The 2026 FIFA World Cup has completed the Round of 16 and is entering an even more intense phase. The last matches of the first playoff round delivered drama, a penalty shootout, a nerve-wracking victory for Argentina, and a pragmatic advancement for Colombia.
Australia lost to Egypt after a penalty shootout, Argentina narrowly defeated Cape Verde 3-2, and Colombia edged out Ghana. The Round of 16 kicks off today: Canada will play against Morocco, and Paraguay will try to stop France.
After the completion of the Round of 16, the bookmakers' odds have changed again: Argentina has advanced, Egypt gained a powerful emotional boost, and France starts the Round of 16 as one of the main favorites of the tournament. Current odds for playoff matches, advancing further, totals, and handicaps can be viewed on Olimpbet.kz.
Latest Results from the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup
| Match | Score | Main Storyline |
|---|---|---|
| Australia — Egypt | 1:1, 2:4 on penalties | Egypt held their nerve in the penalty shootout and advanced after a dramatic finish. |
| Argentina — Cape Verde | 3:2 | Argentina avoided an upset, but the match proved to be much tougher than expected. |
| Colombia — Ghana | 1:0 | Colombia played pragmatically and achieved the necessary result without unnecessary risk. |
Australia — Egypt: Penalty Shootout and a Historic Chance for the African Team
The match between Australia and Egypt became the main dramatic episode of the final day of the Round of 16. The regular time ended with a score of 1:1, and the fate of the ticket to the next round was decided in a penalty shootout.
Egypt proved to be more accurate and composed — 4:2 on penalty kicks. For the team, this is not just a progression, but an emotional turning point in the tournament. A victory in a penalty shootout often gives a team a special sense of confidence: they understand that they can withstand pressure in knockout matches.
Australia exits the tournament after a tough battle, but Egypt moves on and becomes one of the most interesting stories of the playoffs. Such teams rarely appear as the main favorites, but they can create problems for any opponent.
Argentina — Cape Verde 3:2: The Champions Advance, but Questions Remain
Argentina defeated Cape Verde 3:2, but this match can hardly be described as calm for the reigning world champions. Cape Verde played boldly, undeterred by the opponent's status, and kept the intrigue alive until the final minutes.
For Argentina, this is an important victory, but it also serves as a warning. In the playoffs, one cannot rely solely on name, experience, and status. Even against a team considered an underdog, concentration must be maintained until the final whistle.
The main positive for Argentina is that the team found a way to win a difficult match again. The main negative is that the defense did not look as reliable as required for a title challenge. In the next round, the cost of each mistake will be even higher.
Colombia — Ghana 1:0: A Win Without Show, but With Great Meaning
Colombia narrowly defeated Ghana 1:0. This match was not the most vibrant in terms of chances, but it was indicative of the team's maturity.
The Colombians played carefully, did not expose themselves unnecessarily, and focused on controlling key areas. In the playoffs, such football often proves to be more effective than an open exchange of attacks.
Ghana exits the tournament but leaves a good impression. The team was competitive, physically strong, and maintained chances until the end. Colombia, on the other hand, moves on and becomes an opponent that should not be underestimated.
Complete Matchups for the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup
| Date | Match | Intrigue |
|---|---|---|
| July 4 | Canada — Morocco | The tournament hosts against a team that knows how to surprise again. |
| July 4 | Paraguay — France | France — the favorite, but Paraguay has already knocked out Germany. |
| July 5 | Brazil — Norway | Technique and individual class against physical strength. |
| July 5 | Mexico — England | England against the tournament hosts and the pressure of the stadium. |
| July 6 | Portugal — Spain | The Iberian derby and one of the main matches of the playoffs. |
| July 6 | USA — Belgium | The home momentum of the USA against Belgium's experience. |
| July 7 | Argentina — Egypt | World champions against a team that advanced through penalties. |
| July 7 | Switzerland — Colombia | Two pragmatic opponents who know how to play for results. |
Today the Round of 16 Kicks Off: Canada — Morocco
The first match of the Round of 16 is Canada against Morocco. For Canada, this tournament has already become historic, but the team clearly does not want to stop. The home factor, support from the stands, and emotional uplift make the Canadians particularly dangerous.
