2026 World Cup: Best bets for the knockout round - ESPN

The 2026 World Cup moves into the knockout round on Sunday, with 32 teams having advanced from the group stage to the «one and done» elimination bracket.

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There's plenty of soccer still left to play in this tournament, and that means plenty of opportunity to make some wagers on the action.

With so many potential bets that can be made over these next 16 games, it might be a bit overwhelming to know where to begin. Fear not! Victoria Matiash has looked over the options and landed on her favorite options as the field battles it out to cut the field in half.

*Odds as of time of publication. For the most updated odds, visit DK Sports

Trézéguet, 3+ shots (+165)

The winger is heating up as this tournament progresses. After failing to see the pitch in Egypt's opener against Belgium, Trézéguet scored on a gorgeous header coming off the bench against New Zealand before firing five shots — two on target — in a tough 1-1 draw with Iran. The Egyptian footballer stands to enjoy additional opportunities against an Australian side that ranks No. 36 in possession (40.7%) through the group stage. The Pharaohs should hope so, since Mohamed Salah might not be fit after suffering an apparent hamstring injury.

Moneyline, DRAW (+285)

Sure, Carlo Ancelotti's side followed up an opening draw with Morocco by breezing through Scotland and Haiti with parallel 3-0 results, but the Japanese are an altogether superior side by comparison. It's a side that has the wherewithal, similarly to the Moroccans, to hang with A Seleção through to the end of regulation time.

Not only is this arguably the strongest Japanese side to ever compete at a World Cup, they also might benefit