SportsLine expert backs USMNT for Round of 16 at 2026 World Cup
With Spain as the early favourite, the US faces long odds, but insider analysis suggests a strong path through the group stages and into the knockout rounds.
SportsLine soccer insider Jon Eimer has released a set of betting predictions for the United States men’s national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Eimer is backing the USMNT to reach the Round of 16, a stage the team has achieved in three of the last four tournaments they have qualified for, as well as during their previous hosting of the event in 1994.
Current futures odds list Spain as the favourite at +440, with the US positioned at +5500 and Mexico at +6500. Canada is listed at +22500. Eimer, who has posted a 31-13-2 record on Champions League picks since joining SportsLine, suggests the US will likely finish second in their group. This scenario would see them face Egypt in the Round of 32, a match Eimer believes the USMNT can win due to home-field advantage.
The prediction notes that the US has reached the Round of 16 in their last three qualified tournaments, pacing 14th in 2022. While the 2018 team did not qualify for the World Cup in Russia, the current outlook is more optimistic. Eimer stated that despite existing problems within the squad, he believes they are good enough to advance at least to the Round of 16.
In terms of individual performance, Christian Pulisic is the favourite to top the USMNT scoring charts at +340. Folarin Balogun is listed as the second favourite at +380. Eimer is also high on a top goal scorer priced at nearly +2000, describing the player as someone who can "find goals outside of the box" and potentially shock the competition.
Other global favourites include France at +460, England at +650, Brazil at +800, and Portugal at +1000. The odds reflect a competitive field, with the USMNT facing significant longshot status but benefiting from the unique dynamics of hosting the tournament on home soil.
