World Cup
2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 Preview: Bracket 2
by Chike Nwoye
30 Jun 2026
Bracket 2 of the knockout stage is stacked with South American heavyweights Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Ecuador, all of whom have largely lived up to their respective pre-tournament expectations. Each is fancied to make a deep run, while England will also be confident of going far again after impressive World Cup campaigns in 2018 and 2022. With that in mind, here are our World Cup predictions for the Round of 32 for Bracket 2.
Our Picks
World Cup Fixture Betting Tip Cote d’Ivoire vs. Norway Both Teams to Score Mexico vs. Ecuador Mexico To Qualify England vs. DR Congo Goal in the Opening 30 Mins - NO Switzerland vs. Algeria Both Teams to Score Colombia vs. Ghana Correct Score: Colombia 1-0 Ghana Australia vs. Egypt 1UP Egypt Argentina vs. Cabo Verde Lionel Messi Anytime Scorer
- Total Odds: 138.02
- Booking Code: A62W8A
- Acca Bonus: 15%
Bracket 2 of the knockout stage is stacked with South American heavyweights Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Ecuador, all of whom have largely lived up to their respective pre-tournament expectations. Each is fancied to make a deep run, while England will also be confident of going far again after impressive World Cup campaigns in 2018 and 2022. With that in mind, here are our World Cup predictions for the Round of 32 for Bracket 2.
Our Picks
| World Cup Fixture | Betting Tip |
| Cote d’Ivoire vs. Norway | Both Teams to Score |
| Mexico vs. Ecuador | Mexico To Qualify |
| England vs. DR Congo | Goal in the Opening 30 Mins - NO |
| Switzerland vs. Algeria | Both Teams to Score |
| Colombia vs. Ghana | Correct Score: Colombia 1-0 Ghana |
| Australia vs. Egypt | 1UP Egypt |
| Argentina vs. Cabo Verde | Lionel Messi Anytime Scorer |
- Total Odds: 138.02
- Booking Code: A62W8A
- Acca Bonus: 15%
Cote d’Ivoire vs. Norway - Betting Tips
Ivory Coast and Norway meet in what looks like one of the hardest World Cup last-32 ties to call. The Ivorians reached the knockout stages for the first time after winning two of their three group games, beating Ecuador and Curaçao while pushing Germany close in a narrow defeat. Emerse Fae's side has been solid at the back, keeping three clean sheets in their last five matches, and at the other end, Nicolas Pepé is rediscovering his scoring touch while youngster Yan Diomande continues to impress.
Norway, back at the World Cup for the first time since 1998, have been one of the tournament's entertainers. Their three group matches produced 15 goals, with Erling Haaland scoring four in wins over Iraq and Senegal before being rested in a 4-1 loss to France. Haaland now boasts an incredible 59 goals in 52 international appearances and remains Norway's biggest threat as well as a no-brainer as an Anytime Scorer.
Defensively, however, the Vikings have been vulnerable, keeping just one clean sheet in their last 10 games which makes both teams to score an attractive market for our online betting community. This is the first-ever meeting between the sides, and with attacking quality on both ends, expect chances.
Betting Tips:
Mexico vs. Ecuador - Betting Tips
Mexico head into their World Cup last-32 clash with Ecuador full of confidence after a flawless group stage. Javier Aguirre's side won all three matches, scored six goals and, alongside Spain, remain the only team yet to concede. Victories over South Africa, South Korea and Czechia saw El Tri top Group A, while their impressive home record and the atmosphere at Estadio Azteca makes them even scarier.
Ecuador's route to the knockouts was far less straightforward. After losing to Ivory Coast and drawing a frustrating blank against Curaçao despite 27 shots, Sebastian Beccacece's men kept their tournament alive with a stunning 2-1 comeback win over Germany. Gonzalo Plata was the hero as his winner secured just Ecuador's second-ever appearance in the World Cup knockout rounds. A similar moment of magic may be needed at the Azteca.
This game is expected to come down to defense. I already mentioned Mexico’s outstanding defensive numbers, but Ecuador is a team whose defense is its identity. They famously conceded just 5 goals in 18 games during the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, a historic feat that saw them finish second on the log only behind Argentina. Perhaps the home advantage for Mexico could turn out to be the difference, but we should be in for a low scoring affair.
Betting Tips:
England vs. DR Congo - Betting Tips
England head into the World Cup last 32 as Group L winners, but their clash with DR Congo could be far trickier than many expect. The Three Lions beat Croatia and Panama but the draw with Ghana highlighted their struggles against deep defensive blocks and raised questions ahead of a clash where they are expected to face a similar gameplan.
