The group stages at the 2022 FIFA World Cup have concluded and now just 16 nations remain in their quest for glory. Here, we take a look at all eight Round of 16 fixtures and bring you our best bets. Good luck to everyone following!
2022 FIFA World Cup: Round of 16 Betting Tips
Netherlands vs USA
Sunday 2am AEDT
After failing to qualify for Russia 2018, the Netherlands are looking to make the most of their time in Qatar. They were one of the first teams to qualify for the knockout stages and remain a dark horse to lift the Cup. The Oranje have been the bridesmaid on three occasions at the World Cup, which is the most of any team without ever being champion.
The Dutch couldn’t really have asked for a better matchup in the Round of 16, as they come up against USA who have only ever made it past this stage once, which was way back in 2002. Football is certainly becoming more popular in the USA and that will obviously lead to better results on the world stage, but it’s hard to see them matching it with one of the most accomplished nations on this occasion. I expect the Netherlands to be able to secure the win in normal time here.
Argentina vs Australia
Sunday 6am AEDT
*Click here for our full preview and betting tips for this fixture*
France vs Poland
Monday 2am AEDT
France were the first team to qualify for the Round of 16 on the back of strong wins against Australia and Denmark. They lost their third outing against Tunisia, but they made wholesale changes to their line-up knowing they were already destined to finish top. Les Bleus have been champions twice and runners-up once in their last six World Cup appearances and look to be a top contender again in Qatar.
Poland scraped through to the knockout stages on goal difference despite only scoring two goals from their three matches. They’ll have to improve sharply and have a lot of luck on their side to take it up to a powerhouse like France on current form. With that said, I just can’t see it happening and expect Les Bleus to control this fixture from start to finish. Getting even money or better for them to lead at half time and full time is great value here.
England vs Senegal
Monday 6am AEDT
Is it finally coming home? The signs from the group stage suggest it’s at least a chance. England banged in nine goals across their three matches and conceded only two which saw them finish clear at the top of their group. The biggest question marks surrounding The Three Lions are currently about who’s actually in their best XI, especially in the centre of midfield and on the wings. Still, they’ve been impressive to date and will go into their Round of 16 clash with Senegal as the clear favourites.
Senegal had to grind their way out of the group stage and did so via a thrilling 2-1 win over Ecuador in their third match. Defender Kalidou Koulibaly was the hero who sent his nation through to the knockout stages at the World Cup for the second time in their history. Unfortunately, I believe their time in Qatar will come to an end on Monday morning against an England outfit that is full of class all over the pitch. The favourites should
Japan vs Croatia
Tuesday 2am AEDT
The big underdog has won in all three of Japan’s matches in Qatar; they defeated both Germany and Spain, although lost to Costa Rica. Still, they finished on top of Group E, which is a feat that no one in their right mind could’ve predicted.
Croatia has seemingly flown under the radar at a World Cup yet again. They were the runners-up in Russia four years ago and have made it to the knockout stages in Qatar without losing a match. Interestingly, two of their matches finished as 0-0 draws, while their other produced five goals.
This is arguably the toughest Round of 16 fixture to predict and one that I won’t be putting much capital on. However, experience at this stage in World Cup’s coupled with a more talented team on paper does make the Croatians the deserving favourites and the more likely team to win.
Brazil vs South Korea
Tuesday 6am AEDT
Brazil were most people’s favourites leading into the tournament and haven’t done too much to discourage their futures punters. They won their opening two group matches to nil before losing to Cameroon in their third game, although they were far from full strength knowing they’d already qualified for the knockout stages.
The six-time World Cup champions wouldn’t have too many complaints drawing South Korea in their Round of 16 match. The South Koreans have only progressed past this point once and that came in 2002 when they were the hosts.
Despite Brazil being the overwhelming favourites to win in normal time, I expect the South Koreans, led by superstar Son Heung-Min, to pose a constant threat, especially on the counterattack. They’ve scored two goals in each of their last two matches and are over the odds to score at least once on Tuesday morning.
South Korea to Score
$2.15
Morocco vs Spain
Wednesday 2am AEDT
Morocco are through to the Round of 16 on the back of wins against both Canada and Belgium, as well as a draw against 2018 runners-up, Croatia. Not only did they finish on top of Group F, but they qualified for the knockout stages for the first time since 1986. Their opponents, Spain, regularly venture into the knockout stages on the world stage, in fact they’ve only failed to get out of their group once in the 21st century.
Spain are the more talented and well-rounded team on paper, but that’s not to say that Morocco don’t have some star power of their own. The Atlas Lions have already taken down the #2 ranked team in the world (Belgium) in Qatar and will feel as though they have nothing to lose against Spain. With that said, I’m expecting them to have their fair share of chances in front of goal and see the ‘Both Teams to Score’ market as the best value in this fixture.
Both Teams to Score
$2.25
Portugal vs Switzerland
Wednesday 6am AEDT
The fairy-tale is still alive for Cristiano Ronaldo in what will surely be his last World Cup. He’s only scored the one goal so far but has led the line for a Portuguese side that finished on top of Group H with two wins and one loss. They now face a Switzerland outfit who secured their Round of 16 berth on the back of a thrilling 3-2 win over Serbia in their third and final match in Group G.
This is probably the best chance Portugal have ever had to make a deep run at a World Cup since their third-placed finish way back in 1966. Ronaldo might not be the player he once was, but the talent around him is certainly a lot better than in recent editions. As long as they perform somewhat close to the level they’re capable of, then they should have no problem getting past the Swiss in normal time.
