The World Cup has shifted into high gear, transitioning from the intense group stage to the do-or-die knockout rounds. With the expanded field of 48 teams, the Round of 16 now serves as the second knockout stage match, heightening the stakes for participating countries.
As of June 27, FanDuel Sportsbook has released the odds for countries favored to win at least one knockout stage game and advance to the Round of 16. This information is crucial for fans and bettors alike, providing insight into the potential outcomes of the tournament.
To Reach Round of 16
Argentina: -1250 (bet $10 to win $10.80 total) France: -700 (bet $10 to win $11.43 total) USA: -600 (bet $10 to win $11.67 total) England: -550 (bet $10 to win $11.82 total) Spain: -550 (bet $10 to win $11.82 total) Germany: -500 (bet $10 to win $12 total) Portugal: -350 (bet $10 to win $12.86 total) Brazil: -310 (bet $10 to win $13.23 total) Canada: -300 (bet $10 to win $13.33 total) Switzerland: -230 (bet $10 to win $14.35 total) Norway: -210 (bet $10 to win $14.76 total) Belgium: -195 (bet $10 to win $15.13 total) Netherlands: -180 (bet $10 to win $15.56 total) Colombia: -170 (bet $10 to win $15.88 total) Mexico: -165 (bet $10 to win $16.06 total) Egypt: -165 (bet $10 to win $16.06 total) Australia: +110 (bet $10 to win $21 total) Ecuador: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total) Morocco: +120 (bet $10 to win $22 total) Ivory Coast: +140 (bet $10 to win $24 total)
Analyzing the oddsboard reveals key insights into the tournament's potential progression. France and Spain, favored to win the tournament, are naturally expected to reach the second round of the knockout stage. Their past performances, including France's 2018 championship and Spain's 2010 World Cup win, demonstrate their ability to excel in high-pressure situations.
The host nations, USA and Mexico, are well-positioned to win their Round of 32 matchups after winning their respective groups. Mexico secured Group A with a victory over South Korea, while the USA clinched Group D after its win over Australia and Türkiye's loss to Paraguay. Canada, having finished second in Group B, will advance to the knockout stage for the first time in its history.
Mexico has a long history with the Round of 16, having been eliminated in that round every tournament from 1994 to 2018. In 2022, Mexico failed to progress beyond the group stage. The USA, on the other hand, made the Round of 16 in 2022 and has a mix of successful and unsuccessful tournament runs in recent years. Canada is set to play in its first-ever knockout game, marking a significant milestone for the team.
