BETTING GUIDE: Portugal vs Spain, USA vs Belgium, World Cup Predictions

BETTING GUIDE: Portugal vs Spain

The standout tie of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 sees Iberian rivals Portugal and Spain renew one of international football's fiercest rivalries.

Both nations arrive with ambitions of lifting the World Cup, making this one of the biggest knockout clashes of the tournament so far.

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Portugal survived a major scare to edge Croatia 2-1 in the previous round, while Spain produced one of the performances of the tournament with a dominant 3-0 victory over Austria.

With a place in the quarter-finals on the line, expect a tactical battle between two possession-based teams capable of controlling games through midfield.

Kick-off: 10:00 PM (Kenyan Time), Monday, 06 July 2026

Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Stage: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 16

Current standings: Knockout Stage

Qualification implications: The winner advances to the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, while the loser is eliminated from the tournament.

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Form Guide

Portugal

✅ Win vs Croatia (2-1)

➖ Draw

✅ Win

➖ Draw

✅ Win

Spain

✅ Win vs Austria (3-0)

✅ Win

✅ Win

➖ Draw

✅ Win

TACTICAL ANALYSIS: How Cape Verde came close to upsetting Argentina

Head-to-Head (Last Five Meetings)

✅ Portugal won on penalties (2024-25 UEFA Nations League Final)

➖ Spain 0-0 Portugal (UEFA Nations League)

➖ Spain 1-1 Portugal (International Friendly)

✅ Spain 1-0 Portugal (UEFA Nations League)

➖ Portugal 0-0 Spain (International Friendly)

Team News

Portugal

🟢 Roberto Martinez has a fully fit squad available.

🟢 Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to start despite being substituted against Croatia.

🟢 Bernardo Silva and Francisco Conceição are competing with Pedro Neto for the right-wing spot.

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Spain

🟡 Lamine Yamal, Pedro Porro, Dani Olmo and Aymeric Laporte had managed training loads but are expected to be available.

❌ Yeremy Pino – Shoulder injury (expected to miss the match).

❌ Nico Williams – Adductor injury (expected to miss the match).

Player to Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Cristiano Ronaldo remains Portugal's biggest attacking threat and enters another crucial World Cup knockout match chasing more history.

He finally scored his first-ever World Cup knockout goal against Croatia and will be eager to inspire Portugal into the quarter-finals.

His movement inside the penalty area, aerial ability and experience in high-pressure matches make him the player Spain's defence must contain if they are to continue their impressive defensive record.

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Player to Watch: Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain)

Mikel Oyarzabal arrives in outstanding form after scoring twice against Austria in the previous round.

The Spanish forward has been directly involved in 23 goals across his last 16 international starts and continues to deliver in the biggest matches.

His intelligent movement between the lines, clinical finishing and ability to exploit spaces created by Spain's fluid attack make him one of the biggest dangers Portugal will face.

Betting Tip

🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk): Spain to Qualify

🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk): Both Teams to Score – Yes

🔴 Long Shot (High Risk): Spain to Win 2-1

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MozzartSport Writers' Predictions:

• Imran Otieno- Both Teams To Score

• Meshack Kisenge- Spain Win

• Kevin Teya- Both Teams To Score

• Sammy Gitahi- Spain Win

• Brian Odhiambo- Spain Win

• Josh Angatia-Portugal Win

BETTING GUIDE: USA vs Belgium

The USA's quest to reach the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002 continues with a mouthwatering clash against Belgium.

The hosts progressed to the Round of 16 after topping Group D with six points before beating Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0, keeping alive hopes of a deep run on home soil.

Belgium, however, arrive full of confidence after an incredible comeback victory over Senegal.

The Red Devils recovered from two goals down in the closing minutes before sealing a dramatic 3-2 extra-time win. With a dominant recent record against the USA,

Belgium will believe they have what it takes to book a place in the last eight, but Mauricio Pochettino's side will be backed by passionate home support in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

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Kick-off: 3:00 AM (Kenyan Time), Tuesday 07 July

Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle

Stage: Round of 16

Current standings: Knockout Stage

Qualification implications: The winner advances to the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals to face either Portugal or Spain, while the loser is eliminated from the tournament.

Form Guide

USA

✅ Win vs Bosnia-Herzegovina (2-0)

✅ Win

❌ Loss

✅ Win

✅ Win

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Belgium

✅ Win vs Senegal (3-2 AET)

✅ Win

➖ Draw

➖ Draw

✅ Win

Head-to-Head (Last Five Meetings)

Belgium have dominated this fixture, winning all of the last five meetings against the USA.

✅ Belgium 5-2 USA (2026 Friendly)

✅ Belgium 3-1 USA

✅ Belgium 2-1 USA (2014 World Cup)

✅ Belgium 4-2 USA

✅ Belgium 1-0 USA

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Team News

USA

🟡 Mark McKenzie – Foot injury, late fitness test.

🟡 Cristian Roldan – Muscle injury, doubtful.

Belgium

🟡 Zeno Debast – Leg injury, doubtful.

🟢 Leandro Trossard – Fit and available.

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Player to Watch: Christian Pulisic (USA)

Christian Pulisic remains the heartbeat of the USA attack and will once again carry the creative responsibility.

His pace, dribbling and ability to deliver in big moments make him the biggest attacking threat for the hosts. With Balogun suspended, even more attacking responsibility will fall on Pulisic.

If the Americans are to end Belgium's dominance in this fixture, their captain is likely to play a decisive role.

Player to Watch: Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)

Kevin De Bruyne continues to be Belgium's creative engine, dictating the tempo with his passing, vision and leadership.

His ability to unlock stubborn defences makes him Belgium's most influential player. In a high-pressure knockout match, De Bruyne's experience could prove decisive.

If given space, he has the quality to create chances that can send Belgium into the quarter-finals.

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Betting Tips

🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk): Both Teams to Score (Yes)

🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk): USA or Draw (Double Chance)

🔴 Long Shot (High Risk): Christian Pulisic to Score Anytime & USA to Win 2-1

MozzartSport Writers' Predictions:

• Imran Otieno- Over 2.5

• Meshack Kisenge- USA Win

• Kevin Teya- USA Win

• Sammy Gitahi- Belgium Win

• Brian Odhiambo- Belgium Win

• Josh Angatia- Belgium Win

Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling