2026 World Cup Predictor: Day 24
The World Cup Round of 16 starts today!
After a pretty sensational end to what was an excellent Round of 32, we're left with our final 16 nations. There are 2 matches per day for the next 4 days to determine our quarter-finalists.
Here's your overview of yesterday's action, as well as a look at today's opening Round of 16 ties.
Make sure you've made your predictions for the new round and encouraged others in your league to do so too!
The outcome may have only been predicted by around 20% of us given the risk involved in predicting penalties, but I think this game went largely as everyone expected as Egypt were the slightly better team in a very even contest.
Much will be made of Mat Ryan being used as the 'Tim Krul' for the shootout, a tactic that clearly didn't work out as hoped in hindsight, but it was of course the defenders that missed their penalties that proved the difference. As always, I've big respect for anyone that steps up (particularly 18-year old Lucas Herrington), but Harry Souttar's attempted Harry Maguire style laser into the top right corner really set things off on the wrong foot for the Socceroos.
An historic night for Egypt who have now managed their first ever World Cup knockout win in the same tournament as their first ever World Cup win. A tough challenge awaits in the Round of 16, though after last night, there's a bit more hope...
Perhaps the tie of the tournament so far. Even before a ball was kicked, I'd have loved to have seen Cape Verde win despite picking Argentina on here, but by extra time I think every non-Argentinian was actively cheering Bubista's team on.
To take the defending champions to extra time is the best achievement in what has been a remarkable debut campaign for Cape Verde. They were brilliant. They're just as comfortable in possession and looking to make things happen as they are sitting in to defend when required, and that goal from Sidny Lopes Cabral is one we will remember for a very long time.
I thought Argentina were slightly off it and seemed to struggle with the heat and humidity in Miami. Lionel Messi obviously took his goal excellently but even he wasn't at the level we saw in the group stage, but Argentina did very well to find goals at crucial times even when it felt like narrative was against them.
As extra time begun and everyone was excited, Lisandro Martinez scored a great goal. Shortly after half time in extra time, with everyone feeling as if Cape Verde might actually force penalties after the Sidny Lopes Cabral worldie, Cristian Romero headed home (now given as an own goal, I know). Good resilience from the holders on a night where it felt they were battling against a fairytale.
This was a far more predictable game and scoreline to close off the Round of 16, though Ghana did quite well in my opinion. A bit like Miami felt like Buenos Aires for the Argentina game because of the crowd, this match might as well have been played in Bogota, but Ghana stuck at it despite falling behind within the opening 15 minutes. Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi had a good night.
Ultimately, Colombia were too strong though and they're going to be very hard to eliminate from this tournament. Sure, they'll be tested more defensively than they were last night, but I think Nestor Lorenzo will like the bracket we are left with.
An almighty test for co-hosts Canada (who aren't hosting at all anymore), and then an even bigger test for Paraguay.
Today's schedule:
On paper, these are fairly straightforward picks. Canada are perhaps the more likely to produce an upset, but I can't see them coping with Morocco who are just a really well organised and balanced side. We have seen the Atlas Lions concede the odd goal though, and Canada have patches where they sustain attacks quite well, so I'm leaning more towards 1-3 than 0-2.
Paraguay's reward for taking down Germany is a brutal tie against France. Whilst Paraguay specialise in what will be required here - defending for their lives with tenacity and not worrying about having the ball whatsoever - France just look way too good in attack. Assuming things go as expected, you'll need a bit of luck with the margin to get an Exact here.
Whether you had a Yellow Cap in the Round of 32 or a wooden spoon, good luck with your predictions today! A fresh round brings fresh hope.
After a pretty sensational end to what was an excellent Round of 32, we're left with our final 16 nations. There are 2 matches per day for the next 4 days to determine our quarter-finalists.
Here's your overview of yesterday's action, as well as a look at today's opening Round of 16 ties.
Make sure you've made your predictions for the new round and encouraged others in your league to do so too!
🇦🇺 Australia 1-1 Egypt 🇪🇬 (Pens: 2-4)
Outcome predicted by 19.6% of users | Scoreline predicted by 15.6% of usersThe outcome may have only been predicted by around 20% of us given the risk involved in predicting penalties, but I think this game went largely as everyone expected as Egypt were the slightly better team in a very even contest.
Much will be made of Mat Ryan being used as the 'Tim Krul' for the shootout, a tactic that clearly didn't work out as hoped in hindsight, but it was of course the defenders that missed their penalties that proved the difference. As always, I've big respect for anyone that steps up (particularly 18-year old Lucas Herrington), but Harry Souttar's attempted Harry Maguire style laser into the top right corner really set things off on the wrong foot for the Socceroos.
