And Then There Were 16: Another Round of Foolish Predictions

1. Morocco vs. Canada.

I won’t go into too much detail with these predictions this time. 

I’m very happy Canada made it this far. But with injuries to key players and the quality of football that Morocco is playing right now I’m just hoping this game is competitive. Give me a Cabo Verde performance. That’s all I’m asking for. Take these guys to the brink.

With that said, I don’t see it happening. 

Morocco 3-1.

2. Paraguay vs. France.

Can they do it again? Can Paraguay shock the world twice in one week?

No. This is France. This is Mbappe. Paraguay can probably keep it close in the first half. They’ve only allowed one goal in their last three games. But that just means they’re due to get dunked on again by a superior team. 

France 4-1.

3. Brazil vs. Norway

Norway has beaten two African teams and Iraq at this tournament so far. Well done. They’ve done what they’re supposed to do. Haaland has left his mark on the World Cup. But the rowing ends on Sunday. Brazil will send these boys home. The world deserves to see a Brazil-Argentina Semi Final. 

Brazil 3-2.

4. Mexico vs. England.

When we all made our predictions before the tournament this one always made the fight card. Hopefully it won’t disappoint.

There’s something about Mexico at this World Cup. They’ve yet to concede. They look unstoppable. But then again who have they really beaten? South Africa, Korea, Czechia, and Ecuador? Talk about the worst of the worst. These teams had zero attack. Mexico hasn’t been tested. They haven’t been punched in the mouth. England is the first real team they will face. And they will fail. Another host nation is going out.

England 2-1.

5. Portugal vs. Spain.

I don’t see World Cup winners here. I don’t see champions. Portugal looked lost in that second half against Croatia. And while Spain had an easy time with Austria they still haven’t impressed at this tournament. I’m expecting a competitive game. It’ll probably take 120 minutes to decide it. The last time they met at a World Cup it ended 3-3. I’ll predict the same scoreline. 

3-3. Portugal advances via penalties.

6. U.S. vs. Belgium.

If it weren’t for a historic fumble by Senegal the Belgians would already be on vacation. That’s where they belong. On a beach somewhere. This is not a good team. They’ve beaten nobody. The U.S. team is playing with more confidence. And I think at least one host nation has to survive this round.

U.S. 3-1.

7. Argentina vs. Egypt.

Argentina 2-0.

8. Switzerland vs. Colombia.

What a clash of styles. This is what the World Cup is about. If it were played in Europe I’d lean towards Switzerland. But it’s not. Colombia’s ride isn’t going to end here. They have enough firepower up front to keep Switzerland busy in their own end. And they’re tough to crack, allowing only one goal all tournament.

Colombia 2-1.

Source: http://disquietreservations.blogspot.com/2026/07/and-then-there-were-16-another-round-of.html