor conceded just five goals in their 18 Conmebol qualifiers and they were breached twice in three group games, one of those a last-minute Amad Diallo goal for Ivory Coast.
The Ecuadorians were in a corner when they trailed Germany in New Jersey but they turned it around to win 2-1 and seal a place in the knockouts where they face co-hosts Mexico.
The Mexicans didn't concede a goal in three Group A games and this has the potential to be a real arm-wrestle in the capital city.
If it does go all the way, the co-hosts will have a hostile crowd and perhaps the better technical players for a shootout.
The winner of this tie will face England or DR Congo in the last 16 and it certainly won't be a shock if Ecuador are involved in a penalty shootout somewhere.
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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.
