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Morocco arrive at this Round of 16 tie with genuine momentum after overcoming the Netherlands on penalties in one of the standout matches of the Round of 32. Walid Regragui’s side showed the resilience that took them to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, recovering from a goal down before holding their nerve in the shootout, with Ismael Saibari converting the winning penalty.

Canada have enjoyed a historic tournament of their own, progressing to the Round of 16 after eliminating South Africa and reaching this stage of a World Cup for the first time. Jesse Marsch’s side have exceeded expectations through their energy and pressing, while the return of Alphonso Davies has provided a major boost. However, Morocco possess considerably more knockout experience and topped a difficult group that included Brazil before eliminating another European heavyweight in the Netherlands.

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Although knockout football can often be cagey, both teams have demonstrated an ability to contribute goals throughout this tournament. Morocco scored four times against Haiti during the group stage and found the equaliser against the Netherlands that forced extra time in the Round of 32. Canada have also impressed going forward, playing with an aggressive pressing style that has created numerous transition opportunities throughout the competition.

Canada are unlikely to abandon their proactive approach simply because this is the Round of 16, while Morocco’s pace on the break through Saibari and Soufiane Rahimi means they remain dangerous whenever space opens up. An early goal would likely stretch the game considerably.

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This market is well supported by the tactical styles of both sides. Canada attack with width through Davies and their adventurous full-backs, while Morocco rely heavily on the overlapping runs of Achraf Hakimi and direct wide play from Saibari and Rahimi. Both nations generated sustained attacking pressure during the group stage and Round of 32, regularly forcing clearances and defensive blocks.

With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, whichever side falls behind will be forced to increase the tempo, creating further opportunities for corners during the latter stages.

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Ismael Saibari has quietly become one of Morocco’s standout performers at this World Cup. He scored during the 4-2 victory over Haiti in the group stage before confidently converting the decisive penalty against the Netherlands to send Morocco into the Round of 16.

Operating behind the central striker, Saibari consistently arrives in dangerous positions inside the box while also benefiting from the space created by Morocco’s fluid front line. His late runs into the penalty area have caused problems throughout the tournament, and against a Canadian defence that likes to play aggressively, he should find opportunities to attack the spaces between the lines.

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Paraguay v France Tips, Predictions and Bet Builder – World Cup 2026

Football: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 16
Venue: TBC
Date: 4 July 2026
Kick-off: 22:00

Paraguay v France Preview

Paraguay produced one of the biggest shocks of the 2026 World Cup by eliminating four-time champions Germany on penalties in the Round of 32, but another enormous challenge awaits as Gustavo Alfaro’s resilient side prepare to face tournament favourites France for a place in the quarter-finals.

La Albirroja arrived in North America with few expecting them to make a deep run, yet they have steadily grown into the competition after a difficult start. A crushing 4-1 defeat to the USA in their opening group match threatened to derail their campaign before it had even begun, but Alfaro has since inspired a remarkable turnaround built on organisation, discipline and unwavering belief.

Their reward was a dramatic victory over Germany after a gruelling 120 minutes finished 1-1, with Jose Canale converting the decisive penalty to spark unforgettable celebrations. It was one of the greatest World Cup upsets in recent memory, overturning a 31-place gap in the FIFA World Rankings and further underlining the outstanding work Alfaro has done since taking charge.

Paraguay have now lost only five of their last 23 international matches in all competitions, while their defensive resilience has become the cornerstone of their success. They will, however, need another near-perfect performance to overcome a France side that has looked every inch the tournament favourite.

Didier Deschamps’ men have been ruthless throughout the competition, winning all four matches while scoring a tournament-leading 12 goals. Les Bleus eased through the group stage before brushing aside Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32, with Kylian Mbappe once again stealing the headlines after scoring twice.

France’s attacking quartet of Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola has terrorised opposition defences throughout the tournament. Their pace, movement and creativity have made Les Bleus arguably the most dangerous attacking side left in the competition, while the midfield pairing of Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot continues to provide the perfect platform.

History also favours France. Paraguay have never beaten Les Bleus in five previous meetings and still carry painful memories of Laurent Blanc’s famous Golden Goal that ended their World Cup dream in the Round of 16 back in 1998.

