FIFA World Cup 2022 Round of 16 Betting Tips

By Benson Chikezie, Senior Author

Quick, tense, and packed with tension as two teams try to fill a berth only available to one of them, the knockout stages at the World Cup are a series of matches you do not want to miss. The Round of 16 is the first within the sets of matches that make up the World Cup knockout stages. The World Cup second round, as many call it, is famous for sudden death endings, leaving one team pleased to progress to the quarterfinals while members of the second team cannot help but feel gutted.

Eight games, sixteen teams, eight winners and eight losers, early departures, or another chance to earn a shot at World Cup glory, such is the allure that the World Cup Round of 16 holds. Unlike the group stages, where teams can live to fight another day or settle for one point each in the case of a tie, a Round of 16 matches is a winner-takes-all encounter. In Qatar, this 2022, another sixteen teams will do battle, and as usual, the markets will be open for football betting lovers to bet on their favorite teams/outcomes.

The Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 will begin on December 3rd and end on December 6th. All of Qatar’s eight World Cup hosting stadiums will feature, one for each game, with the first match scheduled for Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan, and the final fixture to be held at Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail. FIFA World Cup Round of 16 odds and markets will be open on your favorite sports betting platforms a few days before the games commence.

How Does The FIFA World Cup Round of 16 Work?

If you are looking to bet on the World Cup Round of 16 in Qatar this year, you ought to arm yourself with information on the stage, how teams are set up, and the likely favorites based on history. Here is all you need to know about the Round of 16 knockout stages at the FIFA World Cup:

Ditching the points-awarding system that the group stages adopt, the Round of 16 is a series of eight single-leg games from which only one winner must emerge for each game. If neither team can secure a win in regular time, the game will move on to extra time and then to a penalty shootout.

Either way, only one team can progress to the next round (the quarterfinals). Hence, the Round of 16 is a crucial stage for any team that seeks to do great things at the World Cup. FIFA officially adopted the 16-team knockout stage in 1986, which will persist until the next World Cup in 2026, which will be a 48-team affair (32-team knockout stage).

Which Teams Participate in the World Cup Round of 16 Stage?

The World Cup uses a grouping system at the beginning of the tournament, with 32 teams split into eight groups, four for each group. From each group, the top two teams with the most points, or a superior goal difference if a tiebreaker is needed, will progress to the Round of 16.

The team that finishes with the highest points tally is the Group Winner, while the second-best team occupies the Runners-up slot. These tags are essential in determining which teams meet in the Round of 16.

After the winners and runners-up of each group have emerged, they will face each other in a cross-format. The winners of Group A will square up with the runners-up of Group B, while the winners of Group B will go the opposite direction to face the runners-up of Group A. The arrangement will repeat between Groups C & D, E & F, and G & H.

Quick Facts About The FIFA World Cup Round of 16

  • The Round of 16 Stage format was first adopted in the 1986 edition of the World Cup, and it featured four of the best 3rd-placed teams.
  • The highest number of matches that have gone on to extra time in the Round of 16 is five, recorded in 2014.
  • In Brazil 2014, all the eight group winners progressed to the quarterfinals from the Round of 16 for the first time.
  • USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard made the most saves in a single World Cup game in the 2014 World Cup Round of 16, with sixteen saves to keep the score against Belgium respectable.
  • The Battle of Nuremberg in the Round of 16 in Germany 2006 holds the World Cup record for the match with the most cards. The match between the Netherlands and Portugal recorded four red cards and sixteen yellow cards.
  • Laurent Blanc of France scored the first-ever World Cup Golden Goal as they beat Paraguay by one goal to nil in their France 1998 Round of 16 matches.

FIFA World Cup Round of 16 Usual Suspects

Many believe the World Cup starts properly in Round 16, claiming it is when things get serious. Over the years, barring the occasional upsets, some teams have become regulars in qualifying for the second round of the World Cup.

These usual suspects do not find it difficult to amass the required points tally and sometimes win their groups with a perfect record (3 out of 3). Most times, a minimum of six points from two wins is sure to secure a spot in the Round of 16, but some teams have done it with only four points.