Morocco is a different type of opponent. This team knows how to play in the playoffs, endure without the ball, and punish mistakes. If Canada becomes too emotional and exposes itself too early, Morocco will find space for quick attacks.
The match starts at 19:00 Moscow time. The main intrigue: can Canada continue its historic journey, or will Morocco reaffirm its status as one of the tournament's most uncomfortable teams?
Paraguay — France: Favorite Against a Team That Has Already Knocked Out Germany
The second match of the day is Paraguay against France. On paper, the French appear to be the clear favorites, but such matchups in the playoffs require maximum caution. Paraguay has already shown that it can disrupt the plans of top teams.
France has depth, speed, and individual quality. But if the match drags on without an early goal, Paraguay can impose a nerve-wracking scenario where every duel and every set piece will be of immense importance.
The match starts at 23:00 Moscow time. For France, this is a test of their favorite status; for Paraguay, it is a chance to create another major upset in the tournament.
3 Main Discoveries of the Day
| Team | Why This Matters |
|---|---|
| Egypt | Withstood the penalty shootout and gained a powerful psychological boost before the match against Argentina. |
| Cape Verde | Exited the tournament but made Argentina play at their limit until the final minutes. |
| Colombia | Showed mature playoff football and advanced without unnecessary risk. |
BET RATING Favorites Index After the Round of 16
| Team | Status | Dynamics |
|---|---|---|
| France | Main favorite before the start of the Round of 16 | Up |
| Spain | One of the most convincing teams in the playoffs | Up |
| Argentina | Advanced, but the match against Cape Verde left questions | Neutral |
| Brazil | Remains among the main contenders | Stable |
| Colombia | Pragmatic team capable of going far | Up |
| Egypt | Dark horse after winning on penalties | Up |
What to Consider in Betting on the Round of 16
After the completion of the Round of 16, it is important not to overestimate only the loud names. Argentina advanced past Cape Verde, but did so with difficulty. Egypt received an emotional boost after the penalty shootout. Paraguay has already knocked out Germany and will now try to stop France.
On Olimpbet.kz, you can follow the markets for outcomes, advancing further, totals, handicaps, both teams to score, and long-term bets on the winner of the 2026 World Cup. In the Round of 16, it is especially important to consider not only the class of the team but also their physical condition after the previous round.
BET RATING Prediction
Canada — Morocco looks like a more even matchup than it may seem at first glance. Canada is playing at home and receives huge support, but Morocco has experience in knockout matches and knows how to disrupt the opponent's game.
In the Paraguay — France matchup, the favorite is clear, but Paraguay has already proven that it can take down European giants. It is crucial for France to score first and not allow the opponent to drag the match into a prolonged nerve-wracking scenario.
FAQ: 2026 World Cup, Completion of the Round of 16, and Start of the Round of 16
What were the last matches of the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup?
Australia played Egypt to a 1:1 draw and lost 2:4 on penalties, Argentina defeated Cape Verde 3:2, and Colombia beat Ghana 1:0.
Who will play today in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup?
Today's matches are Canada — Morocco at 19:00 Moscow time and Paraguay — France at 23:00 Moscow time.
Who will Argentina play in the Round of 16?
Argentina will play against Egypt after the Egyptians advanced past Australia on penalties.
What is the most interesting matchup in the Round of 16?
One of the most high-profile matchups is Portugal — Spain. There is also great interest in the matches Mexico — England, USA — Belgium, and Argentina — Egypt.
Conclusion
The Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup concluded dramatically. Egypt advanced past Australia on penalties, Argentina narrowly held on to victory against Cape Verde, and Colombia pragmatically stopped Ghana. The tournament now moves to the Round of 16, where the cost of each mistake will be even higher.
Today, Canada will play against Morocco, and Paraguay will test France. Stay tuned for fresh news, analysis, and predictions on BET RATING, and check the current odds for the 2026 World Cup playoffs on Olimpbet.kz.
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