The 2026 World Cup Progresses to the Knockout Stage
The 2026 World Cup is set to advance to its knockout rounds on Saturday, trimming the original field of 32 teams down to the final 16. This pivotal stage marks the beginning of a high-stakes elimination format following an intense group stage.
With a series of matches on the horizon, soccer fans have a multitude of betting opportunities. The upcoming eight games offer an assortment of wagering options, providing excitement and potential for profit. In the competitive landscape of the tournament, analysts Victoria Matias and Liz Roza have evaluated the matchups to identify promising betting strategies.
*Odds reflect the status at the time of publication. For the latest betting updates, check out DK Sports.
Total Saves (90 minutes), Yassin Bounow, 3+ (+105)
As Canada makes its historic run in the tournament, Morocco continues to demonstrate its resilience on the field. Co-hosting the event, Morocco leads all teams with an impressive tally of 70 shots, 28 of which were on target, after four matches. Goalkeeper Yassin Bounow, known for his remarkable shot-stopping ability, is anticipated to be a key player for the Atlas Lions. The 35-year-old has already made six saves and recorded one clean sheet against Scotland, highlighting his knack for crucial interventions. A rematch with Canada could prove intense, especially after Morocco’s previous triumph over Canada in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup.
Betting Insights and Predictions
Total Corners Over 9.5 (+130)
Canada has also excelled in corner kicks, leading the tournament with 39 corners across four games. Canadian midfielder Steven Eustaquio has been particularly impactful, contributing 34 corners himself, which ties him with the German national team for second place in this category. Morocco holds a respectable eighth place with 24 corners. As Canada averages 9.8 corners per game compared to Morocco’s 6.0, a total nearing ten corners seems highly feasible in this knockout matchup.
Total Assists for Michael Olise, 1+ (+145)
French winger Michael Olise has distinguished himself as an essential playmaker, prioritizing assists over personal scoring. He has led the competition in assists in three of his four games, notably facilitating goals for teammate Kylian Mbappe. Moreover, Olise is just one assist short of equaling the all-time World Cup record of six assists, a milestone set by the iconic Pele over fifty years ago. With Paraguay’s defensive vulnerabilities apparent, Saturday’s matchup will be a litmus test for Olise’s vision and creativity.
Mexico to Advance (+115)
Under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel, the Mexican national team has demonstrated offensive flair, yet they have battled with execution in front of goal. Captain Harry Kane has been a notable player for England, scoring five goals but often finding himself in critical situations. Conversely, Mexico has yet to concede a goal, thus securing a place in the knockout stage. With their fervent home crowd behind them, Mexico’s explosive attack could expose weaknesses in England’s defense, setting the stage for a potential upset.
Betting on Norway to Draw (+280) and Erling Haaland to be Top Scorer (+115)
Despite initial doubts about their chances, Norway’s Erling Haaland is acutely aware of the team’s potential. Aside from a strategic group stage decision to rest players, Norway’s only recent defeat was against France. The standout Manchester City striker isn’t simply looking for a win; his performance against Ivory Coast suggests he’s poised to guide his team into critical moments of the match, especially against a formidable Brazil side.
In addition, a parlay bet combining these two predictions offers attractive odds of +717.
Spain’s Victory Margin -1.5 (+260)
Leading the tournament in expected goals with a total of 8.83, Spain has dominated in offensive statistics, further bolstered by notable clean sheets throughout the group stage. Their strategic advantage over recognized teams like Austria and Uruguay sets a high bar for opponents. With recent performances demonstrating potential, Spain’s -1.5 victory odds look promising as they prepare to face their next challengers.
