Women’s World Cup – Round of 16 Picks

With the knockout phase of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup commencing this weekend, it’s time to lay down your round of 16 picks. 

The knockouts get underway on Saturday, August 5. Switzerland takes on Spain in the early match before Japan faces Norway in Wellington. On Sunday, August 6, the Netherlands clash with South Africa, while Sweden faces the United States. 

If you want to discover my round of 16 picks for this weekend, be sure to read on. First, let’s take a closer look at the Women’s World Cup schedule for August 5-6.

Round of 16 Preview and Schedule for August 5-6

With four World Cup matches to enjoy – and bet on – this weekend, soccer fans have a lot to be excited about. In fact, five of the teams involved in this weekend’s clashes were among the bookies’ top 10 pre-tournament favorites. 

Before we dive into my round of 16 picks for Saturday and Sunday, here is the weekend schedule in full:

• Switzerland vs. Spain – Saturday, August 5 (Eden Park, Auckland) 
• Japan vs. Norway – Saturday, August 5 (Sky Stadium, Wellington) 
• Netherlands vs. South Africa – Sunday, August 6 (Allianz Stadium, Sydney) 
• Sweden vs. United States – Sunday, August 6 (AAMI Park, Melbourne)

At +450, Spain started the tournament as the bookies’ third favorite to lift the trophy, while Switzerland was priced at +20000 to go all the way. However, the Spaniards were thrashed 4-0 by Japan in their final group game, making Japan the favorite to dispatch Norway in Saturday’s late match. 

The Netherlands will be expected to make light work of South Africa, but the European side will be wary of the threat posed by the “Banyana Banyana”. The final match of the weekend sees the United States clash with Sweden,  

Are you ready for my round of 16 picks for Saturday and Sunday? Let’s get this show on the road!

Women’s World Cup Round of 16 Picks for This Weekend

After winning five of my first six Women’s World Cup bets, I’m confident that my round of 16 picks will help you land a tasty profit this weekend. The Netherlands and Japan have already put money back into my pocket, so I could back them again. 

As we head towards the business end of the tournament, the moneyline odds for each game are starting to level out. The group stage dished up lots of mismatches with contrasting prices, but the knockout phase will be trickier to predict. 

Without further ado, here are my round of 16 picks for Saturday and Sunday. Having scoured the odds and studied each team, my round of 16 picks are based on both research and value.

Switzerland vs. Spain Prediction

• Odds: Spain (-286); Draw (+370); Switzerland (+740)

The Spaniards kicked off their World Cup campaign with a 3-0 victory over Costa Rica before thrashing Zambia 5-0. However, the European side suffered a shock 4-0 defeat to Japan last time out, despite racking up 78% possession and 10 shots. 

Switzerland, meanwhile, took five points from a possible nine in Group A. Following a routine 2-0 victory over the Philippines, the Swiss played out goalless draws with Norway and New Zealand, meaning they have achieved three successive shutouts. 

That said, Spain’s start-studded roster shouldn’t struggle to burst Switzerland’s defensive bubble. Since the Spaniards have already scored eight goals in three matches, I’m backing them to punch their ticket to the quarterfinals at the expense of Switzerland. 

Best Bet: Spain (-286) 

Japan vs. Norway Prediction

• Odds: Japan (-132); Draw (+249); Norway (+348)

To say that Japan enjoyed an impressive group-stage campaign would be a big understatement. Not only did Futoshi Ikeda’s girls score 11 goals across their three wins, but they also prevented each of their Group C opponents from scoring. 

After crushing Zambia 5-0, the Japanese claimed a 2-0 victory against Costa Rica before hammering Spain. Hinata Miyazawa leads the Golden Boot race with four goals to her name, while Mina Tanaka has bagged two goals and three assists so far. 

Granted, Norway is a difficult opponent. The Danes thrashed the Philippines 6-0 in their final group game, highlighting their own attacking threat. However, since the Japanese average almost four goals per game, I expect them to score at least twice on Saturday.  

Best Bet: Japan Over 1.5 Goals (+101)

Netherlands vs. South Africa Prediction

• Odds: Netherlands (-500); Draw (+550); South Africa (+1100)

As the moneyline odds suggest, the Netherlands should make light work of South Africa. That said, South Africa has been one of the surprise packages of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and should not be underestimated. 

Following a narrow 2-1 defeat against Sweden in their opening match, the South Africans managed to hold Argentina to a 2-2 draw before coming from behind to beat Italy 3-2. As a result, they finished second in Group G behind Sweden. 

Still, the Netherlands should be confident of reaching the quarterfinals. Having thrashed Vietnam 7-0 last time out – backing up a 1-1 draw with the United States – the Dutch will be hopeful of advancing to the last eight.

Best Bet: SIGN IN TO ACCESS PICK

Sweden vs. United States Prediction

• Odds: United States (+105); Draw (+225); Sweden (+260)

If the bookies’ odds are anything to go by, Sunday’s showdown between the United States and Sweden should be the closest match of the weekend. Yes, the US is the favorite, but the Swedes will fancy their chances of progressing. 

Ahead of the tournament, the oddsmakers favored the Stars and Stripes to lift the trophy. However, they have flattered to deceive up to now, beating lowly Vietnam before playing out draws with the Netherlands and Portugal. 

On the flip side, the Swedes enter the knockouts with a 100% record, having dispatched South Africa, Italy and Argentina. With nine goals scored and only one conceded, Sweden looks destined to give the Stars and Stripes a run for their money. 

Best Bet: SIGN IN TO ACCESS PICK

It’s Time to Lock in Your Round of 16 Picks

There you go – my round of 16 picks for this weekend are out in the open. I’m backing Spain to defeat Switzerland, and I’m also backing Japan to score over 1.5 goals against Norway, but you’ll have to sign in to access the rest of my round of 16 picks. 

I will be back on Friday with more round of 16 picks for the matches taking place on Monday and Tuesday. England, Nigeria, Australia, Denmark, Jamaica and France have all booked their place in the knockout phase. On Thursday, two of Colombia, Germany, Morocco and South Korea will join them. 

Be sure to stick with Sports Hub for more Women’s World Cup betting advice throughout the tournament.