World Cup Betting Tips Today: Predictions & Best Bets for July 5th

The round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup continues on Sunday where Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil are back in action against Norway, while Thomas Tuchel's team will travel to Estadio Azteca to face co-hosts Mexico at high altitude. Brazil are slowly growing into the competition, but will need to find a way to deal with Erling Haaland, while England are going to have to up their game massively if they are to leave Mexico City having qualified for the quarter-finals.

Our World Cup tipster Nathan Joyes provides his best bets from these two matches. Read his World Cup tips below.

Brazil vs Norway

Brazil came from behind to beat Japan in the most dramatic fashion thanks to Martinelli's 95th minute winner. As a result, Carlo Ancelotti's men march on but they will still need to make some adjustments to deal with Norway's firepower.

The Norwegian's rested their starting XI against France in their final group stage match that sparked controversy, but the Vikings were rewarded having beaten Ivory Coast in the first knockout stage. It was a brave call, but one that paid off massively.

It's impossible to keep Erling Haaland off the scoresheet at this World Cup as he heads into this match having scored five of Norway's nine. He will once again battle against Gabriel in what should be a really intriguing tussle throughout the match.

However, Brazil looked much more in control in the second half vs Japan thanks to Ancelotti's tactical tweaks. The Italian dropped Matheus Cunha into midfield, put Endrick up top and made sure Rayan and Vinicius Junior saw plenty of the ball on either flank.

Japan dropped deeper and deeper, and Brazil returned to their usual game. They will need to win the midfield battle, but if they do, and Brazil can get their wingers on the ball, both Rayan and Vinicius Junior should get the better of Norway's full-backs.

Brazil will need to work on a plan to stop Norway's wingers, but if anyone can put together a plan to stop Haaland receiving the ball, it'll be Ancelotti. Norway, at the other end of the pitch, look fragile and it might simply be a case of whoever scores 2-3 goals wins this. Both defences need work, but Brazil's experience and second half performance vs Japan showed enough that they can get to the quarter-finals.

With that in mind, I'm sticking up Brazil to win at 19/20 with BetMGM.

Mexico vs England

Mexico's incredible record at Estadio Azteca extended in the round of 32 as they brushed Ecuador to one side. La Tri, who are well equipped with high altitude, were instead suffocated by the intense play Mexico led with as well as their insane backing from the stands. With a capacity close to 100,000, Mexico will have the 12th man firmly behind them.

But let's talk about the altitude and why it's a factor. The stadium sits 7,200ft above sea level. That means that oxygen level is around 25% lower than what England players will be used to. It also takes time to adjust to these conditions - and England will have a maximum of three/four days if they head straight to Mexico - which is nowhere near enough time.

Mexico have been based near the stadium for almost six weeks. With local based players within the squad, they will relish the conditions, where England won't. Not only does it impact the players breathing, but it also impacts the flight of the ball. This game is going to be incredibly difficult for England to win.

And let's not forget that the Mexicans have won all four matches to date - without conceding - and they have looked incredibly sharp in front of goal while calm and composed at the other end of the pitch.

Ecuador could not live with Mexico's intensity and they certainly couldn't live with how quick they moved the ball. Ecuador have one of the best defences in world football, yet it was difficult to tell after their 2-0 defeat. Mexico executed their game plan perfectly.

They will know, as hosts, this is their best chance to progress at a World Cup - if ever - and go on to challenge for the trophy. England, on the other hand, have been poor all tournament minus their opening match.

Thomas Tuchel relies heavily on Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane - but he can't expect two players to carry him through - and if neither deal well with the conditions, Mexico are going to take their chance. Even if this goes to extra time, England will do well to contain Mexico - at altitude - for 120+ minutes.

Therefore, I'm very happy to play Mexico to qualify at 1/1 with BetMGM.

Betting Tips

Brazil vs Norway: Brazil to win at 19/20

Mexico vs England: Mexico to qualify at