2018 World Cup Round of 16 Betting Predictions

At this writing, we know 12 of the final 16 teams surviving the group round robin play at the 2018 World Cup. Groups G and H finish their matches tomorrow, and in Group G, the only question is whether England or Belgium will win the group, as they both have six points, while Tunisia and Panama have yet to earn a single point. If England and Belgium draw, the seeding would go down to fair play points (determined by yellow and red cards issued) or, if that is tied, a drawing of lots. In Group H, Poland (the seeded team) is the only one that has been eliminated, with two losses so far. Japan and Senegal each have four points, and Colombia has three, so Japan and Senegal both qualify with wins, and they both qualify if they both draw, but Colombia could still win the group outright if they beat Senegal and Japan either loses to Poland or plays to a draw. We have the time, date, broadcast information and odds for the six matches that are set, so that you can start planning your World Cup betting. Look for individual match profiles Friday and Monday for the rest of the round of 16, as well as the later rounds.

2018 World Cup Round of 16 Betting Predictions

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— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 28, 2018

Saturday, June 30

France vs Argentina (5:00pm local time, 10:00am Eastern time, FOX/fuboTV)

Odds: France +130 / Draw +225 / Argentina +217 / O/U 2.5 France had a considerably more impressive trip through group play than Argentina, as they picked up seven points, with two wins and a draw, the draw coming against Denmark in the third group game in a match that both sides knew would lead to their advancement in the case of a draw. France led in possession with 62% and outshot the Danes 11-5 (4-1 on target). Argentina got a 2-1 win over Nigeria in their third group play game after getting embarrassed by Croatia in a 3-0 rout. However, Lionel Messi put a spectacular goal in for Argentina in the 14th minute, and after Nigeria pulled level, Argentina got the winner in the 86th minute. That should give Argentina confidence, but this was a team that looked positively ancient in group play. I have France winning this game.

Uruguay vs Portugal (9:00pm local time, 2:00pm Eastern time, FOX/fuboTV)

Odds: Uruguay +180 / Draw +200 / Portugal -200 Uruguay started slowly at the World Cup, needing a late goal to knock off an Egypt team that did not have Mohamed Salah and would end up losing to Saudi Arabia. Luis Suarez leads a talented offense that showed improved balance and precision as group play proceeded. Can they handle Portugal? Well, Portugal has leaned heavily on Cristiano Ronaldo so far, and while he has scored, he couldn’t find the net against Iran, and Portugal settled for a 1-1 draw. Portugal’s defense has been a little porous, too. I’m taking Uruguay in this game.

Sunday, July 1

Spain vs Russia (5:00pm local time, 10:00am Eastern time, FOX/fuboTV)

Odds: Spain -155 / Draw +282 / Russia +550 Yes, Russia demolished Saudi Arabia, 5-0, and also held firm against an Egypt team that basically had no offense, but now they face Spain. To be sure, Spain didn’t look all that solid in group play, as they drew Portugal in an electric 3-3 match to open group play, needed some help from the officials to get by Iran and then drew with Morocco. However, Spain has dominated possession and had plenty of scoring chances. Russia benefited from getting the seed in Group A as the host nation, but they were exposed badly by Uruguay in the final group match, and Spain has plenty of film on the Russian problems. I like Spain to win this one.

Croatia vs Denmark (9:00pm local time, 2:00pm Eastern time, FOX/fuboTV)

Odds: Croatia -123 / Draw +206 / Denmark +315 / O/U 2.5 Croatia dominated group play, sweeping Nigeria, Argentina and Iceland to win the group. They scored seven goals in those three matches, and they have won seven of 10 overall. In their last four matches, they have permitted just two goals combined, and they enter with confidence. Denmark plays a grinding style that uses size and physicality to wear down opponents and score on mistakes. They shut out France and Peru and will lock down Croatia for stretches at a time. However, Croatia has more speed and talent on offense and will break through for the win.

Monday, July 2

Brazil vs Mexico (6:00pm local time, 10:00am Eastern time, FS1/fuboTV)

Odds: Brazil -190 / Draw +329 / Mexico +667 / O/U 2.5 Brazil looked somewhat lost on offense in their first two group play matches, tying Switzerland and needing extra time to find the back of the net against Costa Rica. Then they faced a talented Serbia team in the final group play game and emerged victorious with a 2-0 win that showed offensive balance. They face a Mexico team that raised eyebrows by knocking off Germany — but then we saw how illusory that was, as Germany finished dead last in their group, beating Sweden but then losing to South Korea. Mexico may have more speed than Brazil, but they don’t have better finishers, as we saw in Mexico’s shocking 3-0 loss to Sweden. I like Brazil to advance from this match. 

Croatia vs Denmark of Group H (9:00pm local time, 2:00pm Eastern time, FOX/fuboTV)

Odds: Croatia -120 / Draw +222 / Switzerland +100 / O/U 2

Tuesday, July 3

Sweden vs Switzerland (5:00pm local time, 10:00am Eastern time, FS1/fuboTV)

Odds: Sweden +190 / Draw +200 / Switzerland +160 / O/U 2.5 Sweden delivered a thrilling 3-0 win over Mexico in their group play finale, as they finally showed the offensive moxie that they didn’t show in a 2-1 loss to Germany, and that additional gear should be frightening for opponents down the road. Switzerland pulled out a rousing win over Serbia in group play but then gave up a pair of leads in their round robin finale, as Costa Rica pulled out a 2-2 draw. Sweden looked much more impressive than Switzerland in their finale, and a Swiss side that lacked offensive creativity for much of group play needs to find some new answers. For now, I like the Swedes to advance.

Colombia vs England (9:00pm local time, 2:00pm Eastern time, FOX/fuboTV)

Odds: Colombia -130 / Draw +213 / England +110 / O/U 2