DR Congo, appearing in their first World Cup knockout match after qualifying as the best third-placed team, have quietly impressed under Sebastien Desabre. They drew with Portugal, narrowly lost to Colombia and comfortably beat Uzbekistan, relying on a disciplined defensive setup that has produced 29 clean sheets in 57 matches under the French coach. They've also never lost by more than one goal with a near full-strength squad during his tenure.
The Leopards are built to frustrate stronger opponents before striking on the counter through Yoane Wissa and Cedric Bakambu. Wissa has already scored three of Congo's four tournament goals, while captain Chancel Mbemba marshals a well-organised defence.
England should still have enough quality to progress, but this may not be the comfortable outing many expect. Congo's defensive resilience and England's occasional struggles to break down compact sides make a low-scoring contest the likely outcome, with a one-goal margin or an England win without many goals on the cards.
Betting Tips:
Switzerland vs. Algeria - Betting Tips
An unbeaten Swiss team topped Group B winners after taking seven points, while Algeria squeezed through as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams despite navigating a difficult group that included Argentina.
Murat Yakin's side have looked like a typical knockout team so far - well organised, defensively disciplined and difficult to break down. Granit Xhaka controls the midfield, Manuel Akanji leads the backline, while Dan Ndoye and Breel Embolo provide the attacking threat. The only slight concern is the absence of a prolific goalscorer, with Switzerland relying on contributions from across the team.
Algeria, meanwhile, possess plenty of attacking quality through Riyad Mahrez, Amine Gouiri and Houssem Aouar, but their defence has been a major concern. They conceded seven goals during the group stage, including three each against Austria and Argentina, while uncertainty between the posts forced a goalkeeper change while giving us one of the memes of the tournament by Zinedine Zidane.
That contrast makes for an intriguing betting angle. Switzerland's structure and experience should give them the edge, but Algeria have scored in each of their last two games and carry enough attacking talent to trouble any defence. With Switzerland scoring seven goals themselves and showing occasional late defensive lapses, both teams to score looks like the best option alongside a Swiss win.
Betting Tips:
Colombia vs. Ghana - Betting Tips
Colombia and Ghana meet in Kansas City having taken different paths to the Round of 32. Colombia topped Group K with seven points, scoring four goals and conceding just once, while Ghana squeezed through as one of the best third-placed teams after a mixed group-stage campaign.
The numbers heavily favour the South Americans. Colombia generated 6.05 expected goals from 59 shots, controlled nearly 60% possession and looked composed both on and off the ball throughout the tournament. Ghana, by comparison, produced just 2.86 xG, managed only four shots on target across three games and have scored just twice. Those are important numbers and Colombia's patient approach & solid defence should allow them to dictate the game, even if clear-cut opportunities may be limited.
Luis Díaz remains the biggest attacking threat for the South Americans, while the experience of James Rodríguez continues to drive their midfield. With Colombia conceding only one goal all tournament and Ghana lacking a clinical edge, Colombia to win + a clean sheet are our picks. Also, our bet of the day is a correct score prediction with a chance to get 5x your betting stake; 1-0 to Colombia.
Betting Tips:
Australia vs. Egypt - Betting Tips
Australia and Egypt meet in the World Cup last 32 with contrasting styles and expectations. The Socceroos scraped through Group D with four points after beating Türkiye, drawing with Paraguay and losing to the USA, while Egypt finished second in Group G unbeaten with five points.
Australia's success has been built on defensive discipline with Tony Popovic's side conceding just twice all tournament. They’re comfortable sitting deep in a compact shape, making this another fixture that could produce few clear-cut chances. However, they've managed only two goals in three games, suggesting breaking down Egypt's organised defence will be a tough task.
Egypt carry far more attacking quality, led by Mohamed Salah, who has already contributed a goal and two assists while registering three shots on target during the group stage. The Pharaohs scored in all three group matches, with Mahmoud Saber also making an impact, and have looked more dangerous going forward despite converting only five goals.
With Australia likely to stay compact and Egypt happy to control possession, this has all the ingredients of a low-scoring game. A 1-0 victory for the Pharaohs and Under 2.5 Goals are the likely outcomes here.
Betting Tips:
Argentina vs. Cabo Verde - Betting Tips
Yes, Lionel Messi is VERY likely to score. Yes, we have the best odds for it. But let’s get into the preview properly.
Argentina head into their World Cup last-32 clash with Cabo Verde as one of the tournament favourites after a flawless group-stage campaign. Lionel Scaloni's side won all three matches, scored eight goals and conceded just once, comfortably seeing off Algeria, Austria and Jordan to top Group J. The defending champions looked dominant in every department, controlling possession, creating chances and finishing clinically. Lionel Messi scored 6 times, while Lautaro Martínez and Giovani Lo Celso have also chipped in, giving Argentina multiple attacking threats.
