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Your Complete Betting Guide to the Next 9 World Cup Round of 32 Games (July 1-3)

Nine World Cup Round of 32 matches over three days — odds, analysis, and picks for every game from England vs. DR Congo to Colombia vs. Ghana.

By Mike Noblin Updated June 30, 2026
world cup 2026 round of 32 betting guide

The World Cup 2026 Round of 32 is delivering drama, upsets, and genuine betting value at every turn. Germany is already out, Morocco knocked off the Netherlands, and Brazil barely survived Japan. Now nine more matches — spread across July 1 through July 3 — will determine who advances to the Round of 16. Here is your complete betting breakdown, with odds analysis and picks for every game.

All odds referenced below are sourced from FanDuel review. Compare lines across multiple books — including DraftKings review and BetMGM review — to make sure you are getting the best number before placing your bets.

Wednesday, July 1: Three Must-Watch Matches

England vs. DR Congo — 12pm ET, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

England topped Group L and enters this match as one of the heaviest favorites across the entire Round of 32. DR Congo advanced as a third-place finisher from Group K, riding momentum from a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in their final group match. That is admirable, but England’s depth, quality, and tournament experience make them a different animal entirely.

England has world-class talent across every position and manager Gareth Southgate has proven he knows how to win knockout football, even if not always with style. Expect England to control possession, manage the game, and eventually pull away. The value is not on the moneyline here — England will be prohibitively priced — but an Asian handicap or first-half bet on England to lead at the break carries genuine merit.

Pick: England -1.5 goals

Belgium vs. Senegal — 4pm ET, Lumen Field, Seattle

Belgium won Group G emphatically, posting a 5-1 thrashing of New Zealand to close out the group stage. Senegal advanced from Group I as a third-place finisher after a rollercoaster run that included a stunning 5-2 win over Norway but ultimately saw France edge them out of the top two spots.

This is the most interesting match of the day. Belgium has elite attacking talent but has historically underperformed in knockout rounds despite their golden generation. Senegal carries pace, physicality, and the experience of multiple deep tournament runs under coach Aliou Cisse. The line should be tight, and there is a real case for Senegal to steal this one. If you can find Senegal at plus money, it represents legitimate value. At minimum, consider Senegal double chance (win or draw).

Pick: Senegal double chance

USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina — 8pm ET, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara

This is the match American bettors have been circling. The USA won Group D and returns to the field riding home crowd support with a squad that has genuine belief it can make a deep run. With tournament winner odds listed at +3300 on FanDuel, the Americans are a legitimate long-shot worth sprinkling on a futures ticket.

Bosnia and Herzegovina advanced as a third-place finisher from Group B. They showed quality in the group stage but their path here was more difficult, and they now face a motivated American side playing in front of a packed Levi’s Stadium crowd in California. The USA has the edge in athleticism and tactical organization. Back the Stars and Stripes to advance.

Pick: USA to win (moneyline)

Thursday, July 2: European Powerhouses Clash

Spain vs. Austria — 3pm ET, SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles

Spain enters as one of the tournament favorites at +650 on FanDuel, and for good reason. They won Group H and have played some of the most fluid, controlled football in the competition. Austria finished second in Group J and showed moments of quality, but stepping up to face a Spanish side of this caliber in a knockout game is a significant ask.

Spain’s possession-based system will suffocate Austria’s midfield. Look for La Roja to dominate territory and convert chances clinically. Spain to win and both teams to score is a solid play if you want upside on the odds, but Spain moneyline or Spain to win to nil are both defensible depending on the price.

Pick: Spain to win, both teams to score

Portugal vs. Croatia — 7pm ET, BMO Field, Toronto

This is the marquee match of the entire nine-game stretch. Portugal (+1400 futures) finished second in Group K and Croatia second in Group L, setting up a heavyweight European clash in Canada. Both nations know how to win knockout football. Croatia famously reached the World Cup final in 2018. Portugal has Cristiano Ronaldo and a deep squad capable of hurting any team in the world.

Croatia will not be intimidated. They tend to grow into tournaments and their midfield engine is among the best in the competition. Expect a cagey, physical match that could easily go to extra time. The over on total goals might be a fade here — this one has the feel of a 1-0 or 1-1 affair. Consider a low-scoring game total under combined with Portugal double chance.

Pick: Portugal double chance, under 2.5 goals

Switzerland vs. Algeria — 11pm ET, BC Place, Vancouver

Switzerland won Group B and has been one of the quiet overachievers of this tournament. Algeria advanced from Group J as a third-place finisher, a real achievement for an African side that bettors should not dismiss. This late match on the West Coast offers value for sharp bettors willing to stay up.

Switzerland is organized, defensively disciplined, and dangerous on set pieces. Algeria plays with passion and have pace up front that can trouble any defense. Switzerland are deserving favorites, but not a team to lay heavy chalk on. A Switzerland win by a single goal or the Swiss on an Asian handicap looks appealing here. Check Caesars review for their specific lines on this late match.

Pick: Switzerland -0.5 Asian handicap

Friday, July 3: Closing Out the Round of 32

Australia vs. Egypt — 2pm ET, AT&T Stadium, Arlington

Australia finished second in Group D and will be motivated coming off a solid group stage. Egypt finished second in Group G. Neither side is among the tournament’s elite, which makes this one of the more genuinely competitive and unpredictable matches of the entire stretch.

Australia’s physicality and transition speed will test Egypt’s defensive structure. Both teams will set up compactly and look to exploit mistakes. This has draw potential — consider the draw at plus odds if available — or look at double chance both ways to hedge. Backing Australia to progress via the moneyline with modest stakes is the cleaner play.

Pick: Australia to win (slight edge)

Argentina vs. Cape Verde — 6pm ET, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami

Argentina (+400 tournament favorites on FanDuel) are the defending world champions and enter this game as massive favorites. They won Group J convincingly. Cape Verde finished second in Group H and deserve credit for making the Round of 32, but this is a near-impossible task for the African side.

The question for bettors is not whether Argentina wins — it is by how much. Argentina’s attack featuring Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, and Julian Alvarez is the most dangerous unit in the tournament. Lay the goals aggressively here. Argentina -2.5 on the Asian handicap or team total goals over is the play. This may be one of the few remaining chances to watch Messi in a World Cup knockout game, and he has historically delivered on those stages.

Pick: Argentina -2 Asian handicap, Messi anytime scorer

Colombia vs. Ghana — 9:30pm ET, Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City

Colombia (+3000 tournament odds) won Group K and is one of the most compelling dark-horse stories of the tournament. They have pace, tactical discipline, and a fanbase that shows up everywhere. Ghana advanced as a third-place finisher from Group L — the same group as England — which speaks to genuine quality.

This final match of the nine-game stretch is the best pure betting spot for a potential upset. Ghana plays fearlessly and will not be overawed. However, Colombia has the edge in individual quality and organization. Back Colombia to advance, but respect Ghana enough to take the double chance rather than straight moneyline if the price on Colombia looks too short. Players at Bet365 review should check for enhanced Colombian player prop offers heading into this game.

Pick: Colombia to win (moneyline)

Futures Angle: Who Is Worth Backing After These Nine Games?

With Germany already eliminated and the bracket wide open, there is genuine futures value still on the board. France at +250 leads the board but carries chalk risk. Argentina at +400 is the best value among the clear favorites given their squad depth and experience. Spain at +650 looks appealing if you believe in their system. At longer odds, Colombia at +3000 and the USA at +3300 are worth small futures plays if they advance through this round.

Lock in futures before each match kicks off — odds will tighten sharply the moment favorites survive.

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