BETTING GUIDE: Brazil vs Norway, Mexico vs England, World Cup predictions
Reading Time: 5min | Sun. 05.07.26. | 15:47
Brazil and Norway renew acquaintances on the World Cup stage for the first time since their famous meeting at France 1998 as England take on Mexico at the Azteca
BETTING GUIDE: Brazil vs Norway
Brazil and Norway renew acquaintances on the World Cup stage for the first time since their famous meeting at France 1998, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil come into the contest after a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Japan, while Norway edged past Ivory Coast by the same scoreline thanks to another decisive goal from Erling Haaland.
Download Our MozzartSport App For More News
While Brazil boast greater tournament pedigree, Norway's direct attacking style, led by Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, has made them one of the most dangerous counter-attacking teams at the tournament, setting up what promises to be a fascinating tactical battle.
Kick-off: 11:00 PM (Kenyan Time), Sunday
Venue: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Group: 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.
Form Guide
Brazil:
➖ Draw vs Ecuador
✅ Win vs Paraguay
✅ Win vs Japan (2-1)
✅ Win vs Cameroon
✅ Win vs Croatia
Norway:
✅ Win vs Ivory Coast (2-1)
❌ Loss vs France (1-4)
✅ Win vs South Korea
✅ Win vs Costa Rica
✅ Win vs Senegal
Head-to-Head (Last Five Meetings)
➖ Norway 1-1 Brazil (2006 Friendly)
✅ Norway 2-1 Brazil (1998 FIFA World Cup)
➖ Brazil 1-1 Norway (1997 Friendly)
✅ Norway 4-2 Brazil (1997 Friendly)
➖ Brazil 1-1 Norway (1988 Olympics)
Team News
Brazil
❌ Raphinha – Unavailable (injury)
🟡 Lucas Paquetá – Doubt (fitness concern)
🟡 Casemiro – Being assessed after coming off against Japan but expected to be available.
Norway
🟡 Julian Ryerson – Recovering from a thigh injury and could return.
Player to Watch: Vinicius Junior (Brazil)
Vinicius Junior has been Brazil's standout performer at the tournament, registering four goals and one assist.
His pace and one-on-one ability will be crucial against a Norwegian defence that has shown vulnerabilities when isolated in wide areas.
With Norway expected to defend compactly before counter-attacking, Vinicius' ability to beat defenders and create chances in transition could prove decisive in breaking down Ståle Solbakken's organised side.
Player to Watch: Erling Haaland (Norway)
Haaland has enjoyed a sensational World Cup debut, scoring five goals - half of Norway's total tally at the tournament.
His physical presence and movement behind defenders make him Norway's biggest attacking weapon.
Brazil's centre-backs will have to cope with his strength and aerial ability, especially from the creative deliveries of Martin Ødegaard and Patrick Berg.
If Norway are to cause another upset, Haaland will almost certainly be at the heart of it.
Betting Tips
🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk): Both Teams To Score (Yes)
🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk): Brazil to Win
🔴 Long Shot (High Risk): Erling Haaland to Score Anytime
MozzartSport Writers Predictions:
• Imran Otieno-Over 2.5
• Meshack Kisenge- Brazil Win
• Kevin Teya- Brazil Win
• Sammy Gitahi- Brazil Win
• Brian Odhiambo- Norway Win
• Victor Karuga- Brazil Win
• Josh Angatia-Brazil Win
BETTING GUIDE: Mexico vs England
One of the standout ties in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 sees co-hosts Mexico take on England ,with a place in the quarter-finals on the line.
Mexico have been one of the tournament's most impressive teams, winning all four of their matches without conceding a goal, while England needed a late Harry Kane brace to overcome a spirited DR Congo side 2-1 in the previous round.
The high altitude of Mexico City - over 2,200 metres above sea level - adds another fascinating dimension to this contest.
England will have to cope not only with an unbeaten Mexican side but also the demanding conditions at a stadium where El Tri have never lost a World Cup match.
However, history slightly favours the Three Lions, who have won each of the last four meetings between the two nations.
Kick-off: 3:00 AM (Kenyan Time), Monday
Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Group: 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.
Form Guide
Mexico:
✅ Win vs Ecuador (2-0)
✅ Win vs Germany
✅ Win vs South Africa
✅ Win vs Czech Republic
✅ Win vs South Korea
England:
✅ Win vs DR Congo (2-1)
✅ Win vs Wales
➖ Draw vs Serbia
✅ Win vs Tunisia
✅ Win vs USA
Head-to-Head (Last Five Meetings)
✅ England 3-1 Mexico (2010 Friendly)
✅ England 2-1 Mexico (2008 Friendly)
✅ England 4-0 Mexico (2001 Friendly)
➖ England 0-0 Mexico (1997 Friendly)
➖ Mexico 1-1 England (1994 Friendly)
Team News
Mexico
🟢 No fresh injury concerns.
🟢 Gilberto Mora is fit after making history with his first World Cup knockout start.
England
❌ Reece James – Hamstring injury (out).
❌ Jarell Quansah – Doubtful
🟡 Declan Rice – Expected to be fit after suffering cramp against DR Congo.
Player to Watch: Harry Kane (England)
Harry Kane once again proved his importance with a match-winning brace against DR Congo and has now scored five goals at this World Cup.
England will rely heavily on his finishing and leadership in another high-pressure knockout encounter.
.jpg)
If England are to overcome Mexico's outstanding defensive record, Kane's movement inside the penalty area and ability to convert limited chances could make the difference.
Player to Watch: Julián Quiñones (Mexico)
Julián Quiñones has enjoyed a superb tournament and has already been directly involved in four Mexico goals.
His pace, intelligent movement and link-up play have been central to El Tri's attacking success.
Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, Quiñones will look to stretch England's defence and continue his excellent World Cup form as Mexico chase a place in the last eight.
Betting Tips
🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk): Under 2.5 Goals
🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk): Harry Kane to Score Anytime
🔴 Long Shot (High Risk): England to Win on Penalties
MozzartSport Writers Predictions:
• Imran Otieno- Both Teams To Score
• Meshack Kisenge- Englabd Over 1.5
• Kevin Teya- Mexico Win
• Sammy Gitahi- Mexico Win
• Brian Odhiambo- Mexico Win
• Victor Karuga- England Win
• Josh Angatia- Draw
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