Cabo Verde, meanwhile, have taken a very different route to the knockout rounds. They advanced without winning a match, drawing all three group games against Uruguay, Spain and Saudi Arabia. Their defensive organization deserves plenty of credit, but scoring remains a concern after finding the net just twice, while they managed only two shots on target in their latest goalless draw with Saudi Arabia. Although they are unbeaten in nine matches, four of their last eight have ended in draws, highlighting a team built to stay competitive rather than dominate. Against an Argentina side averaging over 60% possession and riding three straight wins by at least two goals, that approach may not be enough.
Betting Tips:
Get in on all the World Cup action with BetKing, and tap into our daily odds boosts from the rest of the group stage into the knockout rounds. Sign up on the best betting app today, and book a bet with the code above to profit from these great tips. Remember to bet responsibly and join our Telegram community for daily updates and free bets.
Cote d’Ivoire vs. Norway - Betting Tips
Ivory Coast and Norway meet in what looks like one of the hardest World Cup last-32 ties to call. The Ivorians reached the knockout stages for the first time after winning two of their three group games, beating Ecuador and Curaçao while pushing Germany close in a narrow defeat. Emerse Fae's side has been solid at the back, keeping three clean sheets in their last five matches, and at the other end, Nicolas Pepé is rediscovering his scoring touch while youngster Yan Diomande continues to impress.
Norway, back at the World Cup for the first time since 1998, have been one of the tournament's entertainers. Their three group matches produced 15 goals, with Erling Haaland scoring four in wins over Iraq and Senegal before being rested in a 4-1 loss to France. Haaland now boasts an incredible 59 goals in 52 international appearances and remains Norway's biggest threat as well as a no-brainer as an Anytime Scorer.
Defensively, however, the Vikings have been vulnerable, keeping just one clean sheet in their last 10 games which makes both teams to score an attractive market for our online betting community. This is the first-ever meeting between the sides, and with attacking quality on both ends, expect chances.
Betting Tips:
Mexico vs. Ecuador - Betting Tips
Mexico head into their World Cup last-32 clash with Ecuador full of confidence after a flawless group stage. Javier Aguirre's side won all three matches, scored six goals and, alongside Spain, remain the only team yet to concede. Victories over South Africa, South Korea and Czechia saw El Tri top Group A, while their impressive home record and the atmosphere at Estadio Azteca makes them even scarier.
Ecuador's route to the knockouts was far less straightforward. After losing to Ivory Coast and drawing a frustrating blank against Curaçao despite 27 shots, Sebastian Beccacece's men kept their tournament alive with a stunning 2-1 comeback win over Germany. Gonzalo Plata was the hero as his winner secured just Ecuador's second-ever appearance in the World Cup knockout rounds. A similar moment of magic may be needed at the Azteca.
This game is expected to come down to defense. I already mentioned Mexico’s outstanding defensive numbers, but Ecuador is a team whose defense is its identity. They famously conceded just 5 goals in 18 games during the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, a historic feat that saw them finish second on the log only behind Argentina. Perhaps the home advantage for Mexico could turn out to be the difference, but we should be in for a low scoring affair.
Betting Tips:
England vs. DR Congo - Betting Tips
England head into the World Cup last 32 as Group L winners, but their clash with DR Congo could be far trickier than many expect. The Three Lions beat Croatia and Panama but the draw with Ghana highlighted their struggles against deep defensive blocks and raised questions ahead of a clash where they are expected to face a similar gameplan.
DR Congo, appearing in their first World Cup knockout match after qualifying as the best third-placed team, have quietly impressed under Sebastien Desabre. They drew with Portugal, narrowly lost to Colombia and comfortably beat Uzbekistan, relying on a disciplined defensive setup that has produced 29 clean sheets in 57 matches under the French coach. They've also never lost by more than one goal with a near full-strength squad during his tenure.
The Leopards are built to frustrate stronger opponents before striking on the counter through Yoane Wissa and Cedric Bakambu. Wissa has already scored three of Congo's four tournament goals, while captain Chancel Mbemba marshals a well-organised defence.
England should still have enough quality to progress, but this may not be the comfortable outing many expect. Congo's defensive resilience and England's occasional struggles to break down compact sides make a low-scoring contest the likely outcome, with a one-goal margin or an England win without many goals on the cards.
Betting Tips:
Switzerland vs. Algeria - Betting Tips
An unbeaten Swiss team topped Group B winners after taking seven points, while Algeria squeezed through as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams despite navigating a difficult group that included Argentina.
