World Cup Round of 16 Preview and Predictions

Last Updated on Julho 3, 2026 2:51 pm by Erwin Noguera

The FIFA World Cup Round of 16 continues on Sunday with two of the most anticipated knockout matches of the tournament.

Five-time Champion Brazil faces an increasingly dangerous Norway side led by Erling Haaland, while co-host Mexico welcomes England to the iconic Estadio Azteca in a matchup featuring two nations carrying enormous expectations. Both winners will move one step closer to the quarterfinals and strengthen their case as legitimate title contenders.

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FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16: Brazil vs. Norway

Quando? Sunday, July 5 at 4:00 pm ET, 3:00 pm CST, 2:00 pm MT, and 1:00 pm PT.

Onde? New York Stadium

Onde posso assistir?

Vídeo Prime, ESPN, Disney+

Brazil has looked like one of the tournament’s strongest teams from the opening match.

After winning its group, the Seleção overcame Japan 2-1 in the Round of 32, showing patience and composure in a tightly contested match. The victory reinforced Brazil’s ability to control games even when opponents remain organized defensively.

Vinícius Júnior has been Brazil’s biggest attacking threat, consistently creating chances with his pace and dribbling. Rodrygo has added creativity between the lines, while Bruno Guimarães has controlled the midfield with intelligent passing and defensive balance. At the back, Marquinhos continues to organize one of the tournament’s most reliable defenses.

Brazil also possesses exceptional squad depth, allowing it to maintain intensity throughout the full 90 minutes.

On the other hand, Norway has quietly become one of the biggest stories of the World Cup.

The Scandinavians advanced from the group stage before defeating Ivory Coast in the Round of 32, earning the nation’s first victory in a men’s World Cup knockout match. Confidence continues to grow with every performance.

Erling Haaland remains the focal point of the attack, using his strength and finishing ability to punish even the smallest defensive mistakes. Martin Ødegaard has orchestrated play from midfield with his vision and creativity, while Antonio Nusa has added pace and unpredictability on the wing.

This matchup pits Brazil’s technical brilliance against Norway’s physicality and direct style.

Brazil will likely dominate possession and attempt to isolate Vinícius Júnior in one-on-one situations, while Norway will look to absorb pressure before quickly releasing Haaland into space. Set pieces could also become a major factor, where Norway holds a clear aerial advantage.

Brazil has more experience in matches of this magnitude, but Norway possesses enough quality to make life uncomfortable throughout the contest.

Prediction: Brazil 2-1 Norway

FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16: Mexico vs. England

Quando? Sunday, July 5 at 8:00 pm ET, 7:00 pm CST, 6:00 pm MT, and 5:00 pm PT

Onde? Mexico City Stadium

Onde posso assistir?

Vídeo Prime, ESPN, Disney+

Mexico enters the Round of 16 with enormous momentum after winning its group and defeating Ecuador in the Round of 32.

Playing at Estadio Azteca gives El Tri another significant advantage, as the home crowd has helped create one of the tournament’s best atmospheres. Weather concerns prompted reports that kickoff could be moved earlier to reduce the risk of storm delays after Mexico’s previous match experienced interruptions.

Santiago Giménez has led the attack with intelligent movement inside the penalty area, while Edson Álvarez has anchored midfield through his defensive leadership. Goalkeeper Raúl Rangel has also delivered several key saves during the tournament.

Mexico has combined defensive organization with efficient finishing, allowing the team to remain unbeaten entering the Round of 16.

England, on the other hand, has progressed steadily through the tournament despite facing moments of adversity.

The Three Lions recovered from an early deficit to defeat DR Congo in the Round of 32, with Harry Kane once again proving decisive in front of goal. Jude Bellingham has continued to dominate midfield, while Bukayo Saka has consistently stretched opposing defenses with his pace and creativity.

England’s squad depth remains one of its biggest advantages. Few teams can match the quality available from the bench, giving the coaching staff multiple tactical options if the match becomes increasingly physical.

This could become one of the most emotional matches of the Round of 16.

Mexico will rely on its aggressive pressing and the energy generated by the home crowd, while England is expected to control possession and create opportunities through Bellingham’s playmaking and Kane’s movement inside the box.

If Mexico scores first, the atmosphere inside Azteca could dramatically change the rhythm of the match. Conversely, an early England goal would force the hosts to open up, creating more space for England’s talented attacking players.

Mexico has already demonstrated it can thrive under pressure, but England’s balance, experience and attacking quality provide a slight edge.

Prediction: England 2-1 Mexico