Ivory Coast vs Norway
Erling Haaland - Anytime Goalscorer (-133)
Norway made wholesale changes for their final group game with their place in the knock-out stages already assured. Although they were easily defeated by France, it would be foolish to read too much into that result. Most of their key starters are expected to be reinstated here, with Alexander Sorloth, Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard and Sander Berge amongst those returning to the XI.
They should benefit from the rest, and they will be dangerous opponents for Ivory Coast with a well-rested Erland Haaland likely to pounce at some point. They created plenty of chances in their first two matches, yet they were unable to keep a clean sheet.
Ivory Coast scored the first goal in each of their three group games, something that no other African nation has achieved. They kept two clean sheets during the group stage, although Curacao offered little and Ecuador were extremely wasteful throughout the 90 minutes. They were easily carved open by Deniz Undav, and with an extra bit of quality on the field, Norway should be able to cut through.
🗸 Long Shot: Ivory Coast 1-2 Norway - Correct Score (+750)
🗸 Extra Tip: Over 2.5 Goals (-105)
France vs Sweden
Over 2.5 France Team Goals (-105)
France cruised through the group stage, scoring ten goals in the process. Les Bleus have an outstanding array of talent in their squad, and they were able to make a few alterations against Norway. Ousmane Dembele was terrific in that contest and will be keen to carry on where he left off, whilst Adrien Rabiot has been effective in midfield. Michael Olise has been busy, Bradley Barcola has been effective from the bench, and Kylian Mbappe has shone, particularly against Senegal.
Sweden were drawn in a difficult section, but managed to qualify for the knock-out stages having taken four points from a possible nine. Graham Potter's men have looked sharp in the final third, with Anthony Elanga, Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak all contributing. Unfortunately, they don't look quite as effective defensively, and their 3-4-3 setup has allowed the opposition to create plenty of opportunities.
They will trouble the French defence, but they are also liable to concede a few.
🗸 Long Shot: Over 4.5 France Team Goals (+550)
🗸 Extra Tip: France -1.75 Handicap (-105)
Mexico vs Ecuador
Mexico Win (+114)
Mexico have barely put a foot wrong so far and have been incredibly tough to beat on home soil. At the Azteca, they are highly effective and have a fantastic historical record at this iconic venue. Very few sides will relish a trip to face them in the knock-out rounds. Nevertheless, they tend to unravel in the Round of 16, so they could struggle once they meet better sides in the forthcoming games.
They will be feeling confident ahead of this fixture and will fancy their chances, having kept clean sheets in all three of their group games. Admittedly, Group A was far from the strongest section, and this will be a touch tougher for El Tri.
Ecuador were excellent against Germany, deservedly booking their place in the knock-out stages. They were full of energy, and they have managed to create plenty of opportunities throughout the tournament. They do tend to lack a killer touch, and there is a worry that they used up most of their energy just to make it through to this stage.
🗸 Long Shot: Mexico 2-0 Ecuador - Correct Score (+750)
🗸 Extra Tip: First Goal - Mexico (-130)
World Cup 2026 Tips
World Cup 2026: Best Odds, Top Picks & Parlay | July 19th (Day 34)
Check out our betting tips for the World Cup Final 2026
World Cup 2026: Best Odds, Top Picks & Parlay | July 18th (Day 33)
See today's best betting tips for the 2026 World Cup
World Cup 2026: Best Odds, Top Picks & Parlay | July 15th (Day 32)
Check out today's best World Cup betting tips from our experts
World Cup 2026: Best Odds, Top Picks & Parlay | July 14th (Day 31)
See today's betting tips for Day 31