Murat Yakin's side have looked like a typical knockout team so far - well organised, defensively disciplined and difficult to break down. Granit Xhaka controls the midfield, Manuel Akanji leads the backline, while Dan Ndoye and Breel Embolo provide the attacking threat. The only slight concern is the absence of a prolific goalscorer, with Switzerland relying on contributions from across the team.
Algeria, meanwhile, possess plenty of attacking quality through Riyad Mahrez, Amine Gouiri and Houssem Aouar, but their defence has been a major concern. They conceded seven goals during the group stage, including three each against Austria and Argentina, while uncertainty between the posts forced a goalkeeper change while giving us one of the memes of the tournament by Zinedine Zidane.
That contrast makes for an intriguing betting angle. Switzerland's structure and experience should give them the edge, but Algeria have scored in each of their last two games and carry enough attacking talent to trouble any defence. With Switzerland scoring seven goals themselves and showing occasional late defensive lapses, both teams to score looks like the best option alongside a Swiss win.
Betting Tips:
Colombia vs. Ghana - Betting Tips
Colombia and Ghana meet in Kansas City having taken different paths to the Round of 32. Colombia topped Group K with seven points, scoring four goals and conceding just once, while Ghana squeezed through as one of the best third-placed teams after a mixed group-stage campaign.
The numbers heavily favour the South Americans. Colombia generated 6.05 expected goals from 59 shots, controlled nearly 60% possession and looked composed both on and off the ball throughout the tournament. Ghana, by comparison, produced just 2.86 xG, managed only four shots on target across three games and have scored just twice. Those are important numbers and Colombia's patient approach & solid defence should allow them to dictate the game, even if clear-cut opportunities may be limited.
Luis Díaz remains the biggest attacking threat for the South Americans, while the experience of James Rodríguez continues to drive their midfield. With Colombia conceding only one goal all tournament and Ghana lacking a clinical edge, Colombia to win + a clean sheet are our picks. Also, our bet of the day is a correct score prediction with a chance to get 5x your betting stake; 1-0 to Colombia.
Betting Tips:
Australia vs. Egypt - Betting Tips
Australia and Egypt meet in the World Cup last 32 with contrasting styles and expectations. The Socceroos scraped through Group D with four points after beating Türkiye, drawing with Paraguay and losing to the USA, while Egypt finished second in Group G unbeaten with five points.
Australia's success has been built on defensive discipline with Tony Popovic's side conceding just twice all tournament. They’re comfortable sitting deep in a compact shape, making this another fixture that could produce few clear-cut chances. However, they've managed only two goals in three games, suggesting breaking down Egypt's organised defence will be a tough task.
Egypt carry far more attacking quality, led by Mohamed Salah, who has already contributed a goal and two assists while registering three shots on target during the group stage. The Pharaohs scored in all three group matches, with Mahmoud Saber also making an impact, and have looked more dangerous going forward despite converting only five goals.
With Australia likely to stay compact and Egypt happy to control possession, this has all the ingredients of a low-scoring game. A 1-0 victory for the Pharaohs and Under 2.5 Goals are the likely outcomes here.
Betting Tips:
Argentina vs. Cabo Verde - Betting Tips
Yes, Lionel Messi is VERY likely to score. Yes, we have the best odds for it. But let’s get into the preview properly.
Argentina head into their World Cup last-32 clash with Cabo Verde as one of the tournament favourites after a flawless group-stage campaign. Lionel Scaloni's side won all three matches, scored eight goals and conceded just once, comfortably seeing off Algeria, Austria and Jordan to top Group J. The defending champions looked dominant in every department, controlling possession, creating chances and finishing clinically. Lionel Messi scored 6 times, while Lautaro Martínez and Giovani Lo Celso have also chipped in, giving Argentina multiple attacking threats.
Cabo Verde, meanwhile, have taken a very different route to the knockout rounds. They advanced without winning a match, drawing all three group games against Uruguay, Spain and Saudi Arabia. Their defensive organization deserves plenty of credit, but scoring remains a concern after finding the net just twice, while they managed only two shots on target in their latest goalless draw with Saudi Arabia. Although they are unbeaten in nine matches, four of their last eight have ended in draws, highlighting a team built to stay competitive rather than dominate. Against an Argentina side averaging over 60% possession and riding three straight wins by at least two goals, that approach may not be enough.
Betting Tips:
Get in on all the World Cup action with BetKing, and tap into our daily odds boosts from the rest of the group stage into the knockout rounds. Sign up on the best betting app today, and book a bet with the code above to profit from these great tips. Remember to bet responsibly and join our Telegram community for daily updates and free bets.