World Cup Round of 16 Betting Preview: July 5

The action is coming hot and heavy at the World Cup over the Fourth of July weekend. There will be two matches per day during the World Cup Round of 16 with the winners advancing to the quarterfinals. There’s no doubt that the most exciting day of the Round of 16 World Cup 2026 will be Sunday, July 5. Fan favorites Norway will look to take down perennial power Brazil, while Estadio Azteca will host the most anticipated game in the history of Mexican soccer. El Tri will play host to England as Mexico aims to make the World Cup quarterfinals for just the third time ever. Brazil is a -112 favorite in soccer odds, while Norway is +315 with the draw at +270 and a total of 2.5, while England is +114, Mexico +220 and a total of 2.

Betcris Arizona is offering Same Game Parlays for soccer, giving bettors the option of combining multiple selections from one game into a single wager. The choices could include match result, totals, team props, and more. That gives bettors several ways to approach “Day” matches. Download the App to get the latest odds.

What Is the FIFA World Cup 2026 Format for the Round of 16?

The FIFA World Cup 2026 format Round of 16 is a bit different than it was in prior World Cups. Previously, the World Cup Round of 16 was the first stage of the knockout rounds, but the expansion to 48 teams in this tournament led to an extra round of elimination matches. Now, teams must win five elimination matches in order to claim soccer’s ultimate prize.

How Teams Reach the Round of 16

Teams advance to the Round of 16 by defeating their opponent in the Round of 32. A team can advance to the Round of 16 by winning at full time, winning in extra time, or winning in penalty kicks. The drama increases with each passing minute, and penalties can completely rattle players like we saw in the Round of 32 match between Morocco and the Netherlands.

How Knockout Matches Are Decided

Unlike Group Stage matches, there are no draws in the knockout rounds. Every match is played until there is a winner, whether it be in regulation, after extra time, or in a shootout.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 Matchups Today

This is the best day in terms of FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 matchups. The tilt between Norway and Brazil could be the highest scoring match yet in this World Cup. Norway are a squad with excellent attacking options that plays a wide-open style since they don’t have a great back line. Meanwhile, Brazil are riding high after a second half comeback, and they have scored eight goals in their last three matches at this World Cup.

The most anticipated Round of 16 World Cup 2026 matchup will see Mexico play their final home game of the tournament. El Tri were able to play all of their Group Stage matches at home and earned the right to play two more games in Estadio Azteca after finishing atop Group A. Now, Mexico will host England in what will undoubtedly be the most raucous atmosphere in a match involving 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 teams.

2026 World Cup Round of 16 Bracket Structure

The 2016 World Cup Round of 16 bracket structure has been great for some teams. Defending World Cup champions Argentina have seen their World Cup futures odds cut in half by virtue of their relatively easy draw after winning Group J. Argentina will play Cape Verde in the Round of 32, followed by either Australia or Egypt in the Round of 16, and the quarterfinal opponent for Argentina would be Switzerland, Algeria, Colombia, or Ghana provided they win the previous two matches.

France are also delighted with their World Cup Round of 16 opponent after Paraguay stunned Germany in the Round of 32. Les Bleus are now the tournament favorites, and they are currently a heavy favorite per the soccer match betting odds against Paraguay on July 4. Conversely, all four of the opponents playing on Sunday will face a tough test in the Round of 16.

How the Round of 16 Connects to the Quarterfinals

There is no re-seeding after each round in the World Cup. The bracket was locked in following the conclusion of the Group Stage, so teams’ paths are set. Additionally, the teams that win each day during the Round of 16 will then meet each other in the quarterfinals to ensure equal rest. The winners of Brazil vs. Norway and Mexico vs. England will square off in Miami on July 11. That will be a serious destination change for either Mexico or England as they will move from 7,220 feet of elevation to hot and humid South Florida.

Potential Bracket Paths for Top Teams

The most likely opponent for the teams playing on July 5 will be Argentina. Argentina currently has the second-lowest World Cup odds behind France. On the other end of the bracket, the French are massive favorites that will face either Canada or Morocco in the quarterfinals if they beat Paraguay.

World Cup 2026 Round of 16 Predictions

Alright, you’ve waited long enough, let’s dig into our World Cup 2026 Round of 16 predictions for the matches between Brazil and Norway, and Mexico and England.

Brazil vs. Norway Prediction

This has the potential to be the highest scoring of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 matchups. Norway have had trouble defending this entire tournament, so their solution has been to keep up the attack. That led to five total goals being scored in each of their Group Stage matches, and while there were only three goals scored in their game against the Ivory Coast in the Round of 16, it was Norway’s fourth straight game that went over the total.

Meanwhile, Brazil were hounded in the midfield by Japan in the first half of their Round of 32 clash. It took a long time for the Selecao to wear down the Japanese, but Gabriel Martinelli scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time to lead Brazil to a 2-1 victory. I expect Brazil to put the pressure on Norway from the outset and for the Norwegians to respond in kind with this game having four or five goals scored in regulation.

Mexico vs. England Prediction

Thomas Tuchel has already said this is an impossible situation for England. The Three Lions have played all four of their World Cup matches so far at close to sea level elevation in the United States, while Mexico have played all of their matches on home soil and three of their four matches have been in Estadio Azteca at 7,220 feet above sea level.

El Tri have yet to allow a goal in this World Cup, and they will have a good chance at running that streak to five matches against England. This is Mexico’s toughest test yet by far, but the elevation and atmosphere will put the hosts over the top. Mexico made it to the quarterfinals of their two previous World Cups that they were hosting, and I believe they will do so once more.

Daily Round of 16 World Cup 2026 Matchup Summary

My favorite bet in the Round of 16 World Cup 2026 is the Over in Brazil vs. Norway. I would be stunned if there were not at least three goals scored in this match as both teams like to run up and down the pitch.

In the nightcap, there is too much value in Mexico +220 on the three-way line to pass up. England are the more talented team, but the talent gap will be severely mitigated by the altitude and Mexico getting to play in its iconic national stadium.