Deschamps, who captained France on that occasion, has urged his players not to underestimate Paraguay after their stunning victory over Germany. Nevertheless, Les Bleus possess greater quality across every area of the pitch and remain firmly on course for another deep World Cup run.

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Egypt have been one of the surprise packages of the tournament and enter this Round of 32 clash full of confidence after winning Group G. Hossam Hassan’s side collected seven points from their three group matches, beginning with a draw against Belgium before beating New Zealand 3-1 and securing top spot with victory over Iran. Mohamed Salah has led from the front, while Omar Marmoush has been one of the tournament’s standout performers, providing pace, creativity and goals from the left side of the attack. Reuters highlighted Egypt’s excellent organisation and clinical finishing as key reasons behind their unbeaten group-stage campaign. Australia, meanwhile, progressed as Group D runners-up after a disciplined group phase, but now face a significant step up in attacking quality. Egypt’s ability to control transitions and create chances through Salah and Marmoush gives them a slight edge heading into the knockout stages.

Reason for Tip

Knockout football typically produces tighter contests than the group stage, and this fixture has the profile of a controlled, tactical encounter. Egypt conceded very few clear-cut chances during the groups, while Australia built their qualification on defensive discipline and organisation. Although Egypt scored three against New Zealand, their matches against Belgium and Iran were far more measured affairs, reflecting their pragmatic approach against stronger opposition. Australia are also unlikely to open the game up early, knowing that remaining compact gives them their best opportunity of frustrating the African champions.

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Despite expecting a relatively controlled game, the corner market still appeals. Egypt generate a significant proportion of their attacks from wide areas through Marmoush and Salah, while Australia regularly utilise overlapping full-backs and crosses into the box for their physical forwards. Should either side take the lead, the chasing team will be forced to commit more numbers forward, increasing pressure and naturally driving corner totals higher during the second half.

Reason for Tip

Omar Marmoush has carried his good club form into the World Cup and has become one of Egypt’s most influential attacking players. Operating alongside Salah, Marmoush has consistently stretched defences with his movement, direct dribbling and intelligent runs beyond the back line. He registered both goals and assists during the group stage and was heavily involved in Egypt’s 3-1 victory over New Zealand, while Reuters noted his partnership with Salah has been central to Egypt topping Group G. His versatility means he can create chances for teammates as effectively as he finishes them himself, making the score-or-assist market particularly appealing.

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Australia have only managed to win once within their previous five matches, losing two of those fixtures. Meanwhile Egypt have only lost once within their previous seven games.

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Argentina come in-to the round of 32 in excellent form, winning all four of their previous four matches with three of those games resulting in over 2.5 match goals. Meanwhile Cape Verde come in-to the fixture as massive underdogs and are winless in their previous three games.

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The hosts Sirius come in-to the match in good goal scoring, managing to score in all five of their previous five games. Meanwhile the visitors Mjallby have been involved in four matches resulting in both teams scoring within their previous four games.

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The hosts Derry City have only lost once within their previous four matches, meanwhile the visitors Waterford have won twice within their previous five matches. Within the previous four head-to-head matches, the hosts Derry City are unbeaten.

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The hosts Drogheda come in-to the match winless within their previous five matches, with three of those games resulting in both teams scoring. Meanwhile Bohemians have won three of their previous five matches, with three of those games resulting in both teams scoring.

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Argentina v Cape Verde Tips, Predictions and Bet Builder – World Cup 2026

Football: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 32
Venue: TBC
Date: 3 July 2026
Kick-off: 23:00

Argentina v Cape Verde Preview

Defending world champions Argentina head into the knockout stages looking every bit the team to beat after navigating the group phase with maximum points, while Lionel Scaloni’s experienced squad continue their pursuit of back-to-back World Cup triumphs.

La Albiceleste have once again demonstrated the winning mentality that has defined their recent golden era. Since losing to Brazil in the 2019 Copa America semi-final, Argentina have developed into one of international football’s most dominant forces, lifting the Copa America twice before conquering the world in Qatar.

That remarkable consistency has continued in North America, with Scaloni’s men winning all three group-stage matches to finish top of their section. Alongside France and co-hosts Mexico, Argentina were one of only three nations to complete a perfect group campaign, underlining why many still regard them as favourites to retain the trophy.

