We're into the knockout stages at the 2026 World Cup and there are plenty of tasty ties in the last 32.
The group stage produced a few upsets, most notably Cape Verde going unbeaten across their games against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to finish second in their section.
It was also a surprise to see the Uruguayans and Turkey head home early but where will the shocks occur in the last 32? Here's our guide to some ties could offer punters a bit of value.
Brazil vs Japan
Five-times winners Brazil got off to a slow start in Group C as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco but then came to life by claiming 3-0 wins over Haiti and Scotland.
With Vinicius Junior looking in the mood and backed up by a decent supporting cast, the Brazilians are odds-on favourites at 4/6 for their last-32 tie with Japan.
But the Samurai Blue won't be pushovers after going through their Group F campaign without tasting defeat.
That stretched their unbeaten run to 10 games, going all the way back to a 2-0 friendly loss to the USA in October 2025.
Hajime Moriyasu's side also beat Brazil 3-2 during that run so they've shown they can more than hold their own against the samba superstars.
That makes me think the Japanese could offer some value at 23/20 in the double chance, as Carlo Ancelotti's side may need extra time and penalties if they're to shake them off.
Netherlands vs Morocco
This last-32 tie between the Netherlands and Morocco should be another cracker and I reckon it's a 50-50 affair based on the performances of both teams so far.
But the bookies see it differently, with the Dutch 11/10 favourites for a win inside 90 minutes and the African champions as big as 14/5.
So it would be an upset if the Moroccans came out on top and you back them at a tempting 6/4 to reach the last 16.
That bet looks decent value after Morocco outplayed Brazil for long periods in a 1-1 draw then saw off Scotland and Haiti to finish as runners-up in Group C.
The Dutch have also looked pretty good so far, following up a draw with Japan by thrashing Sweden and Tunisia, but still have a few weakenesses.
I could easily see this game going to extra time and then it's just about luck and whoever holds their nerve.
Belgium vs Senegal
I'm surprised to see Senegal as big as 3/1 for a win inside 90 minutes as they go up against an inconsistent Belgium side in the last 32.
It was only in the final Group G game that the Belgians came alive, routing New Zealand 5-1 to finish top of the pile.
They struggled before that in draws with Egypt and Iran so I'm struggling to see why Be365 have them at just 21/20 for a win inside 90 minutes.
Romelu Lukaku is past his best and struggling for fitness while Charles De Ketelaere isn't a natural replacement as centre forward.
The Belgians had missed a cutting edge until that Kiwi rout, while Senegal have an embarrassment of riches in attack, with Sadio Mane, Nicolas Jackson, Ismaila Sarr and PSG wonderkid Ibrahim Mbaye.
That makes me think the Africans have a good chance of going through, despite losing to France and Norway in the group stage.
Both those sides are stronger than this Belgian outfit so the 13/8 on offer for Senegal to qualify could offer a bit of value on the World Cup betting apps.
Recommended bets
- Japan double chance 23/20 Bet365
- Morocco to qualify 6/4 Bet365
- Senegal to qualify 13/8 Bet365
KevinMac is a sports journalist with almost three decades of experience in the industry since starting out in 1997. He has covered games at every level, from Scottish Junior football to English Premier League games and internationals, and has been tipping for the MFT site since 2018.
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