The FIFA World Cup Round of 16 continues on Monday night and early Tuesday, South African time, as four more nations compete for two quarterfinal spots. Portugal and Spain renew their fierce rivalry in what promises to be one of the standout matches of the tournament, while hosts USA take on Belgium in what should be a titanic contest. We look at each match from a betting angle below.
Portugal vs Spain
Portugal have once again demonstrated why they are considered among Europe’s elite after progressing unbeaten through the group stages before overcoming Croatia in a dramatic Round of 32 encounter. Their campaign began with a frustrating 1-1 draw against D.R. Congo before they responded well by thrashing Uzbekistan 5-0. A disciplined goalless draw with Colombia secured second spot in Group K and maintained their unbeaten record heading into the knockout stages.
Their Round of 32 clash against Croatia proved to be their biggest test of the tournament. After a scoreless first half, Ivan Perisic fired Croatia ahead in the 53rd minute to leave Portugal facing elimination. Cristiano Ronaldo levelled from the penalty spot in the 68th minute before Goncalo Ramos struck deep into stoppage time to complete a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory and book Portugal’s place in the last 16.
Spain have looked every bit as convincing after comfortably winning Group H before producing another commanding display in the Round of 32. They opened their World Cup campaign with a frustrating goalless draw against Cape Verde but quickly found their rhythm by dismantling Saudi Arabia 4-0. A hard fought 1-0 victory over Uruguay secured first place in the group.
The Spanish built on that momentum against Austria in the knockout stages with another polished performance. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring in the 36th minute before Pedro Porro doubled the advantage midway through the second half. Oyarzabal completed his brace in the 89th minute as Spain cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory and a spot in the last 16.
Head-to-Head
The sides have met six times in recent years with each of them claiming a win and the remainders ending in stalemates. The most recent clash between the sides came in the UEFA Nations League 2025 where Portugal edged the contest 3-2.
Betting – Click here to bet
Portugal 4.00
Draw 3.65
Spain 1.95
Verdict
These two nations know each other extremely well and recent meetings have often been decided by the finest of margins. Portugal have shown tremendous character with their comeback victory over Croatia while Spain have conceded just one goal in four matches. I expect another tight contest between these rivals but Spain’s consistency and defensive solidity should see them edge into the quarterfinals.
BET: Spain to Win at 1.95
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USA vs Belgium
United States have enjoyed an excellent tournament on home soil after progressing through the group stages before eliminating Bosnia & Herzegovina to reach the Round of 16. They began with an impressive 4-1 victory over Paraguay before producing another professional display in a 2-0 win against Australia. Although they suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat to Turkey in their final group match, the Americans had already done enough to secure qualification for the knockout stages.
Their Round of 32 meeting with Bosnia & Herzegovina saw the hosts produce another disciplined performance. Folarin Balogun broke the deadlock just before half time with a well taken finish in the 45th minute before Malik Tillman wrapped up the victory in the 82nd minute.
Belgium have also grown stronger as the tournament has progressed after finishing second in their group before surviving a dramatic extra time battle against Senegal. They were held to consecutive 1-1 and 0-0 draws against Egypt and Iran respectively before producing a dominant 5-1 victory over New Zealand to secure their place in the playoff stages.
Their Round of 32 clash against Senegal was one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament. Habib Diarra gave Senegal the lead in the 24th minute before Ismaila Sarr doubled the advantage shortly after the restart. Belgium refused to surrender as Romelu Lukaku pulled one back in the 86th minute before Youri Tielemans equalised three minutes later to force extra time. Deep into stoppage time of the additional period, Tielemans converted from the penalty spot to complete an incredible comeback and send Belgium through with a 3-2 victory.
Head-to-Head
Belgium have dominated this fixture over the years, winning all of the previous six meetings between the nations, including a 5-2 friendly victory earlier this year.
Betting – Click here to bet
USA 2.70
Draw 3.50
Belgium 2.70
Verdict
USA have been excellent throughout the tournament and will enjoy tremendous home support, while Belgium showed remarkable resilience to overturn a two goal deficit against Senegal. This looks like one of the most evenly matched Round of 16 ties but with home advantage and a defence that has impressed throughout the competition, I believe the Americans can edge a closely contested affair against a Belgium side that has not looked at their best throughout the competition.
BET: USA to Win at 2.70
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
