So we’ve reached the sharper end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and what a sensational Round of 32 it was. But there’s so much further to go, winning more knockout games to win the trophy or head home in semi-disgrace. We’re up to the Round of 16 which previously was the first knockout round, but who’d argue with more football. Never FIFA. Our 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 Match Centre has all the games in one convenient place, for you to read and us to compile. It has some stats, visual stats, our own in-house ratings, using an alternative AI model to predict winners, and splashed of AI Greg Norman trying to steal the show.
It’s all here, and all in the same place, all 8 games. Enjoy our 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 Match Centre.
Note: we are using AI to invent a prediction system using mostly football, but some nonsense footballing stats and figures. To save us typing it 16 times, here are the categories we got AI to assess who could be the winner of all of our games.
STATS SO FAR……
Before diving into previews, here’s the best of the stats from the Group Stage and Round of 16. Note: stats are per game and updated as team complete Round of 32 games.
AI MATCH PREDICTION
Since AI is all the rage, and a management buzzword of the highest order, we have decided to dip a few toes into AI pond. We asked AI to come up with a winner and score based on the following:
2026 FIFA World Cup form so far, last four years on international matches, overall FIFA World Cup history, overall FIFA World Cup knockout stage history, value of the playing squad, relative strength of each team’s mascot, military success of country over the past 100 years, overall non-football sporting success of country over the past 100 years, popularity and sales of each teams playing shirt, strength of fan noise, beer consumption.
2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 Match Previews
Times are AEST, because that’s where we are. Refer to better websites in your country for more.
Sun 5 Jul 3AM – Canada vs Morocco
STATS SUMMARY
RATINGS
The Gurgler’s in-house Ratings system chooses the winner. Using H2H history, World Cup performance history, World Cup qualifying, the last four years of international games, performance against the confederation, and current effort at this World Cup.
| Canada | 30.7% | Morocco | 69.3% |
RATINGS: The Ratings say that Morocco are interestingly much better than Canada.
BARELY INTERESTING STATS
- Morocco are undefeated against Canada, winning the only World Cup game in 2022 by 2-1. It was the only game for Canada v African side at a World Cup.
- Morocco are 2/2 v CONCACAF nations at the World Cup, one being the win above, the other v Haiti at this World Cup.
- Canada have had the third fewest shots against them this World Cup.
- Morocco and Canada are first and second for fouls against them.
GURGLER’S MATCH PREDICTION
Before we hit AI up for their thought, or create some pathetic stunt using an animal to select a winner (not below that just don’t have an appropriate animal), here’s an old-fashioned tip from a human
Canada 0 Morocco 1
AI GREG’S MATCH PIC-REDICTION
We harnessed or wasted (delete appropriate) the power of AI to ask them to picture how an AI Greg Norman would visualise the result of this Round of 16 clash.
AI MATCH PREDICTION
As per our summary at the top we asked AI for a prediction using mostly football related comparisons, but some additional but no less important factors. And here’s the results below…..
AI MATCH RESULT AND WHY
Canada 0 Morocco 2
| Factor | Winner |
|---|---|
| Current World Cup form | Morocco |
| Last 4 years | Morocco |
| World Cup history | Morocco |
| Knockout history | Morocco |
| Squad value | Morocco |
| Mascot fight | Morocco |
| Military history | Canada |
| Other sports | Canada |
| Shirt sales | Draw |
| Fan noise | Morocco |
| Beer consumption | Canada |
Sun 5 Jul 7AM – Paraguay vs France
STATS SUMMARY
RATINGS
The Gurgler’s in-house Ratings system chooses the winner. Using H2H history, World Cup performance history, World Cup qualifying, the last four years of international games, performance against the confederation, and current effort at this World Cup.
| Paraguay | 33.5% | France | 66.5% |
RATINGS: Says France are twice as good as Paraguay.
BARELY INTERESTING STATS
- Paraguay have made the fewest shots per game of the teams qualified for Round 16 so far (10).
- France have the most Shots on Target per game and best Shots on Target % of the team remaining in the Round of 16.
- France are undefeated in five games v Paraguay, with two of the three wins coming in World Cups in 1958 and 1998.
- France are unbeaten in their last nine games v South American teams – W8 D1. The one draw was the eventual loss to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final.
- Paraguay have won three of 14 games v European nations since the 1986 World Cup and lost 50%.