At the centre of everything remains Lionel Messi. Now 39 years old, the Argentine captain continues to defy expectations and has already scored six goals in the tournament, matching Kylian Mbappe despite playing one game fewer. His influence extends well beyond goals, with his movement, vision and leadership continuing to elevate those around him.

However, Argentina are far from a one-man team. Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister provide world-class support throughout the spine of the side, while Rodrigo De Paul remains the driving force in midfield.

Their reward for topping the group is a fascinating Round of 32 clash against tournament surprise package Cape Verde.

Making their World Cup debut, the Blue Sharks have already written themselves into the history books by becoming the only one of the tournament’s four debutants to reach the knockout rounds.

Bubista’s side have done so through organisation, discipline and remarkable defensive resilience rather than free-flowing attacking football. They frustrated Spain into a goalless draw in their opening match before battling back from behind to earn an entertaining 2-2 draw against Uruguay. Another disciplined defensive display against Saudi Arabia secured the point they required to progress.

Although Cape Verde have been the lowest scorers among the remaining 32 teams, they have also proven exceptionally difficult to break down. Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha has been one of the standout performers of the tournament, while Logan Costa and the experienced defensive unit have consistently frustrated higher-ranked opposition.

The challenge now becomes even greater against arguably the tournament favourites.

Cape Verde’s compact defensive structure may keep Argentina at bay for periods, but containing Messi, Lautaro Martinez and company for a full 90 minutes represents an altogether different proposition.

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Portugal v Croatia Tips, Predictions and Bet Builder – World Cup 2026

Football: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 32
Venue: TBC
Date: 3 July 2026
Kick-off: 00:00

Portugal v Croatia Preview

Portugal’s reward for reaching the knockout stages is a heavyweight European showdown against perennial World Cup overachievers Croatia, with Roberto Martinez’s side knowing that their performances must improve if they are to fulfil their ambitions of lifting the trophy.

Despite entering the tournament as one of the favourites, Portugal finished second in Group K after collecting five points from their three matches. A frustrating 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their opener immediately placed the pressure on Martinez’s men before they emphatically responded with a 5-0 demolition of Uzbekistan, inspired by a Cristiano Ronaldo brace.

However, there were fresh concerns in their final group fixture as Portugal laboured to a goalless draw with Colombia. Although qualification had already been secured, they struggled to impose themselves for long periods, allowing Colombia to register 24 attempts on goal while producing little attacking fluency themselves.

That inconsistent group-stage campaign has left Portugal on the more difficult side of the draw, where potential meetings with Spain, Belgium, France and Morocco could await should they continue progressing through the competition.

Nevertheless, there are reasons for optimism. Portugal remain unbeaten in their last eight internationals, winning five of those matches while conceding just four goals. More importantly, Martinez possesses one of the deepest squads in the tournament, blending experienced leaders such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes with emerging stars including Joao Neves, Vitinha and Nuno Mendes.

History also offers encouragement. Portugal eliminated Croatia during the knockout stages of Euro 2016 before eventually lifting the trophy, despite entering those knockout rounds after another underwhelming group-stage campaign.

Croatia, meanwhile, continue to prove why they are among international football’s most reliable tournament performers.

Having reached the 2018 World Cup Final before finishing third in Qatar four years later, Zlatko Dalic has once again guided his nation into the knockout rounds despite a difficult start.

The Vatreni were beaten 4-2 by England in their opening fixture but recovered impressively, defeating Panama before edging Ghana 2-1 to finish second in Group L.

Veteran captain Luka Modric continues to defy time, becoming the oldest player ever to register a World Cup assist when he created Nikola Vlasic’s late winner against Ghana. His composure, alongside Mateo Kovacic’s energy and Josko Gvardiol’s defensive quality, ensures Croatia remain one of the tournament’s most tactically disciplined teams.

However, Croatia’s recent record against elite opposition raises concern. All four of their defeats across the last 16 internationals have come against higher-ranked nations, suggesting they still struggle when facing football’s very best.

Head-to-head history also favours Portugal, who have won seven of the previous 10 meetings between the nations and five of their last six competitive encounters.

With two technically gifted midfields and plenty of tournament experience on both sides, this promises to be one of the standout ties of the Round of 32.

