World Cup 2026: Chris Sutton's Predictions for the Round of 16 Matches
July 4, 2026 · Global
Chris Sutton shares his predictions for the 2026 World Cup last 16 matches, highlighting key matches including Mexico vs England and Paraguay vs France.
The 2026 World Cup now only has 16 teams remaining, but who will advance to the final at MetLife Stadium near New York City on July 19? BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton managed to give a pretty good prediction for the round of 32, although Paraguay's victory over Germany surprised many, including fans. Of more than 60,000 user predictions for the match, only 2% predicted a Paraguay win. However, overall, user predictions were quite good, with only one wrong result, namely Morocco's victory over the Netherlands. Chris managed to predict 13 out of 16 matches correctly, while the AI recorded 12 out of 16. Of the 104 World Cup matches held, 88 of them have been completed, and users currently lead with 62 correct predictions (70%). Chris recorded 54 correct predictions (61%) and AI 55 (63%). Will there be any more surprises in the round of 16, including Mexico's match against England and Paraguay's match against France?
Round of 16 Match
Saturday, June 4
Canada vs Morocco Houston 18:00 BST
Canada coach Jesse Marsch seems to have annoyed some people with his behavior on the sidelines during this tournament, but what matters most is how his team thinks of him. Marsch is a coach with a high intensity style that has produced results. To get this far, Canada has earned their first points of the World Cup and then earned their first win. This is an adventure for them, but it will likely end here. I think Morocco will be braver than the Netherlands in the previous round, and I believe Morocco will win this match. Sutton Prediction: 0-2 AI Prediction: 1-2
Paraguay vs France Philadelphia 22:00 BST
Beating Germany was a huge achievement for Paraguay, but doing the same against France was a much bigger challenge. The outcome of this match really depends on whether France can score early. If they do, Paraguay could feel the power of France's attack, and Kylian Mbappe has the potential to become a star. Sutton Prediction: 0-5 AI Prediction: 1-3
Sunday, July 5
Brazil vs Norway New York 21:00 BST
If Brazil win this World Cup, it will be thanks to their manager, Carlo Ancelotti. He showed that he always finds a way, such as during their victory over Japan in the round of 32. However, they lack strength in the middle of the field. Norway feels it can pose a threat too. I hope to see a duel between Brazilian defender Gabriel and Norwegian striker Erling Haaland on the international stage. However, statistics show that Brazil has never won against Norway. Sutton's prediction: 2-2 after extra time, Norway wins on penalties. AI Prediction: 4-2
Mexico vs England Mexico City 01:00 BST
England's ability to adapt after arriving only on Friday will have an impact on their performance. Mexico's home record in competitive matches is impressive, but England are the toughest opponents they have faced at the Azteca Stadium in a long time. I believe England can score quite a lot of chances, with Harry Kane as the goalscorer. Sutton Prediction: 1-2 AI Prediction: 1-2
Portugal vs Spain Dallas 20:00 BST
I am very confident in this prediction because I believe Cristiano Ronaldo is hurting Portugal's chances. Goncalo Ramos scored a brilliant goal to beat Croatia, but Ronaldo is likely to still be available. Spain has outstanding individual players and also a great team. Sutton Prediction: 1-3 AI Prediction: 1-2
Tuesday, July 7
USA vs Belgium Seattle 01:00 BST
Belgium so far has not shown a satisfactory performance. USA will be missing suspended Folarin Balogun, but they still have home support. I think they can achieve a narrow victory. Sutton Prediction: 2-1 AI Prediction: 1-2
Argentina vs Egypt Atlanta 17:00 BST
Argentina had a hard time against Cape Verde, but I don't see this match going the same way. Egypt had difficulty against Australia in the round of 32. Sutton Prediction: 3-0 AI Prediction: 2-0
Switzerland vs Colombia Vancouver 21:00 BST
Switzerland look solid with Granit Xhaka controlling the game, but Colombia have shown impressive form and are a balanced team. Sutton Prediction: 2-3 after extra time. AI Prediction: 1-1 after extra time, Switzerland win on penalties.