GURGLER’S MATCH PREDICTION
Before we hit AI up for their thought, or create some pathetic stunt using an animal to select a winner (not below that just don’t have an appropriate animal), here’s an old-fashioned tip from a human
Paraguay 0 France 3
AI GREG’S MATCH PIC-REDICTION
We harnessed or wasted (delete appropriate) the power of AI to ask them to picture how an AI Greg Norman would visualise the result of this Round of 16 clash.
AI MATCH PREDICTION
As per our summary at the top we asked AI for a prediction using mostly football related comparisons, but some additional but no less important factors. And here’s the results below…..
AI MATCH RESULT AND WHY
Paraguay 0 France 3
| Factor | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2026 World Cup form | France |
| Last 4 years | France |
| World Cup history | France |
| Knockout history | France |
| Squad value | France |
| Mascot battle | Paraguay |
| Military success | France |
| Non-football sports | France |
| Shirt sales | France |
| Fan noise | France |
| Beer consumption | Draw |
Most likely scenario:
- France dominate possession.
- Paraguay defend deeply.
- Mbappé or another French forward breaks through before halftime.
- Paraguay remain competitive but struggle to create enough chances.
Mon 6 Jul 6AM – Brazil vs Norway
STATS SUMMARY
RATINGS
The Gurgler’s in-house Ratings system chooses the winner. Using H2H history, World Cup performance history, World Cup qualifying, the last four years of international games, performance against the confederation, and current effort at this World Cup.
| Brazil | 52.7% | Norway | 47.3% |
RATINGS: Brazil, just. It almost falls into the 5% tolerance for a draw.
BARELY INTERESTING STATS
- Norway have conceded the most shots against per game this World Cup (20) of all the teams left in Round of 16.
- Brazil have never beaten Norway in four attempts.
- Norway have won the only World Cup game between the sides in 1998.
- Brail haven’t lost to European nation in their last four games at the World Cup – W3 D1.
- Brazil have won only one of their last five games W1 D1 L3 that were the fifth game of the World Cup for Brazil.
GURGLER’S MATCH PREDICTION
Before we hit AI up for their thought, or create some pathetic stunt using an animal to select a winner (not below that just don’t have an appropriate animal), here’s an old-fashioned tip from a human
Brazil 1 Norway 2
AI GREG’S MATCH PIC-REDICTION
We harnessed or wasted (delete appropriate) the power of AI to ask them to picture how an AI Greg Norman would visualise the result of this Round of 16 clash.
AI MATCH PREDICTION
As per our summary at the top we asked AI for a prediction using mostly football related comparisons, but some additional but no less important factors. And here’s the results below…..
AI MATCH RESULT AND WHY
Brazil 2 Norway 1
| Factor | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2026 World Cup form | Brazil |
| Last 4 years | Brazil |
| World Cup history | Brazil |
| Knockout history | Brazil |
| Squad value | Brazil |
| Mascot battle | Draw |
| Military success | Draw |
| Other sporting success | Norway |
| Shirt sales | Brazil |
| Fan noise | Brazil |
| Beer consumption | Brazil |
Final predicted score
Brazil 2–1 Norway
Most likely script:
- Haaland scores.
- Brazil have more possession and more chances.
- Brazil’s superior depth eventually tells.
- Late winner from one of VinĂcius JĂşnior, Rodrygo or Martinelli.
Mon 6 Jul 10AM – Mexico vs England
STATS SUMMARY
RATINGS
The Gurgler’s in-house Ratings system chooses the winner. Using H2H history, World Cup performance history, World Cup qualifying, the last four years of international games, performance against the confederation, and current effort at this World Cup.
| Mexico | 41.0% | England | 59.0% |
RATINGS: England should ease past Mexico.
BARELY INTERESTING STATS
- Mexico have yet to concede a goal at this 2026 World Cup.
- Mexico have the fourth lowest shots on target against this World Cup with two per game. All the bottom five come from countries that speak Spanish.
- England have received the most fouls per game so far this World Cup.
- England have won four in a row v Mexico and won the only World Cup clash in 1966. So if they win…..
- England are undefeated in their last seven games v CONCACAF nations at the World Cup – W4 D3. The only other game was a loss to the USA in 1950.
- Mexico have won 50% of their 10 games at World Cup v European nations since 2002, with three losses and two draws.
