Argentina over 2.5 goals and the draw in Australia vs Egypt are the top World Cup 2026 Round of 16 bets

I wonder if the World Cup were held every year, if it would bring that much excitement for everyone. Probably not. Perhaps because it is every few years, that is part of what makes it special. Still, even as I watch this and know the end is near, I can’t help but wish it were more often. Before we get to the end, let’s try to get some cash.

Australia’s Mathew Leckie, left, celebrates with his teammate Riley McGree after scoring his side’s first goal during the World Cup group D soccer match between Australia and Denmark, at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

This is a really good match up, and one that I think is more of an evenly matched game in the entire round. Australia is the underdog in the game. They went 1-1-1 in their three games in the Group Stage. They beat Turkey with relative ease, then lost to the United States 2-0, and finally tied with Paraguay. Egypt is not a powerhouse, but it could find itself advancing in this one. They tied with Belgium, who didn’t look particularly strong in their Round of 32 game. They took down New Zealand 3-1, and then played to a draw against Iran. Looking at these teams, I don’t think there is a clear dominant team. I like the Draw at +190, give me that bet. I also could see both teams scoring, but I’m swinging for the fence here with the draw.

IRAN-EGYPT WORLD CUP SHOWDOWN COLLIDES WITH SEATTLE’S PRIDE CELEBRATIONS

Argentina’s Lionel Messi reacts after missing a penalty shot during the World Cup Group J match against Austria in Arlington, Texas, on June 22, 2026. (Julio Cortez/AP)

Argentina vs. Cape Verde

This is the most lopsided of all the games on the board. Argentina is a -650 favorite to beat Cape Verde. Even a draw after 90 minutes is highly unlikely with a +700 line. Even casual soccer fans know about Lionel Messi and his dominance (six goals already). He will once again be on the hunt for the net. I don’t have much to say about Cape Verde. They played all three games to a draw, with only one game seeing any goals. I just don’t see how they keep up with the Argentina firepower. Messi is a -225 goalscorer for tonight. And, three other players for the team are at -105 or worse odds. That means the expectation is that many people will be scoring goals. Give me Argentina over 2.5 goals for their team total at -115.

VAR DENIES CROATIA’S GAME-TYING GOAL AS CRISTIANO RONALDO LEADS PORTUGAL TO ROUND OF 16

Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates scoring his team’s first goal against Austria during the World Cup Group J match in Arlington, Texas, on June 22, 2026. (Tony Gutierrez/AP)

Colombia vs. Ghana

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Colombia opened this game with a -125 moneyline posting. They have been bet up to -210. I know Ghana will be a challenge, but Colombia should be a favorite here as they probably do have more talent on their side. Colombia had what I would consider a favorable Group Stage, beating Uzbekistan, Congo DR, and drawing with Portugal. Ghana had the tougher matchups and still advanced, winning against Panama and then playing to a draw against England, and finally losing to Croatia. Ghana allowed just two goals in the Group Stage, but Colombia has done the same. I think the total can go either way, but I do lean to the over as I think it’s going to be a 2-1 finish. Ghana is getting 1.5 goals, so I like them on the spread, but it is -175. I’ll personally play the Draw for the value and hope that at 90 minutes we get there. I do think the spread is a better bet, though.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024