Victoria MatiashCloseVictoria MatiashSpecial to ESPN.comVictoria Matiash is a contributing writer for fantasy hockey and betting at ESPN. Victoria has been a part of the fantasy team since 2010. and
Liz LozaCloseLiz LozaESPN WriterLiz Loza is a writer for fantasy football, women's basketball and betting at ESPN. Liz also appears on "Fantasy Football Now" and contributes to the Fantasy Focus Football podcast.
The 2026 World Cup gets underway on Thursday and continues through the final match on July 19. With 48 countries ready to take the field for a total of 104 matches, there's plenty of soccer on the horizon, and that means plenty of opportunity to make some wagers on the action.
With so many potential bets that can be made, it might be a bit overwhelming to know where to begin. Fear not! Victoria Matiash and Liz Loza have looked over the options and landed on one bet you can make on each team taking part in the festivities.
*Odds as of time of publication. For the most updated odds, visit DraftKings Sportsbook
Jump ahead to a specific group: Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czechia Group B: Canada, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Türkiye Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan Group K: Portugal, Congo DR, Uzbekistan, Colombia Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
Mexico's top goal scorer, Raúl Jiménez (+250): A longtime fixture for El Tri, Jiménez's 44 goals ranks third on the Mexican national team's all-time top-scorer list. Additionally, he recently became the highest-scoring Mexican player in Premier League history, having found the EPL net 68 times at the close of the 2025-26 season. The 35-year-old arrives at these games on home soil, vetted, prepared and ready to thrive as the team's brightest (and most trusted) goal-scoring star. -- Loza
South Africa vs. Mexico, South Africa total team goals UNDER 0.5 (-117): South Africa isn't getting anything past Guillermo Ochoa. The legendary goal-stopper has announced this World Cup -- his sixth in total -- will be his last, as he plans to retire from professional club ball at the close of the tournament. Even if Ochoa is used in a rotation, South Africa's struggles to find a reliable finisher make the team's chances of scoring all too slim. -- Loza
To score in every group game, South Korea (+140): Making an 11th consecutive World Cup appearance, the South Korean team boasts experience, discipline and depth. Hong Myung-Bo, who captained the Taegeuk Warriors to the semifinals as a player in 2002, orchestrated a masterful run, coached his team to 15 wins (out of 16 games) over Rounds 2 and 3 of AFC qualifying. His team found the back of the net 40 times in the process. Led by superstar Son Heung-Min, South Korea's front line attacks with precision and regular success. The Taegeuk Warriors might not end up winning the whole tournament, but this squad will certainly beat up on each opponent they face along the way. -- Loza
Czechia vs. South Korea, Czechia to WIN by 1 goal (+280): This match sets up as the closest and most fascinating in Group A. Returning to the World Cup for the first time in 20 years, Czechia's path to qualifying was rife with chaos, grit and drama. Miroslav Koubek's squad won by employing defensive consistency and set piece dominance. South Korea might have the sharper technique and the bigger brand-name appeal, but Czechia isn't afraid to dance with chance. This match could very well come down to a penalty, in which case the advantage belongs to Nároďák. -- Loza
Group B Dual Forecast, Switzerland 1st/Canada 2nd (+225): Versatile midfielder/winger Marcelo Flores is out after suffering a devastating ACL tear. Moïse Bombito appears hobbled after playing only 30 minutes against Uzbekistan in a recent friendly. Burying the lede, perhaps, star Alphonso Davies is a massive question mark for the entire tournament. Unfortunately for the host squad, Canada isn't bringing the optimal version of itself to the 2026 World Cup, beginning with group stage competition that includes a tough match against a stronger Swiss side. Still, a victory in their opener with Bosnia-Herzegovina and a projected win over Qatar should suffice in seeing Jesse Marsch's crew secure the runner-up spot to Switzerland. -- Matiash
Group B Exact Finish, Switzerland 1st/Canada 2nd/Bosnia 3rd/Qatar 4th (+350): Despite their No. 64 FIFA ranking, the Balkan nation is forecasted to be a tough enough challenge in the opening stage. Led by 40-year-old Edin Džeko and sporting inflated confidence after essential qualifying wins over Wales and Italy, Bosnia-Herzegovina is in a strong position to earn a victory over Qatar. Even if they lose to both Switzerland and Canada as anticipated (although a draw with the host squad is hardly out of the question), securing the third spot in the group appears to be very much in the cards. -- Matiash
To lose all group games (+225): The worry here is the element of the draw, which is a heavier concern against Bosnia-Herzegovina than perhaps the host Canadians or the No. 19-ranked Swiss. Still, Qatar hasn't won a match since beating the United Arab Emirates 2-1 in mid-October, scoring only one goal in their four subsequent matches. -- Matiash
Switzerland's top goal scorer Breel Embolo (+275): At last equipped with the visa necessary to enter the United States -- it's a long story -- Embolo reestablishes himself as Switzerland's greatest scoring threat at the World Cup. Tapped as the Swiss side's top striker, the 29-year-old scored four goals in six qualifying matches and another pair over three recent friendlies. Sometimes the most obvious proposition bet is also the wisest. -- Matiash
