World Cup 2026 Ramblings - Predicting Round Of 32
The final 32 teams were out today, some last minute drama to teams like Algeria, Austria, Iran and South Korea, but the dust has settled!
Just purely for entertainment, let's try to predict the outcome of the 16 matches!
South Africa vs Canada
This time, Canada is playing without the host advantage, and South Africa seems to be stronger, having overcome South Korea to snatch the 2nd place in the group place. South Africa to win.
Netherlands vs Morocco
Morocco is the dark horse here because they drew Brazil. Netherlands is one of the tournament favourites but their performance has been perfect either, having dropped points against Japan. Draw at full time, Netherlands to advance after extra time/penalties.
Germany vs Paraguay
This one is definitely a straightforward win for Germany. Paraguay qualified as 3rd placed team, and they didn't have a strong group either. Germany to win.
France vs Sweden
European teams playing against each other can sometimes be interesting but with France's quality, a French win should be of high probability. France to win.
Belgium vs Senegal
Belgium is a strong team but their tournament performance has often not lived up to expectations. That said, Senegal also qualified as a 3rd placed team so they are not that strong either. Will there be a potential upset on the cards? I would say no. Draw at full time, Belgium to advance after extra time/penalties.
USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Home advantage is key here and USA will make the advantage count. So far they have been doing well and topped their group as well. Bosnia and Herzegovina also qualified as a 3rd placed team so they are not a strong team too. USA to win.
Spain vs Austria
Another European team matchup. Spain has been okay so far, with a minor slip up against Cape Verde, but a win against Austria should be within expectations for me. Spain to win.
Portugal vs Croatia
Ahh.. Portugal's form has been quite erratic these days. Will Ronaldo rescue them this time or will they be outplayed? Croatia usually outperforms in tournament so let's try to predict an upset here. Croatia to win.
Brazil vs Japan
Usually Asian countries receive a lot of support here because they are "semi" representing our continent's hopes, and Japan has done very well in this tournament so far. But it's Brazil. I have to go with one of the tournament favourites. Brazil to win.
Ivory Coast vs Norway
I thought Norway has done well this tournament so far. Anyway, both teams qualified via 2nd place in their group. Will be close, but I think Norway has enough to edge this. Draw at full time, Norway to advance after extra time/penalties.
Mexico vs Ecuador
Home advantage definitely is the key factor here, and Ecuador also qualified through a 3rd placing. Mexico to win.
England vs Congo
I always hear a lot of news about England in previous tournaments but this time round, the news have always been about Portugal's Ronaldo and Argentina's Messi. Maybe it's good to be under the radar and quietly do the job. England to win.
Switzerland vs Algeria
Switzerland's performance has been steady so far and Algeria was one of the last few teams to qualify. Switzerland to win.
Colombia vs Ghana
This was a slight upset going by the seedings in the grouping. Portugal was seeded for this spot, but Colombia did well and took this spot. It's a valuable path because the entire path is much easier compared to other teams actually, with just Argentina on the way to semi finals. So they will make it count. Colombia to win.
Australia vs Egypt
Hmm I don't know the two teams that well. That said, Egypt came out from a tougher group compared to Australia and I think they are unbeaten too. So that's something to note. Egypt to win.
Argentina vs Cape Verde
Kudos to Cape Verde for making it to last 32, considering the bookies has priced almost at the bottom out of the 48 teams. With just a population of 500k, they should be very very proud for their performance. They drew Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. That said, they are up against the tournament's favourites, so it's really one-sided. Argentina to win.
So there you have it! Let's see how good or bad my predictions will turn out! What do you think?