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With the results from a thrilling group phase now in the books, the 32 best-performing nations progress to the knockout rounds.
A revamped, busier format means we barely have time to catch our breath before jumping into Round of 32. Canada and South Africa kick things off on Sunday, before the likes of Brazil, Germany, the Netherlands, and France take to the stage. Followers have enjoyed plenty of surprise results, stunning goals, and standout performances so far. What's next?
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Need help uncovering the Round of 32 value? Keep reading as trusted World Cup pundit Frank Monkhouse offers his best bets. He has rolled up his sleeves, dug deep into the updated stats available on the Flashscore app, and highlighted his predictions. You can choose your favourite, create a Bet Builder or piece together an accumulator.
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Brazil vs Japan, Monday, 13:00 ET
We begin in Houston on Monday afternoon, where Brazil face Japan at a packed NRG Stadium.
Brazil topped Group C with seven points. The Samba Boys opened with a draw against Morocco, before making light work of both Haiti and Scotland.
Unbeaten in three, winners of a strong pool, with seven goals scored, and only one conceded. Brazil enter with confidence, and it's no surprise to see traders working at major bookmakers price them as favourites.
Japan finished second in Group F behind the Netherlands. They crossed the finish line with five points, thanks to a win and two draws, scoring seven goals, but conceding three.
Those stats show we have two ambitious, attacking teams, each netting seven goals in three games. It's also worth remembering that Japan beat Brazil 3-2 in the 2025 Kirkin Cup.
Tip: Over 2.5 goals @ +100 (fanduel) | +105 (betmgm)
Bet explanation: If Brazil vs Japan produces more than two goals, you'll beat the bookies and secure a profit.
Germany vs Paraguay, Monday, 16:30 ET
The winners of Group E play the third-place finishers in Group D at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
Germany were the best team in their pool, but only just. They did as expected, beating Curacao 7-1 and battling past the Ivory Coast 2-1. The Germans did lose their last match, slipping to a surprise 2-1 loss against Ecuador.
Fans, the coaching staff, players, and everyone connected to Germany will demand a quickfire response, and they'll get it.
Paraguay picked up the four points needed to progress as one of the best third-place finishers. Despite scoring just two goals and conceding four, they find themselves in the knockout rounds.
These nations have met only twice before, with Germany winning 1-0 at World Cup 2002, before sharing six goals in a 2013 friendly. DFB Team will be too strong.
Tip: Germany win @ -750 (fanduel) | -275 (betmgm)
Bet explanation: Your bet wins if Germany beat Paraguay, regardless of the final score.
Netherlands vs Morocco, Tuesday, 21:00 ET
A match that leapt off the page at me when researching the Round of 32 was the Netherlands vs Morocco in Guadalupe.
The Netherlands are ranked eighth in the world by FIFA. They proved to be the strongest team in Group F, with seven points keeping them clear of Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia.
Oranje drew 2-2 with Japan, before hammering Sweden 5-1, and Tunisia 3-1. The 10 group goals scored was matched only by France and Germany. I expect a few more goals here.
Morocco finished as runners-up behind Brazil in Group C, progressing without too much fuss. The Africans held their own to share the points with Ancelotti's team, before brushing past a poor Scotland, and beating Haiti 4-2.
The form of both nations promises a fascinating contest in northern Mexico, and I'm backing both teams to score at a fair offer.
Tip: Both teams to score @ -116 (fanduel) | -110 (betmgm)
Bet explanation: The winning team doesn't impact your bet. If the Netherlands and Morocco score at least one goal each, your play wins.
France vs Sweden, Tuesday, 17:00 ET
Much later on Tuesday, we see France play Sweden at the world-famous MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
These European nations are no strangers to meeting in important games, giving us a solid foundation on which to build our bet. Visit the Flashscore app, find this match, and check the latest head-to-head stats. You'll see France dominate with a dozen wins, against six for the Swedes, with five games ending in a draw.
That's useful, but there's more.
France haven't lost to Sweden since June 2017. Going back further, Sweden have managed just one win in five, a run stretching back to 2014. Les Bleus beat The Blue and Yellow 4-2 last time, and I expect another victory for Didier Deschamps and his squad.
France are looking like potential winners this summer, and they're a strong bet here.
Tip: France win @ -1100 (fanduel) | -350 (betmgm)
Bet explanation: You need France to out-score Sweden during regulation time in New Jersey.
USA vs Bosnia, Thursday, 20:00 ET
One of the three host nations return to our screens when the USA tackle Bosnia-Herzegovina at Levi's Stadium, in Santa Clara.
Many football fans were unsure what to expect from the US National Team this summer, but I'm glad to say they've been a joy to watch so far. The United States bagged six points from a possible nine in Group D, thrashing Paraguay 4-1 and Australia 2-0.
The US did lose 3-2 to Turkey on matchday three, but they were already through by then.
While the USA were busy leading the way and scoring eight goals in their pool, Bosnia were holding their own in Group B. The Dragons drew 1-1 with Canada, lost 4-1 to Switzerland, and beat Qatar 3-1.
Interestingly, a bet on over 2.5 goals landed in two of the USA's three games and in two of Bosnia's group matches. Add over 2.5 goals to your Bet Builders.
Tip: Over 2.5 goals @ -110 (fanduel) | -118 (betmgm)
Bet explanation: The winning nation doesn't change your bet. All you care about is this match giving up three or more goals.
Australia vs Egypt, Friday, 14:00 ET
Moving towards the weekend, and World Cup 2026 presents an interesting pairing from the AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
When researching the numbers, I noticed that Australia and Egypt have met only once before. That was a friendly, won 3-0 by Egypt back in 2010. We won't read too much into that one; instead, we'll take our lead from the group results.
Australia performed better than I expected, finishing second behind the USA on four points. But let's keep digging.
The Socceroos beat Turkey 2-0 on matchday one, but then lost by the same scoreline to the US, before ending goalless with Paraguay. One win, two goals scored, and two conceded does little to inspire confidence in an upset.
I have no trouble trusting an Egyptian side that took a point off Belgium. The best is yet to come from the seven-time African champions.
Tip: Egypt win @ -142 (fanduel) | +140 (betmgm)
Bet explanation: Egypt are priced much higher than I expected, making them an obvious bet. If they pass Australia, your bet is a winner.
Argentina vs Cape Verde, Friday, 18:00 ET
We wrap things up with the 2022 World Cup winners, who are shaping up like they fancy two in a row.
Argentina play Cape Verde at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. As any experienced football bettor will know, nothing is guaranteed in this sport, and there are no easy games at the World Cup.
Having said that, I can't see past a strong win for Lionel Messi and co against an opponent ranked 67th in the world. Neither can the bookies.
Cape Verde managed to sneak out of Group H behind Spain, despite failing to win a match. Three draws kept them above Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, but this is where their adventure will end.
Argentina have a chance to progress to the Round of 16, put a big number on the board, and send a statement of intent to their rivals. With 1/6 trading in the match-winner market, I'm betting on Messi to score after hitting three against Algeria, and another two versus Austria, and one against Jordan.
Tip: Messi to score @ -225 (betmgm)
Bet explanation: Followers need Lionel Messi to score, with an early goal as good as a late tap-in.
This article contains affiliate links to advertisers. The analysis is our own. Age, location and other restrictions apply. Please play responsibly