MATCH PREDICTION
Before we hit AI up for their thought, or create some pathetic stunt using an animal to select a winner (not below that just don’t have an appropriate animal), here’s an old-fashioned tip from a human
GURGLER’s OWN PREDICTION
Mexico 2 England 1
AI GREG’S MATCH PIC-REDICTION
We harnessed or wasted (delete appropriate) the power of AI to ask them to picture how an AI Greg Norman would visualise the result of this Round of 16 clash.
AI MATCH PREDICTION
Since AI is all the rage, and a management buzzword of the highest order, we have decided to dip a few toes into AI pond.
We asked AI to come up with a winner and score based on the following:
AI MATCH RESULT AND WHY
Mexico 1 England 2
| Category | Edge |
|---|---|
| 2026 World Cup form so far | Mexico – won Group A and then beat Ecuador 2–0, with four tournament wins and no goals conceded. |
| Last four years of international matches | England – higher FIFA ranking and stronger results over the cycle. |
| Overall FIFA World Cup history | England – World Cup winners in 1966. |
| Overall World Cup knockout-stage history | England |
| Value of playing squad | England |
| Relative strength of mascot | England – Three Lions beat an Eagle-and-Snake emblem in a mascot fight. |
| Military success over past 100 years | England/UK |
| Overall non-football sporting success over past 100 years | England/UK |
| Coach tenure (longer better) | Slight England |
| Popularity and sales of playing shirt | England |
| Strength of fan noise | Mexico – playing in Mexico City with enormous home support. |
| Beer consumption | England |
Expected match flow
- Mexico score first through home-driven momentum.
- England gradually take control of possession.
- England equalize before halftime.
- England score a decisive second-half winner.
Tue 7 Jul 7AM – Portugal vs Spain
STATS SUMMARY
RATINGS
The Gurgler’s in-house Ratings system chooses the winner. Using H2H history, World Cup performance history, World Cup qualifying, the last four years of international games, performance against the confederation, and current effort at this World Cup.
| Spain | 54.2% | Portugal | 45.8% |
RATINGS: Spain to sneak a win by a goal.
BARELY INTERESTING STATS
- Spain are unbeaten in two World Cup games v Portugal – W1 D1.
- 6 of the last 7 games between these sides have ended in a draw.
- 11 of the last 16 games between these sides have ended in a draw.
- Before their recent win over Austria. the previous three games Spain have played v European nations have also ended in a draw, before their recent win over Austria.
MATCH PREDICTION
Before we hit AI up for their thought, or create some pathetic stunt using an animal to select a winner (not below that just don’t have an appropriate animal), here’s an old-fashioned tip from a human
PREDICTION
Portugal 1 Spain 1 – (Spain win on Penalties)
AI GREG’S MATCH PIC-REDICTION
We harnessed or wasted (delete appropriate) the power of AI to ask them to picture how an AI Greg Norman would visualise the result of this Round of 32 clash.
AI MATCH PREDICTION
Since AI is all the rage, and a management buzzword of the highest order, we have decided to dip a few toes into AI pond.
We asked AI to come up with a winner and score based on the following:
AI MATCH RESULT AND WHY
Portugal 1 Spain 2
| Factor | Edge |
|---|---|
| 2026 World Cup form so far | Spain (won Group H, 5-0 goal difference, then beat Austria 3-0) |
| Last four years of international results | Spain slight edge (generally higher FIFA ranking and stronger tournament performances) |
| Overall World Cup history | Spain slight edge (1 title, frequent deep runs) |
| World Cup knockout history | Fairly even |
| Playing-squad value | Spain slight edge due to younger elite talent |
| Mascot strength | Draw (both would probably be represented by powerful Iberian animals) |
| Military success last 100 years | Portugal slight edge (lower instability, NATO participation), but essentially irrelevant |
| Non-football sporting success | Spain slight edge (Olympics, cycling, tennis, basketball) |
| Shirt popularity/sales | Spain slight edge globally |
| Fan noise | Draw |
| Beer consumption | Portugal marginal edge |
Likely scorers style
- Spain to dominate possession and chances.
- Portugal dangerous on counters and set pieces.
- Tight match until late in the second half.
Tue 7 Jul 10AM – United States vs Belgium
STATS SUMMARY
RATINGS
The Gurgler’s in-house Ratings system chooses the winner. Using H2H history, World Cup performance history, World Cup qualifying, the last four years of international games, performance against the confederation, and current effort at this World Cup.
| United States | 43.5% | Belgium | 56.5% |
RATINGS: Belgium but not with much certainty.
