2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Round of 16 Odds and Picks

2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, we are now onto the knockout round matches, and there is sure to be plenty of excitement and betting value in the cards for the games spanning between August 5th-8th.

With so many surprising group stage results, it has certainly opened up the draw. The defending Olympic champions from Canada bowed out, as did perennial powerhouse Brazil.

The two-time reigning World Cup champs, the United States, have looked incredibly average, while World Cup sleepers from Japan, Nigeria, Colombia are very much capable of producing another upset as we enter these ‘do-or-die’ fixtures.

With things heating up at a rapid pace, let’s dive into the FIFA Women’s World Cup Knockout Round odds, courtesy of the best Women’s World Cup betting sites, and make our predictions as to which teams will advance to the next round.

Saturday, August 5th

We will let the odds from Bovada do the majority of the talking here for us, as the talented Spaniards are rightfully massive favorites for this opening fixture.

Spain was throttled in their final group stage match to a pesky Japanese side, but with the Spanish squad already qualified for the knockout round, their focus and emphasis on squad rotation explain that result.

The Swiss were undefeated in their opening three matches, actually topping Group A with five points. They are a disciplined side, but really struggle to score. Their strengths lie in solid team structure and defense, as they didn’t concede a single goal in the group stage.

They will receive a stiff test from Spain as the Spanish attack is one of the most creative in women’s soccer right now. Alexia Putellas has been dynamic thus far at the World Cup, and has a real ability to break down any defense.

Expect Spain to control possession and their crafty passing to unlock a Swiss backline that has yet to see this type of skill. With Switzerland forced to chase the game, it’ll force this side into playing in a manner they simply aren’t used to, allowing Spain to pile on. Backing the Spaniards -1.5 around +105 is our best bet at soccer betting sites.

Saturday, August 5th

Japan has dominated the competition so far at this year’s World Cup, and enter the knockout round feeling great about their game in all areas. Fresh off a 4-0 shellacking of Spain, the Japanese should be able to bring the same momentum and energy to overwhelm a mediocre Norwegian side.

Norway narrowly squeaked through a weakened Group A to be here. In fact, they tied on points with the hosts New Zealand, but prevailed on goal difference. While high hopes were had for this veteran side, they lack the talent or pace to stick with a pesky side like the Japanese.

Japan’s counter-attack and relentless approach to pursuing the ball will be too much to handle for a Norway side that struggles to retain possession.

The attacking trio of Hanata Miyazawa, Mina Tanaka, and Riko Ueki, has proven to be one of the best at this tournament to date, and should find goals against a sluggish Norwegian defense. Take the Japanese to close this one out inside 90 minutes.

Saturday, August 5th

The final round of 16 match across a loaded Saturday slate sees a struggling USA squad facing some real doubt. Across their three group stage matches, this talented side has shown very little of the burst, energy, or talent that has characterized this program over the past few decades.

Against Vietnam in their opener, their offense looked out of sync. That carried over to a dismal showing against the Netherlands, finishing in a 1-1 draw. In their final group stage match against Portugal, they were saved by the post in the waning minutes of that scoreless encounter to squeak into the round of 16.

Their play has not been encouraging to date, but you have to think this talented group simply has more to offer going forward.

The Swedes won’t be easy opposition and this veteran side has to be feeling somewhat disrespected by the odds given their dominant showing in the group stage.

This generation is incredibly familiar with the USA at the World Cup and will be looking to spoil the American quest for a three-peat. The Swedes have enjoyed three routine victories, highlighting their cohesion, scoring ability, and organization.

Head coach Peter Gerhardsson has a battle-tested group who won’t be intimidated by the skills of the Americans. The American defense has conceded far too many chances through three games and Sweden’s accomplished attacking trio of Stina Blackstenius, Kosovare Asllani and Fridolina Rolfo can certainly make the Americans pay.

Ultimately. expect the Americans to put forth their best showing of the tournament. Sophia Smith and Alex Morgan remain two of the best players in the world, and should overwhelm Sweden’s aging backline.

This American group has raised their game consistently when the matches matter most, but the peskiness of this Swedish side won’t go down lightly. I’d expect both sides to find the back of the net, and this match to actually end in a draw after 90 minutes, following a real back-and-forth affair.

In terms of extra-time and perhaps penalties, I give the edge to the Swedes, likely facing less pressure and a talented keeper.

Sunday, August 6th

One of the biggest surprises from the group stage was the play of this upstart South African side. They finished second in their group to an unmatched Swedish squad, and were the only team to truly test them. Their pace and surprising scoring ability dismantled Italy, and though their defense leaves a lot to be desired, there is enough excitement to consider an upset.

With that said, they will be taking on one of the most in-form squads from the tournament so far in the Netherlands. The Dutch are a veteran side, loaded with skill and talent, and know what it takes to win these types of competitions.

They arguably outplayed the United States in their group stage encounter, and showed their scoring might with a 7-0 crushing over Vietnam a few days ago.