World Cup Predictions: Round of 16 Analysis

The last 16 of the World Cup is set, and some of football’s most prominent teams remain in the running for the title. All three co-hosts are still in contention. The U.S. will face Belgium, Canada meets Morocco, and Mexico hosts England at the Azteca stadium. Argentina, the 2022 champions, are also advancing after a narrow escape against Cape Verde, the smallest nation to reach the knockout rounds.

The Most Exciting Round of 16 Tie

Our writers have weighed in on the match-ups that promise to deliver excitement:

• Stuart James: Mexico vs. England and Brazil vs. Norway are intriguing, but Spain vs. Portugal stands out as a potential classic.
• Oliver Kay: The Iberian derby between Portugal and Spain could be captivating, while Mexico vs. England also promises excitement.
• Phil Hay: Brazil’s match with Norway could surprise, as Norway has been performing well.
• Laura Williamson: Mexico vs. England, regardless of the kickoff time.
• Tim Spiers: Mexico vs. England is about occasion and drama; US vs. Belgium is expected to be entertaining.
• Dermot Corrigan: Portugal vs. Spain has history, yet Mexico vs. England feels uniquely exciting.
• Carl Anka: USA vs. Belgium could have a significant impact, potentially elevating US soccer.
• Simon Hughes: Picking Mexico vs. England.
• Lukas Weese: Portugal vs. Spain, highlighting Ronaldo’s pursuit of a World Cup win.
• Matt Slater: Prefers Mexico vs. England, but acknowledges Portugal vs. Spain and Brazil vs. Norway as highlights.
• Nick Miller: Mexico vs. England with the Azteca’s unique atmosphere could be memorable.
• Patrick Iversen: Mexico vs. England will test both teams’ mettle.
• Henry Bushnell: Mexico-England is unmatched due to its history and passion.

Potential Upsets in the Round of 16

• James: Envisions Norway defeating Brazil, given Norway’s strong performance.
• Kay: Finds USA vs. Belgium and Mexico vs. England to be likely upset scenarios.
• Hay: Predicts an upset with the USMNT beating Belgium.
• Williamson: Favors Norway to defeat Brazil, seeing vulnerabilities in Brazil’s play.
• Spiers: Sees Norway with potential to unseat Brazil.
• Corrigan: Agrees with Norway’s potential over Brazil.
• Anka: Suggests Mexico could surprise England given their strong showing.
• Hughes: Thinks Paraguay could play a spoiler role.
• Weese: Stands by Canada as a dark horse against Morocco.
• Slater: Picks Norway’s Haaland to challenge Brazil.
• Miller: Puts USA as a likely candidate for an upset against Belgium.
• Iversen: Sees Norway as poised to surprise Brazil.
• Bushnell: Endorses Mexico as a threat to England.

Golden Boot Contenders

• James: Backs Lionel Messi to increase his lead with Argentina’s favorable path.
• Kay: Opportunities for Messi and Mbappe to pull ahead, with a nod to Messi.
• Hay: Choose between Messi and Mbappe; leans toward Mbappe.
• Williamson: Predicts a duel between Mbappe and Messi, going with Mbappe.
• Spiers: Believes Mbappe will top the rankings.
• Corrigan: Thinks Messi will capitalize on Argentina’s draw, but notes Oyarzabal’s potential.
• Anka: Notes Mbappe’s scoring prowess.
• Hughes: Goes with Mbappe.
• Weese: Reiterates Mbappe’s potential to lead the Golden Boot race.
• Slater: Decides on Messi over Mbappe.
• Miller: Predicts a strong performance from Vinicius Jr. to challenge Messi and Mbappe.
• Iversen: Gives a slight edge to Messi after a coin toss.
• Bushnell: Mbappe is favored to maintain his lead.

