The FIFA World Cup knockout stages continues on Monday night and early Tuesday (South African time) three Round of 32 fixtures. Brazil meet Japan in a clash between two technically gifted nations, while Germany take on Paraguay. Netherlands take on Morocco in what promises to be one of the most competitive ties of the round and we take a look at each match from a betting angle below.
Brazil vs Japan
Brazil arrive in the Round of 32 after an impressive unbeaten group stage campaign. They opened with a 1-1 draw against Morocco before comfortably defeating Haiti 3-0 to put themselves in control of the group.
Their final outing was arguably their strongest performance as Vinicius Junior scored twice in a commanding 3-0 victory over Scotland, securing top spot in the standings with seven points.
Japan also qualified unbeaten after an excellent tournament so far. They began with an entertaining 2-2 draw against the Netherlands before producing one of the performances of the group stage by thrashing Tunisia 4-0.
Their final fixture saw them battle to a hard fought 1-1 draw against Sweden after conceding shortly after Daizen Maeda beat the Swiss keeper, a result that was enough to confirm second place and a deserved spot in the knockout rounds.
Head-to-Head
Brazil have won five of the previous six meetings between these nations, although Japan claimed a surprise 3-2 victory in their most recent friendly during 2025.
Betting – Click here to bet
Brazil 1.73
Draw 3.75
Japan 5.25
Verdict
Brazil have looked increasingly dangerous as the tournament has progressed and produced their most complete display in the convincing win over Scotland. Japan deserve enormous credit for remaining unbeaten during the group stage, but they now face a significant test against one of the tournament favourites. Although I see this being a competitive encounter, I am backing Brazil to finally break through and progress in a low scoring game.
BET: Result and Totals – Brazil and Under 3.5 Goals at 2.30
Germany vs Paraguay
Germany qualified for the knockout stages by finishing top of Group E despite suffering a surprise defeat in their final group fixture. They began their campaign with an emphatic 7-1 victory over Curaçao before showing strong character to come from behind and defeat Ivory Coast 2-1.
Their final outing ended in disappointment as Ecuador claimed a 2-1 victory, handing Germany their first defeat of the tournament, although qualification threats were already out of the picture.
Paraguay finished 3rd in Group D behind then USA and Australia who edged them on goal difference. They opened with a 4-1 loss to hosts USA and then beat Turkey 1-0 thanks to a 2nd minute goal.
Their final match was a goalless draw against Australia.
Head-to-Head
These sides last met in a friendly international in 2013 where the game finished 3-3 and in the World Cup in 2022 German edged it 1-0.
Betting – Click here to bet
Germany 1.36
Draw 5.25
Paraguay 9.50
Verdict
I was not convinced about Germany coming into the tournament and I still feel they are vulnerable. They should beat Paraguay though, but I think it will be close and will be betting on a 1 goal victory.
BET: Handicap 3 Way, Germany -1 the draw at 3.75
Terms and conditions
- The promotion runs from 1 June to 19 July 2026.
- To qualify for the R20 Free Bet reward, a real money stake of R100 or more must be placed on any FIFA market during the promotional period.
- Free bets do not qualify for this offer. Single/Straight bets only.
- Free Bet adjustments may take up to 72 hours to process and will be loaded automatically.
- Free Bets may only be used on FIFA World Cup markets.
- Any Free Bets not used before 23:59:59 on 19 July 2026 will expire and will be forfeited.
- This promotion is strictly limited to one (1) reward per account.
- Standard World Sports Betting Promotional Terms apply.
- Free Bet T&Cs apply.
Netherlands vs Morocco
Netherlands progressed as Group F winners after going without a loss across the group stage. They began with a thrilling 2-2 draw against Japan before producing their best performance of the tournament in a dominant 5-1 victory over Sweden.
They then completed Round 3 with another convincing display by defeating Tunisia 3-1 to finish top of the standings on seven points and looking superb heading into this matchup.
Morocco also arrive unbeaten after an excellent Group C campaign. They opened with a valuable 1-1 draw against Brazil before recording a narrow 1-0 victory over Scotland to move into a strong qualification position.
Their final match produced an entertaining 4-2 victory over Haiti, with Morocco scoring twice in the closing stages to comfortably seal second place and get out of reach of Haiti after the sides were level at half time.
Head-to-Head
Netherlands have won two of the previous three meetings between these nations, although Morocco claimed a memorable 2-1 victory when they met in 1999. Despite that their latest clash concluded in a 2-1 triumph for Netherlands in a 2017 friendly.
Betting – Click here to bet
Netherlands 2.15
Draw 3.40
Morocco 3.75
Verdict
This has all the ingredients to be one of the closest Round of 32 ties. Both nations progressed through the group stage unbeaten and have shown quality going forward. Netherlands have arguably looked the more convincing side overall, particularly in their comprehensive victories over Sweden and Tunisia, while Morocco have already proven they can compete with elite opposition after taking points from Brazil. That said I am confident in the Dutch sides attacking output and stability on defence and I am picking them to win a thriller.
BET: Netherlands to Win at 2.15
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
