After more than three weeks of a barrage of matches in the 2026 World Cup, things get really good on Sunday. Both of the round of 16 matches feature easy storylines and fun matchups between strong teams.England travels to the Estadio Azteca, where Mexico is nearly unbeatable, while Erling Haaland and Norway take on world power Brazil in a tough test for the Seleçao. Here’s a look at the storylines and odds for both matches plus some picks from our betting staff.Why don't these countries play in the colour of their national flag?Tifo FootballBrazil-NorwayTime: 4 p.m. ETTV: Fox (English), Telemundo (Spanish)Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.Brazil has arguably the most famous national team on the planet. The Seleçao have more World Cup wins than any other nation (five) and some of the biggest stars in the sport’s history. This year’s team doesn’t quite look like that, but can take a big step toward showing that against a strong Norway squad.The Vikings entered the tournament as one of the most popular dark-horse picks and have lived up to the hype so far. Norway got a convincing win against Iraq to start and has since picked up victories against strong African sides in Senegal and Ivory Coast. The lone defeat came against France with a mostly rotated lineup.It’s not often Brazil doesn’t have the best player in a match, but it’s arguable in this case. Erling Haaland has five goals while only playing three games and picked up a late winner against Ivory Coast. With respect to Brazil’s Vinícius Júnior, who has four goals and an assist at this World Cup, Haaland has looked unstoppable.That’s what makes this so interesting. Brazil is favored with odds between -230 and -270 to advance, giving the Seleçao roughly a 70 percent chance of going through, but who is going to bet against Haaland if Norway needs a late goal?On top of that, Brazil hasn’t looked dominant. An opening 1-1 draw against Morocco showed some flaws, and Brazil trailed Japan at halftime and needed a 95th-minute goal to win last round. Everything we’ve seen from Norway makes it seem like this team is at the least on a similar level to Morocco and Japan.There’s also one thing Brazil has never done in its storied history: beat Norway. Believe it or not, the Scandinavian country is undefeated in four all-time meetings against Brazil (two wins, two draws). That’s the only team Brazil has played and never beaten. Go figure.Mexico-EnglandTime: 8 p.m. ETTV: Fox (English), Telemundo (Spanish)Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico CityBeyond the obvious stakes for each of the teams involved, this match is for any American fan who has watched the U.S. men melt in the Azteca on many occasions and wondered how a European power would handle that environment. Even atmospheres in Costa Rica, Honduras or Panama can feel incredibly difficult, but El Tri in Mexico City is something different.This match can provide an answer to just how hard it is to play at the Azteca. If England can’t win there, not many teams in the world can.England is favored to advance, but it’s close. Both teams sit at plus-odds to win in regular time.Harry Kane has been England’s superstar this tournament with five goals, including two in the final 20 minutes of a 2-1 comeback victory against DR Congo last round. He and Jude Bellingham have stood out, but the Three Lions have struggled to get key contributions from other players. Declan Rice does everything in midfield for England, but appeared visibly tired before subbing out late in the match. Anthony Gordon had both assists against DR Congo, although the second goal was all Kane.Mexico has been living a fairy tale so far. The team hasn’t faced much adversity at all this tournament. El Tri has won all four games, hasn’t allowed a goal and three of the wins were by multiple goals.Seven Mexicans have registered at least a goal or an assist, and the duo of Julián Quiñones (three goals, one assist) and Raúl Jiménez (two goals) have looked especially dangerous.This is the last match of the World Cup in Mexico. The quarterfinals and on are all in the United States. Mexico will still have a significant home crowd in the U.S., but there’s nothing like the Azteca. Now, we see how much that is worth.Best betsMike Hume: Mexico to advance, +115 (DraftKings)How will the Three Lions perform at altitude? I don’t know. I also don’t really know how Mexico is +115 against an enigmatic England side that has flirted with disappointment throughout the tournament. I do know that playing in Mexico City is a crazy home-field advantage for El Tri. I’m jumping on this price.Dan Santaromita: Mexico to advance, +115 (DraftKings)I could get creative and try to come up with something else, but I really think the wrong team is favored. Mexico is not nearly as talented as England, but El Tri is balanced and plays with its hair on fire at the Azteca. I’ve always wanted to know how a European power would handle the environment there, and now we’ll see. I can’t wait to watch.Vik Chokshi: Erling Haaland to be first goalscorer in regulation, +475 (DraftKings), Vinicius Junior to be first goalscorer in regulation, +475 (DraftKings)The total of 2.5 is heavily juiced toward the over, and so is both teams to score and the yes. That means the sportsbooks are anticipating some goals in this one. I just want to enjoy this game and root for some goals, so who better to throw a couple of bucks on than the two biggest guns playing in this matchup? I anticipate both stars showing up for their teams on the biggest stage. If either of them gets the first one, it will be a nice payday.Picks recordsUnitsRecordMike3.5110-11Dan2.111-10Vik-0.112-12Dean-0.795-8