BARELY INTERESTING STATS
- Belgium have had the most Shots per game of all the teams in the Round of 16 with 31. England are second with 25.
- Belgium have the second lowest Shots on Target % of all the teams that have qualified for the Round of 16 with 27%, well behind stat leader France at 47%.
- Belgium have an outstanding record v United States. Not only did they win in March 2026 by 5-2, their record over the eight games in W7 L1, with the only loss from the first World Cup in 1930. Belgium won the other World Cup clash in 2014.
- United States have a very bad record v European nations at the World Cup. They did beat Bosnia to get here, so a win is a win, but before that it was winless in 13 games with seven losses and 6 draws.
MATCH PREDICTION
Before we hit AI up for their thought, or create some pathetic stunt using an animal to select a winner (not below that just don’t have an appropriate animal), here’s an old-fashioned tip from a human
GURGLER’s OWN PREDICTION
United States 2 Belgium 1
AI GREG’S MATCH PIC-REDICTION
We harnessed or wasted (delete appropriate) the power of AI to ask them to picture how an AI Greg Norman would visualise the result of this Round of 16 clash.
AI MATCH PREDICTION
Since AI is all the rage, and a management buzzword of the highest order, we have decided to dip a few toes into AI pond.
We asked AI to come up with a winner and score based on the following:
AI MATCH RESULT AND WHY
United States 1 Belgium 2
| Category | Edge |
|---|---|
| 2026 World Cup form so far | Belgium (unbeaten, 2W-2D) |
| Last four years of international matches | Belgium |
| Overall World Cup history | Belgium |
| World Cup knockout history | Belgium |
| Value of playing squad | Belgium |
| Relative strength of mascot | USA (an eagle beats a red devil) |
| Military success over last 100 years | USA |
| Non-football sporting success over last 100 years | USA |
| Coach tenure (longer better) | Slight USA |
| Shirt popularity and sales | USA |
| Fan noise | USA (home tournament advantage) |
| Beer consumption | Belgium |
AI Prediction
United States 1–2 Belgium
Likely scenario:
- USA start strongly with crowd support.
- Belgium’s superior depth and experience tell in the second half.
- Match is level at halftime before Belgium score a late winner.
Wed 8 Jul 2AM – Argentina vs Egypt
STATS SUMMARY
RATINGS
The Gurgler’s in-house Ratings system chooses the winner. Using H2H history, World Cup performance history, World Cup qualifying, the last four years of international games, performance against the confederation, and current effort at this World Cup.
| Argentina | 65.9% | Egypt | 34.1% |
Ratings hand a comfortable win to Argentina.
BARELY INTERESTING STATS
- Argentina have won eight games out of their last nine at the World Cup, the only non win was the draw to Cape Verde. Five of those seven wins were against Nigeria.
- Egypt have lost their only game at a World Cup to South American teams.
MATCH PREDICTION
Before we hit AI up for their thought, or create some pathetic stunt using an animal to select a winner (not below that just don’t have an appropriate animal), here’s an old-fashioned tip from a human
PREDICTION
Argentina 3 Egypt 0
AI GREG’S MATCH PIC-REDICTION
We harnessed or wasted (delete appropriate) the power of AI to ask them to picture how an AI Greg Norman would visualise the result of this Round of 32 clash.
AI MATCH PREDICTION
Since AI is all the rage, and a management buzzword of the highest order, we have decided to dip a few toes into AI pond.
We asked AI to come up with a winner and score based on the following:
AI MATCH RESULT AND WHY
Argentina 2-0 Egypt
Argentina’s superior recent form, vastly stronger World Cup pedigree, greater squad depth, and long record in knockout football outweigh Egypt’s impressive 2026 run and underdog momentum.