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Keep Kicking On looks to build on his promising start in today’s 2.00 at Doncaster. Trained by Clive Cox, this talented 2yo colt showed substantial improvement on his second career start when finishing a solid third over six furlongs. That run demonstrated that he is learning his trade quickly and has the potential to progress further. Clive Cox is renowned for his excellent work with juveniles, and having the experienced David Probert in the saddle is a major plus today. The good to firm ground at Doncaster should suit his running style, and the step back onto a quick turf track is in his favour. Drawn in stall four, he is well-placed to secure a prominent position early in the race. In an open looking novice stakes, his upward trajectory and experience make him a leading player who should be heavily involved at the very business end of the contest today.

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Glacius looks set to play a leading role in today’s 3.35 at Sandown. Trained by Hugo Palmer, this promising 3yo colt made a highly encouraging seasonal debut when finishing a close third in the Group 3 Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot last month. Beaten by just over a length that day at huge odds, he proved he can compete at a very high level. Dropping slightly back in class to Listed company today, he remains open to plenty of improvement on what is only his fifth career start. Boasting a strong pedigree, being by Too Darn Hot, he is expected to fully appreciate the quick track conditions today. Billy Loughnane, who knows the colt well, takes the ride once again today, which represents a truly massive boost. Given his current upward curve, he stands out as a major contender who should prove extremely difficult to beat today.

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Schmilsson returns to action with solid claims in today’s 3.55 at Newton Abbot. Trained by Olly Murphy, this useful 7yo gelding was last seen performing with great credit and consistency over fences, including securing a pair of highly impressive early summer victories in 2025. Although he has been off the track for nearly a year now, he is a horse who has historically gone very well when fresh. Olly Murphy’s powerful stable is in excellent form and knows exactly what is required to get one ready after a layoff. Partnered by the talented Sean Bowen, who was in the saddle for his last victory, Schmilsson looks to have found a very suitable opportunity in this small-field Class 3 contest today. The expected good ground conditions should suit him perfectly, and if he is anywhere near his peak athletic form, he should make a bold and highly successful comeback bid today.

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Supreme King looks primed for another massive performance in today’s 5.43 at Chepstow. Trained by David Evans, this ultra-consistent 6yo gelding has been in exceptional form recently, securing a dominant victory at Salisbury before a close-up second over six furlongs at Windsor just six days ago in excellent fashion. He steps back up in distance to seven furlongs today, a distance that should suit him perfectly given how strongly he finished his last race. David Evans has his string in fine order, and the booking of champion jockey Oisin Murphy today is a massive signal of intent from connections. Drawn well to mount a challenge, Supreme King is extremely versatile regarding tactics and should handle the good to firm ground without any issues whatsoever. In a competitive handicap, his rock-solid recent form and top-class champion jockey booking make him a leading player to quickly get back to winning ways today.

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Bruce Banner looks ready to secure a deserved victory in today’s 6.00 at Beverley. Trained by Rebecca Menzies, this consistent 4yo gelding was a narrow and agonizing runner-up over this course and distance just ten days ago, beaten by only half a length after a brave and gallant effort. He has placed in four of his last six starts, demonstrating a remarkable and admirable level of consistency in this grade. Boasting a liking for the unique challenges of the Beverley track, he should find today’s conditions suited to his absolute liking. Equipped with his usual visor to keep him fully focused, he is ridden by the highly talented apprentice Warren Fentiman today, who claims a useful allowance. Running off a highly competitive mark in a five-runner field, his consistency and track experience make him the undisputed standout candidate to finally go one better and gain his breakthrough turf success today.

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Accademia holds extremely strong claims of making a winning turf handicap debut in today’s 5.30 at Doncaster. Trained by Ed Walker, this beautifully-bred 3yo filly should be much sharper today for her seasonal reappearance last month at Lingfield, where she finished a highly respectable fifth over seven furlongs. That run clearly blew away the cobwebs, and she is expected to take a highly significant and positive step forward today. Boasting useful juvenile form in novice company, she enters handicap racing off what looks a lenient and exploitable opening mark of 65. The booking of the top jockey Kieran Shoemark is a major positive, and her draw in stall two should allow her to gain a highly favourable position very early on. In an open looking event, her potential for further improvement on the turf makes her an extremely exciting prospect who should surely go very close indeed to winning today.