Football, like gambling, holds uncertainties, yet the big boys like France, Brazil, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Italy (when they qualify), Argentina, etc., almost always progress to the second round. Without further ado, take a look at the usual FIFA World Cup Round of 16 suspects:

Germany

Germany has the highest appearances in the quarterfinals and semifinals in World Cup history. They always find a way to play in the knockout stages, and since the adoption of the Round of 16 in 1986, they have only failed to qualify for the second round in 2018.

Brazil

Having won most World Cups, Brazil are the best performers in the tournament and one of the usual suspects to make the Round of 16. They have not failed to make an appearance since 1986 and have won the tournament twice, with one runner-up finish in that period.

France

The French have been regular contenders in the knockout stages of the World Cup. Although they have failed to appear in the Round of 16 four times since 1986 (twice they failed to qualify for the tournament and slipped up in the group stages twice), they are still one of the usual suspects in the Round of 16.

Spain

One-time World Cup winner Spain has not failed to qualify for the Round of 16 since the 1986 tournament, except on two occasions. In the 1998 and 2014 World Cups, Spain turned in their worst performances since the 1986 World Cup.

Argentina

The Albiceleste hold third place in the ranking of the teams with the most World Cup appearances, making them another big name at the World Cup. They won the 1986 edition of the World Cup, the first that used the Round of 16 formats, and have not failed to reach the stage since 1986.

England

Although they have a reputation as gross underperformers at the World Cup with only one win in 1966, England is still a top side in world football. Since 1986, England have only failed to make an appearance twice, once when they failed to qualify for the tournament in 1994 and again in 2014.

Netherlands

Although they have failed to qualify for three editions of the World Cup since FIFA adopted the Round of 16 formats, the Dutch have not failed to qualify for the second round since 1986. They have even managed one runner-up, third-place, and a fourth-place finish in that period. You can trust the Oranje to light up the World Cup whenever they grace it.

Which Teams Are Likely to Secure a Round of 16 Spot at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup?

As questions over the likely group winners and runners-up linger, we will analyze each group for the possible combinations that will progress to the Round of 16.

Group A (Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands)

The Netherlands are favorites to win this group. Qatar are distant outsiders, even with the home support they will enjoy. The runners-up position will be balanced between Senegal and Ecuador, and it may come down to whichever team comes out on top when they face each other.

Group B (England, Iran, USA, Wales)

Usual suspects England has a high chance to progress to the Round of 16 with a perfect 100% record. Iran has a slim chance of progressing, but the second slot will likely go to the USA or Wales. The Welsh are hyped due to their fairytale appearance, but we see the USA progressing alongside England.

Group C (Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland)

Argentina is another team in excellent form, so we expect them to emerge as group winners and progress to the Round of 16. The battle for the second qualifying spot will likely be between Mexico and Poland, and we expect the Mexicans to progress to the next round.

Group D (France, Australia, Denmark, Tunisia)

Defending champions France will most likely qualify for the Round of 16, and we also expect Denmark to progress to the second round alongside the French. No disrespect to Australia and Tunisia, though.

Group E (Spain, Costa Rica, Germany, Japan)

Germany will want to ensure they avoid a repeat of 2018. Alongside Spain, they are favorites to qualify for the Round of 16. Be sure to keep an eye on Costa Rica or Japan. In football, upsets are sure to happen.

Group F (Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia)

Belgium and Croatia are the first names that come to mind when you look at Group F, but Canada may manage to upset Croatia to second place and seal a Round of 16 spots alongside Belgium.

Group G (Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon)

The Seleçao are in fine form, and as chief of the usual suspects, they are natural favorites to reach the second round. Serbia will most likely join the Brazilians in the Round of 16, although Switzerland and Cameroon will not make it easy for them.

Group H (Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, South Korea)

Cristiano and Company are favorites to qualify for the Round of 16, while it will be a tough battle between the other teams. We expect Uruguay to join Portugal in the Round of 16.

Betninjas World Cup 2022 Round of 16 Betting Predictions and Tips

The Round of 16 matches will be closely contested. Several teams have elite talent in their ranks, and pairings between some big sides are inevitable. We have selected the likely winners of the Round of 16 Stage who will progress to the quarterfinals (well, as long as they do not meet each other in the Round of 16).