| Category | Argentina 🇦🇷 | Egypt 🇪🇬 | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 World Cup Record | 4 wins, 0 losses (Algeria, Austria, Jordan, Cape Verde) [espn.com], [sports.yahoo.com] | 1 win, 2 draws, 1 knockout win on penalties (Australia) [kickd.net], [sports.yahoo.com] | Argentina |
| Goals Scored (2026 WC) | 11 [espn.com], [sports.yahoo.com] | 6+ (including knockout round) [kickd.net], [sports.yahoo.com] | Argentina |
| Goals Conceded (2026 WC) | 3 [espn.com], [sports.yahoo.com] | 4+ [kickd.net], [sports.yahoo.com] | Argentina |
| FIFA World Cup Titles | 3 (1978, 1986, 2022) | 0 | Argentina |
| World Cup Final Appearances | 6 | 0 | Argentina |
| World Cup Knockout Experience | Extensive | Very limited | Argentina |
| Recent International Form (last 4 years) | Elite global contender | Strong African contender | Argentina |
| Squad Market Value | Very high | Moderate | Argentina |
| Star Power | Messi-led world champions core | Salah-led squad | Argentina |
| Squad Depth | Strong in all positions | Relies more on key players | Argentina |
| Non-Football Sporting Success (100 yrs) | Strong Olympic, rugby, hockey, basketball record | Strong Olympic history | Argentina |
| Global Fanbase | Massive worldwide following | Large regional following | Argentina |
| Merchandise/Jersey Sales | Among world’s best-selling national teams | Significantly lower | Argentina |
| Mascot / Symbol Strength (fun factor) | Gaucho/Puma imagery | Pharaoh symbolism | Egypt |
| Military Success (100 yrs) | Mixed | Mixed, stronger historical regional role | Egypt |
| Historical Prestige Score | Extremely high | Moderate | Argentina |
Wed 8 Jul 6AM – Switzerland vs Colombia
STATS SUMMARY
RATINGS
The Gurgler’s in-house Ratings system chooses the winner. Using H2H history, World Cup performance history, World Cup qualifying, the last four years of international games, performance against the confederation, and current effort at this World Cup.
| Colombia | 54.2% | Switzerland | 45.8% |
RATINGS: Colombia by one goal.
BARELY INTERESTING STATS
- Colombia have drawn their last two games at a World Cup v European nations. And won the two games in a row before that. Prior to that they won just one of eight matches v European teams.
- The Swiss have won just one of nine World Cup games v South American nations, with the results (oldest first) DLLLLWLDL.
- Colombia have won the only World Cup between these sides.
MATCH PREDICTION
Before we hit AI up for their thought, or create some pathetic stunt using an animal to select a winner (not below that just don’t have an appropriate animal), here’s an old-fashioned tip from a human
PREDICTION
Switzerland 0 Colombia 1
AI GREG’S MATCH PIC-REDICTION
We harnessed or wasted (delete appropriate) the power of AI to ask them to picture how an AI Greg Norman would visualise the result of this Round of 32 clash.
AI MATCH PREDICTION
Since AI is all the rage, and a management buzzword of the highest order, we have decided to dip a few toes into AI pond.
We asked AI to come up with a winner and score based on the following:
AI MATCH RESULT AND WHY
Colombia 2–1 Switzerland
Why?
- Colombia’s attacking numbers against Ghana were extremely impressive, creating far more chances than the scoreline suggested.
- Switzerland have been efficient and unbeaten but have not faced an attack of Colombia’s quality yet.
- Colombia’s recent knockout performances and slightly higher-end attacking talent give them the edge in a match that is otherwise very balanced.
| Category | Colombia 🇨🇴 | Switzerland 🇨🇠| Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 World Cup Form | Won Group F; defeated Ghana 1-0 in Round of 32; strong underlying stats vs Ghana (20 shots, 8 on target) | Won Group B; beat Algeria 2-0 in Round of 32; unbeaten so far | Slight Colombia |
| Last 4 Years International Form | Consistently among South America’s strongest teams | Consistently strong European side | Even |
| World Cup History | Best finish: Quarterfinals (2014) | Best finish: Quarterfinals (1954) | Even |
| World Cup Knockout History | More recent knockout success | Regular qualifier but limited deep runs | Slight Colombia |
| Squad Market Value | Higher overall market value and attacking talent | Solid but less star power | Colombia |
| Key Players | Luis DĂaz, James RodrĂguez, Jhon Arias | Breel Embolo, Dan Ndoye | Colombia |
| Defensive Organization | Strong | Strong | Even |
| Non-Football Sporting Success (100 yrs) | Strong cycling, athletics, weightlifting | Strong Olympic and winter sports tradition | Switzerland |
| Popularity & Shirt Sales | Large Latin American/global following | Smaller global fanbase | Colombia |
| Military Success (100 yrs) | Limited relevance | Switzerland’s neutrality limits comparison | Even |
| Mascot Strength (fun factor) | Andean Condor | Swiss Saint Bernard / Alpine imagery | Colombia (slig |