World Cup Observations So Far

• James: Surprised by the competitive nature and late drama of matches.
• Kay: Impressed by Cape Verde and lenient refereeing.
• Hay: Highlights the passionate Mexican crowds.
• Williamson: Finds kick-off times frustrating, and notes the scarcity of tactical ‘dark arts.’
• Spiers: Host nations’ vibrancy and the amusing booing of hydration breaks stand out.
• Corrigan: Messi’s performances have dispelled theories of his decline.
• Anka: Surprised by Senegal’s late match collapse.
• Hughes: Notes favorable refereeing encouraging physical play.
• Weese: Observes a trend of late goals adding to excitement.
• Slater: Surprised by the high quality of matches overall.
• Miller: Impressed by consistent performances from big stars.
• Iversen: Enjoys thrilling finishes across matches.
• Bushnell: Excited to see star players consistently performing well.

Top Stadiums in the Round of 16

• James: Picks the Azteca as the standout venue.
• Kay: Favors Atlanta but regrets missing the Azteca.
• Hay: Confirms the Azteca as unmatched.
• Williamson: Recommends Lumen Field in Seattle for its atmosphere.
• Spiers: Matches the Azteca’s historical significance.
• Corrigan: Agrees with sentiments favoring the Azteca’s history.
• Anka: Describes Azteca as a football cathedral.
• Hughes: Considers Azteca a must-experience venue.
• Weese: Hopes the Azteca hosts the final.
• Slater: High regard for the Azteca’s architectural beauty.
• Miller: Criticizes the exclusion of Azteca from later stages.
• Iversen: Appreciates the Azteca’s enduring appeal.
• Bushnell: Lauds Lumen Field as well.

Standout Performers of the Round of 32

• James: Praises Michael Olise’s graceful performances.
• Kay: Highlights Harry Kane’s crucial role for England.
• Hay: Recognizes Michael Olise and Lamine Yamal.
• Williamson: Applauds Harry Kane’s key moments.
• Spiers: Credits Harry Kane’s decisive impact.
• Corrigan: Commends Rodri’s control in Spain’s match.
• Anka: Celebrates Michael Olise’s creativity and flair.
• Hughes: Gives Harry Kane top marks.
• Weese: Enjoys watching Kylian Mbappe’s magic.
• Slater: Values Kane and Olise as key players.
• Miller: Highlights Rafael Leao for Portugal.
• Iversen: Impressed by Harry Kane’s performance.
• Bushnell: Finds Kane’s play captivating.

Goals of the Round of 32

• James: Sidny Lopes Cabral’s striking goal takes top spot.
• Kay: Kylian Mbappe’s first for France is noted.
• Hay: Harry Kane’s second against DR Congo stands out.
• Williamson: Applauds Stephen Eustaquio’s measured strike for Canada.
• Spiers: Enjoys Ismaila Sarr’s wonder goal for Senegal.
• Corrigan: Julian Quinones’ goal for Mexico is unforgettable.
• Anka: Admired Amad Diallo’s skillful finish.
• Hughes: Agrees with Anka on Diallo’s strike.
• Weese: Picks Stephen Eustaquio’s late strike for Canada.
• Slater: Praises King Kane’s emphatic finish.
• Miller: Savor Ismaila Sarr’s technically perfect goal.
• Iversen: Chooses Antonio Nusa for superb execution.

Contenders to Challenge France’s World Cup Bid

• James: Their own mistakes could cost them, or possibly Spain.
• Kay: Several teams are capable of challenging France, such as Spain.
• Hay: Spain, theoretically, could challenge them by dominating possession.
• Williamson: Spain poses a significant challenge.
• Spiers: Argentina with solid defense could be a contender.
• Anka: Teams like Morocco or Spain can cause trouble.
• Corrigan: Spain’s control of possession is key against France.
• Hughes: Believes several teams could upset France.
• Weese: Argentina as potential finalists against France.
• Slater: Spain or Argentina could pose a significant threat.
• Miller: Envisions Brazil as a formidable adversary.
• Iversen: Regards the unpredictable nature of the tournament as a factor.
• Bushnell: Multiple teams including Spain, Morocco, or others could stop France.