Germany

The Die Mannschaft are knockout stage regulars in the World Cup, so they naturally earn a spot on this list. We expect a strong showing from the Germans this time, and qualification for the quarterfinal should not be beyond their ability.

Brazil

Neymar and Co. are expected to mount a serious challenge for the trophy, so we expect them to brush aside the opposition, which will most likely be the runners-up of Group H. The five-time champions are at their strongest in recent years, so we expect a solid showing in the knockout stages.

Argentina

The Albiceleste are another World Cup elite side, and with their current form, we expect them to progress beyond the Round of 16. It is Messi’s last showing at the World Cup, and the diminutive superstar will want to finish on a high.

Portugal

Fernando Santos and his charges have already won a Euro competition under his tutelage, so we expect them to at least manage a quarterfinal appearance at Qatar 2022.

Belgium

The Belgians will once again attempt to live up to their billing as the Golden Generation. Lukaku, Kevin de Bruyne, and Eden Hazard are potential game changers, so we expect them to come out on top in their Round of 16 fixture.

Netherlands

Louis van Gaal’s team is not attracting much hype at the moment, but they have world-class players like Virgil van Dijk and a wealth of talent sufficient to mount a serious challenge. We expect the Dutch to progress from the Round of 16 if they get to that stage of the World Cup.

England

Gareth Southgate’s men managed a fourth-place finish in 2018, and once again, they are among the favorites to win the World Cup. We expect them to progress from the Round of 16.

France

Didier Deschamps’s side will look to mount a convincing title defense, and progressing beyond the Round of 16 is vital to that goal. They have one of the strongest teams in the world, and we expect them to win their Round of 16.

Best World Cup 2022 Round of 16 Betting Sites in India

Betting on the World Cup 2022 Round of 16 is easier than ever, and markets are expected to open on most sports betting websites as soon as the group stage is over. For a smooth and secure user experience, fast deposits and withdrawals, a large variety of betting markets, eye-catching bonuses and promotions, and language support optimized for India, Betninjas recommends the following football betting websites:

Betway

Famous across the globe, Betway is gradually becoming a household name in India. The platform boasts a variety of football betting markets, including the World Cup 2022 Round of 16, and a streamlined user experience with its unique features. Betway is licensed in Great Britain by the Gambling Commission and outside of Great Britain by the Malta Gaming Authority.

The website supports several deposit and withdrawal methods, but crypto deposits are not supported. To catch your eye, Betway offers a 100% bonus on your first deposit, up to 2,500 INR, with a deposit minimum of 200 INR. New Indian customers will also get a 6x deposit and bonus wagering at odds of 1.75+, valid for seven days after your account is registered. Terms and conditions apply.

Parimatch

Parimatch is licensed in Curacao and gradually becoming popular in India. Apart from the intuitive website design that puts it ahead of its peers, Parimatch offers an abundance of betting markets for users and a user-friendly experience for football betting lovers.

New users in India are entitled to a mouthwatering first-time deposit bonus of 150%, up to 20,000 INR. Markets for popular Indian games and sports like AndarBahar and the FIFA World Cup 2022 Round of 16 are available on Parimatch. Unlike Betway, Parimatch supports cryptocurrency deposits. A minimum deposit of 265 INR applies, along with other terms and conditions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which Teams Are Likely to Qualify for the Round of 16?
There are no guaranteed spots, but favorites like Germany, Brazil, France, Belgium, Portugal, Netherlands, England, Spain, and Argentina are likely to qualify for the Round of 16.
Which Teams Have Qualified for the World Cup 2022 Round of 16?
None yet. The tournament is yet to begin. Look out for the top two teams in each group.
Can I Bet on the World Cup 2022 Round of 16 Already?
No, not yet. Markets will be open when the World Cup Group Stage is over. You will find the FIFA World Cup 2022 Round of 16 odds on your favorite sports betting websites.
When Will the 2022 World Cup Round of 16 Start?
The 2022 World Cup Round of 16 will begin on December 3rd and end on December 6th.
Which Teams are Likely to Progress to the Quarter Finals?
While things will be more apparent during the tournament, teams like Germany, Brazil, France, Belgium, Argentina, and the Netherlands will likely progress to the quarterfinals in Qatar 2022.

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