Who advances in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16? Expert predictions for USMNT, Messi, and the Iberian Derby

The 2026 World Cup is entering an exciting phase as the round of 16 is set to take place following a thrilling week in the inaugural round of 32. The competition has already delivered some unforgettable moments, and now the stage is set for even more intense matches.

Some of the most anticipated matchups in the round of 16 include the Iberian Derby between Spain and Portugal, a clash that promises to be a spectacle of skill and passion. Another highly anticipated game is Mexico hosting England at the Estadio Azteca, which could go down in history as one of the most memorable encounters. For the United States, this is a significant moment as they face Belgium in Seattle, marking their first knockout game win in 24 years. This match is a rematch of the 2014 round of 16 game in Brazil. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi and Argentina will take on Egypt in Atlanta after narrowly avoiding a historic upset.

The round of 16 kicks off on July 4 with Canada facing Morocco in Houston and France taking on Paraguay in Philadelphia on America’s 250th birthday. These games are just the beginning of what promises to be an exhilarating series of matches.

Here’s a look at the predicted outcomes for the upcoming round of 16 games:

Round of 16 Matchups and Predictions

• Canada vs Morocco
• Date: Saturday, July 4
• Location: Houston
• Jon Arnold: Canada 0-2 Morocco
• Seth Vertelney: Canada 0-2 Morocco
• Jesse Yomtov: Canada 1-2 Morocco (AET)

• Victoria Hernandez: Canada 1-3 Morocco

• Paraguay vs France

• Date: Saturday, July 4
• Location: Philadelphia
• Jon Arnold: Paraguay 0-3 France
• Seth Vertelney: Paraguay 0-2 France
• Jesse Yomtov: Paraguay 0-3 France

• Victoria Hernandez: Paraguay 0-3 France

• Brazil vs Norway

• Date: Sunday, July 5
• Location: New Jersey
• Jon Arnold: Brazil 2-0 Norway
• Seth Vertelney: Brazil 1-2 Norway
• Jesse Yomtov: Brazil 2-2 Norway (Norway wins on penalties)

• Victoria Hernandez: Brazil 3-2 Norway

• Mexico vs England

• Date: Sunday, July 5
• Location: Mexico City
• Jon Arnold: Mexico 2-2 England (Mexico wins on penalties)
• Seth Vertelney: Mexico 1-1 England (England wins on penalties)
• Jesse Yomtov: Mexico 1-2 England

• Victoria Hernandez: Mexico 2-2 England (England wins on penalties)

• Portugal vs Spain

• Date: Monday, July 6
• Location: Dallas
• Jon Arnold: Portugal 0-2 Spain
• Seth Vertelney: Portugal 0-2 Spain
• Jesse Yomtov: Portugal 0-2 Spain

• Victoria Hernandez: Portugal 1-2 Spain

• USA vs Belgium

• Date: Monday, July 6
• Location: Seattle
• Jon Arnold: USA 2-1 Belgium (AET)
• Seth Vertelney: USA 2-1 Belgium
• Jesse Yomtov: USA 0-2 Belgium (AET)

• Victoria Hernandez: USA 1-2 Belgium

• Argentina vs Egypt

• Date: Tuesday, July 7
• Location: Atlanta
• Jon Arnold: Argentina 3-0 Egypt
• Seth Vertelney: Argentina 2-0 Egypt
• Jesse Yomtov: Argentina 3-0 Egypt

• Victoria Hernandez: Argentina 3-1 Egypt

• Switzerland vs Colombia

• Date: Tuesday, July 7
• Location: Vancouver
• Jon Arnold: Switzerland 1-3 Colombia
• Seth Vertelney: Switzerland 2-1 Colombia
• Jesse Yomtov: Switzerland 1-2 Colombia
• Victoria Hernandez: Switzerland 1-2 Colombia

The winners of these matches will advance to the quarterfinals, which are scheduled to begin on Thursday, July 9. With so much at stake, fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the next chapter of the 2026 World Cup.