An historic night for Egypt who have now managed their first ever World Cup knockout win in the same tournament as their first ever World Cup win. A tough challenge awaits in the Round of 16, though after last night, there's a bit more hope...
🇦🇷 Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde 🇨🇻
Outcome predicted by 97.4% of users | Scoreline predicted by 0.6% of usersPerhaps the tie of the tournament so far. Even before a ball was kicked, I'd have loved to have seen Cape Verde win despite picking Argentina on here, but by extra time I think every non-Argentinian was actively cheering Bubista's team on.
To take the defending champions to extra time is the best achievement in what has been a remarkable debut campaign for Cape Verde. They were brilliant. They're just as comfortable in possession and looking to make things happen as they are sitting in to defend when required, and that goal from Sidny Lopes Cabral is one we will remember for a very long time.
I thought Argentina were slightly off it and seemed to struggle with the heat and humidity in Miami. Lionel Messi obviously took his goal excellently but even he wasn't at the level we saw in the group stage, but Argentina did very well to find goals at crucial times even when it felt like narrative was against them.
As extra time begun and everyone was excited, Lisandro Martinez scored a great goal. Shortly after half time in extra time, with everyone feeling as if Cape Verde might actually force penalties after the Sidny Lopes Cabral worldie, Cristian Romero headed home (now given as an own goal, I know). Good resilience from the holders on a night where it felt they were battling against a fairytale.
🇨🇴 Colombia 1-0 Ghana 🇬🇭
Outcome predicted by 80.4% of users | Scoreline predicted by 14% of usersThis was a far more predictable game and scoreline to close off the Round of 16, though Ghana did quite well in my opinion. A bit like Miami felt like Buenos Aires for the Argentina game because of the crowd, this match might as well have been played in Bogota, but Ghana stuck at it despite falling behind within the opening 15 minutes. Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi had a good night.
Ultimately, Colombia were too strong though and they're going to be very hard to eliminate from this tournament. Sure, they'll be tested more defensively than they were last night, but I think Nestor Lorenzo will like the bracket we are left with.
Today
Round of 16 time.An almighty test for co-hosts Canada (who aren't hosting at all anymore), and then an even bigger test for Paraguay.
Today's schedule:
- 🇨🇦 Canada vs. Morocco 🇲🇦 | Kick-off 12:00 local, 18:00 UK, 19:00 CET/CAT
- 🇵🇾 Paraguay vs. France 🇫🇷 | Kick-off 17:00 local, 22:00 UK, 23:00 CET/CAT
On paper, these are fairly straightforward picks. Canada are perhaps the more likely to produce an upset, but I can't see them coping with Morocco who are just a really well organised and balanced side. We have seen the Atlas Lions concede the odd goal though, and Canada have patches where they sustain attacks quite well, so I'm leaning more towards 1-3 than 0-2.
Paraguay's reward for taking down Germany is a brutal tie against France. Whilst Paraguay specialise in what will be required here - defending for their lives with tenacity and not worrying about having the ball whatsoever - France just look way too good in attack. Assuming things go as expected, you'll need a bit of luck with the margin to get an Exact here.
Whether you had a Yellow Cap in the Round of 32 or a wooden spoon, good luck with your predictions today! A fresh round brings fresh hope.
Superbru on X
Cape Verde are definitely the story of the tournament, as we were discussing in yesterday's article. I watched the Colombia game and they could have had more, though Ghana had some good spells too in the second half. Colombia look a really high energy team who harass and press very well. They have no shortage of quality too - I don't know if you saw the game but Quintero put on a masterclass with his finding space and passing and crossing when he came on. Tough game for them against Switzerland but I think they can go far in this tournament. Argentina definitely won't enjoy playing them if that QF materialises.
Here are my predictions:
🇲🇦 Morocco 2-0 Canada
🇫🇷 France 3-0 Paraguay
🇧🇷 Brazil 2-1 Norway
Here is what I have: Kounde, Almiron and Saliba to commit 10 fouls between them (90 minutes). £1 stake at 125/1 because why not.
Morocco and France to both win in 90 mins, £16 stake returning £32.67 so about evens.
With my free bet, Brahim Diaz and Jonathan David to each register at least one shot on target, including extra time. 2/1 returns £20 (you don't get stake back with free bets).
Kylian Mbappe to score 2 or more goals including extra time, £13 stake at 3/1 returning £52.
Tight game so far - one goal might decide it.
Tomorrow's Brazil game is interesting. Norway never lost against Brazil, I believe someone mentioned it here and so that's a difficult one…