The FIFA World Cup Round of 16 gets underway on Saturday as four nations battle it out for two places in the quarterfinals. Canada start underdogs against Morocco, while France face surprise package Paraguay after both nations produced impressive Round of 32 performances. We take a look at each match from a betting angle below.
Click here for the latest outright betting where France are trading as 2.90 favourites and Morocco are priced at 29.00.
Canada vs Morocco
Canada have enjoyed another excellent World Cup campaign after progressing from Group B before producing a Round of 32 victory over South Africa. Their tournament began with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia & Herzegovina before they hammered Qatar 6-0.
Thereafter they were edged 2-1 by Switzerland but secured qualification nevertheless before edging South Africa 1-0 in the knockout stages thanks to a dramatic 92nd minute winner from Stephen Eustaquio when the match seemed destined for extra time.
Morocco have continued to impress throughout the tournament and arrive in the Round of 16 unbeaten. They opened their Group C campaign with an impressive 1-1 draw against Brazil before defeating Scotland 1-0 through a disciplined defensive performance.
A thrilling 4-2 victory over Haiti secured second spot in the group before they eliminated the Netherlands in the Round of 32. After a tense 1-1 draw over 120 minutes, Morocco held their nerve to win the penalty shootout after Soufiane Rahimi, Chemsdine Talbi and Ismael Saibari all converted from the spot.
Head-to-Head
Morocco have won both previous meetings between these nations, including a 2-1 victory during the 2022 FIFA World Cup and a convincing 4-0 friendly success in 2016.
Betting – Click here to bet
Canada 5.00
Draw 3.50
Morocco 1.83
Verdict
Morocco have been one of the most consistent teams in the competition, remaining unbeaten while taking points off Brazil before knocking out Netherlands in dramatic fashion. Canada eliminated a South African side who never stopped fighting, but Morocco possess greater quality across the pitch and have already proven they can compete with the very best sides. I expect the North Africans to continue their impressive run with a victory here.
BET: Morocco to Win at 1.83
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Paraguay vs France
Paraguay have been one of the biggest surprises of the tournament after progressing from Group D before producing one of the shocks of the Round of 32.
Their group campaign began with a heavy 4-1 defeat against the USA. But they responded brilliantly by defeating Turkiye 1-0 before settling for a goalless draw against Australia to secure qualification.
They then stunned Germany in the knockout stages with Julio Enciso giving them a first-half lead before Germany equalised through Kai Havertz. Neither side could find another breakthrough and Paraguay kept their composure to win the penalty shootout 4-3, with Mauricio, Gustavo Gomez, Matias Galarza and Jose Canale all finding the back of the net.
France have looked every bit the favourites to lift the trophy.
They opened Group I with a convincing 3-1 victory over Senegal before comfortably defeating Iraq 3-0 to qualify with a match to spare. A dominant 4-1 victory over a weakened Norway completed a perfect group stage campaign before the side carried that momentum into the Round of 32 with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Sweden.
Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring just before half time, Bradley Barcola doubled the advantage early in the second half. And Mbappe added his second of the night to seal another dominant victory.
Head-to-Head
France have won three of the previous five meetings between these nations, while two matches have ended in draws. Their most recent encounter saw France defeat Paraguay 5-0 in an International Friendly during 2017.
Betting – Click here to bet
Paraguay 16.00
Draw 7.25
France 1.20
Verdict
Paraguay dug deep to reach this stage after eliminating Germany, but they now face another even greater challenge. France have been outstanding throughout the tournament, winning all four matches while scoring 13 goals and conceding only 2. Mbappe has been in superb form and France seem to hold too much attacking solidity for the South Americans.
BET: France Asian H’cap -2.5 at 2.50
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
