World Cup Day 24 Tipsheet: Back the unstoppable French to book their place in the last eight

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Jack Critchley has picked out his best bets for Day 24 of the 2026 World Cup

The Round of 16 begins with two games taking place on Saturday, and Jack Critchley has picked out his best bets in these fixtures, including a bet builder for Paraguay vs France...


Canada vs Morocco Tip - Back the Atlas Lions to edge a tight one

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Saturday, 18:00

Canada couldn't have asked for an easier Round of 32 fixture, although they left it late to secure their place in the last 16. Jesse Marsch's side were unable to find a way through until stoppage time, despite landing seven of their 12 shots on target. It was far from a classic, but the former NY Red Bulls coach will be pleased with his team's robustness, having restricted South Africa to just six shots, four of which were wayward.

Things will get much tougher for the co-hosts at this stage of the competition, and a clash with in-form Morocco will be far from straightforward. Granted, the Atlas Lions have had less time to prepare for this fixture, having required extra time and penalties to overcome the Netherlands. As a consequence, it wouldn't be a surprise if they started this one slowly, easing themselves into the contest.

I'd expect a fairly low-key first 45 minutes before both sides up the ante in the second period.

Morocco are now unbeaten in 32 matches, and have already held Brazil to a 1-1 draw at this tournament. The change of manager post-AFCON hasn't caused any sort of disruption, and this is a bunch of players who appear to be full of confidence. This is encapsulated by Noussair Mazraoui, who has left many Manchester United fans wondering if they've been watching the same player who frequently failed to impress at Old Trafford.

Achraf Hakimi is the danger man. He's the one that Canada must handle with the utmost vigilance, and he is likely to make the difference if he can find space in key areas.

Morocco aren't particularly prolific, but they will punish defensive errors, and they won't be giving much away. Against a Canadian outfit who failed to put away their opportunities against Bosnia earlier in the tournament, they may be able to see this one out.



Paraguay vs France Tip - Back Dominance from Deschamps' troops in Philadelphia

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Saturday, 22:00

Paraguay required penalties to surprisingly overcome Germany in the Round of 32 and will face the daunting task of halting the French juggernaut on Saturday evening. Since losing their opener to the USA, Gustavo Alfaro's men have barely put a foot wrong defensively, keeping clean sheets against both Australia and Turkey and conceding just once against the 2014 World Cup winners.

Nevertheless, their defensive wall is unlikely to maintain its structure here. Against Germany, they conceded an xGA of 1.57 and got a little lucky with Jonathan Tah's goal being ruled out. With ten men, they somehow kept Turkey off the scoresheet, conceding 32 shots and allowing the USA 53 touches in their box, compared to just 11 at the other end of the field.

The South American side are playing with plenty of spirit and determination, but their run of good defensive fortune is unlikely to continue here.

France strolled past Sweden, and were exceptional going forward. They hit the woodwork twice in the first half, had a goal disallowed and registered an xG of 3.24. Michael Olise had more touches than any other player on the field, suggesting that Didier Deschamps' side had been instructed to move the ball forward at every possible opportunity.

They were relentless and obliterated a half-decent Swedish outfit. No amount of time-wasting, getting men behind the ball or committing clever fouls will stop Les Bleus from progressing this weekend.

I've put together a Bet Builder for this Round of 16 encounter. If you bet £10 on this, you can take advantage of our Bet £10 Get £10 on ACCAs or Bet Builders offer, which is available throughout the World Cup.

I've included both Michael Olise and Kylian Mbappe to score anytime, a goal in each half and France to cover the -1 handicap


Notable winners on Betting.Betfair so far at the 2026 World Cup...

- Mark Stinchcombe's stunning 38/139.00 Bet Builder in South Korea v Czechia
- Paul Higham's 9/25.50 Bet Builder in Mexico's MD1 defeat of South Africa

- A 6/17.00 winning ACCA for Mark on Sunday at the World Cup
- Andy Robson's 9/110.00 five-leg ACCA as Germany wallop Curacao

- An 11/26.50 winner for Jimmy The Punt as Jonathan David scores 2+ goals
- Jack Critchley delivered a 5/16.00 goalscorer treble on day 13
- Japan score but lose to give Paul Higham a 3/14.00 winner
- France and Norway help Andy Robson land a 9/25.50 ACCA
- A Lucas Bergvall fouls frenzy v France secures 9/25.50 winner for Jimmy
- Jack bagged four out of four winners in MD21 including an 11/26.50 ACCA
- Andy Robson secured a 4/15.00 last 16 ACCA winner
- A full house of winning tips and an 11/26.50 ACCA to boot for Mark


Check out all of our World Cup 2026 betting tips


Recommended bets

Back Morocco to Win and Under 3.5 Goals (vs Canada) @ 5/42.25

Back France to Win Both Halves (vs Paraguay @ 13/102.30

Back France -1 Handicap, Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise to Score Anytime, A Goal in Both Halves and BTTS? No @ [5.66/1]

Jack Critchley

Jack is a betting broadcaster and journalist of 10+ years and has been covering the Championship for Betfair since the beginning of the 2019 season.

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