Brazil vs. Morocco, correct score, 1-0 (+550): The only nation to have qualified for the World Cup in each of the event's 22 iterations, Brazil returns to the global stage for a 23rd time, presenting the sixth-shortest odds (+950) to walk away as tournament champs. Morocco will be first to test the history-rich team. Heavy favorites to win Group C (-370), the Seleção boast a star-studded roster with Vinícius Júnior and Neymar headlining the squad. Included among the team's household names is netminder Alisson Becker. Widely considered one of the top three goalkeepers in the world, Alisson has maintained a career Premier League save percentage near 73%, ranking him inside the top five at the position for save success rate. Morocco figures to employ aggressive tactics, but are unlikely to rattle the Liverpool standout. -- Loza
Morocco vs. Brazil, team to score, 2nd Half, Brazil (-210): This might seem like it's a bet for Brazil, but it's actually more of a compliment to Morocco's defense and netminding. The Atlas Lions figure to fend off the Seleção for a good portion of the contest. With a trio of midfielders who can defend in space and given Yassine Bounou's larger-than-life prowess in net, Morocco will not be easy to take down. -- Loza
Haiti vs. Scotland, Haiti total team goals OVER 0.5 (-129): Making only their second World Cup appearance -- and the first in 52 years -- Haiti arrives as 2500-1 tourney champion underdogs. Les Grenadiers, however, have the energy and athleticism to play spoiler. While Scotland's defense and midfield figure to control game flow and clear the danger zone, a limited number of reps for the team's goalkeepers should work in Haiti's favor. -- Loza
Group C Runner-Up, Scotland (+200): Returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, The Tartan Army brings a cohesive and physical playing style to the pitch. Currently ranked No. 43 overall by FIFA, Scotland will have to summon that on-brand brevity in order to finish ahead of No. 8 Morocco. It's not impossible, though. Leaning on a strapping midfield and the team's dead ball specialists, Scotland is a long shot worth betting on. -- Loza
Folarin Balogun, total goals OVER 1.5 (+100): With 84 senior caps to his name, Christian Pulisic is the most recognized and revered name on the USMNT roster. The Brooklyn-born Balogun, however, is a player Americans will want to follow. A dynamic striker known for his speed and elite finishing ability, Balogun scored an impressive 19 goals across all competitions for AS Monaco during the 2025-26 season. Given Pulisic's recent scoring drought, Balogun is in a position to ascend. -- Loza
Paraguay vs. USA, USA to WIN by 1 goal (+235): La Albirroja's great strength lies in its defensive stiffness, which is captained by center back legend Gustavo Gómez. Paraguay's qualifying campaign, during which the team scored just 14 goals over 18 matches while conceding only 10 goals, is reflective of the squad's "protection over all else" ethos. Playing on home soil, the Americans are likely to edge out the competition, but Gustavo Alfaro's exacting approach figures to make for a close and low-scoring match. -- Loza
Australia vs Türkiye, 1st goal method of scoring, PENALTY (+600): Is this likely to happen? Obviously not. But can it happen? Absolutely! This version of the Socceroos dominate with aerial prowess and set pieces, regularly capitalizing on dead ball situations. In fact, more than 13% of Australia's goals during the team's qualifying campaign came via penalty kicks. In his managerial debut, Tony Popovic figures to lead his squad with tactical pragmatism. That doesn't mean, however, some combination of Martin Boyle, Ajdin Hrustic and/or Nestory Irankunda won't pull off heart-racing theatrics while chasing FIFA's No. 22-ranked team from Türkiye. -- Loza
Group D Winner, Türkiye (+175): Returning to the World Cup stage for the first time since finishing third in 2002, the Crescent-Stars appear to be reinvigorated and motivated to showcase a new "golden generation." Drawing upon an exciting blend of young and established talent, Vincenzo Montella's system is equal parts creative and disciplined. Recording just a single loss during the UEFA qualification cycle (a brutal 6-0 defeat to Spain), Türkiye arrives capable of exploiting USA's defensive vulnerabilities. Taking down the home favorite figures to be a challenge, but this squad has already demonstrated the resilience necessary to overcome. -- Loza
Germany vs. Ivory Coast, Ivory Coast (tie no bet) (+340): One of the more fascinating matches from one of the more intriguing groups isn't expected to yield much scoring, particularly against an African side heralded for its staunch defense. Ivory Coast didn't surrender a single goal in 10 qualifying matches. Siding with star winger Nicolas Pépé & Co. to pull off what would be considered only a minor upset against Germany, while risking nothing if it ends in a draw, feels like a worthy leap. Keep in mind, three nations are favored to qualify from Group E, including Les Éléphants. -- Matiash
Curaçao, total goals OVER 1.5 (+150): Members of the "happy to be here" club and ranked 82nd by FIFA, The Blue Wave nonetheless want to make a positive impression for their excited supporters as the smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup. Managed once again by a returning Dick Advocaat, this enthusiastic bunch can still threaten on offense. Led by the Bacuna brothers, and wild card Tahith Chong of Sheffield United, Curaçao can be counted on to go down swinging even as they face a likely early exit from the preliminary round. -- Matiash
Group E Dual Forecast, Ecuador 1st/Ivory Coast 2nd (+1600) + Ivory Coast 1st/Ecuador 2nd (+2200): A worthwhile hedge, this double wager essentially projects a third-place finish for Germany in one of the tightest groups in the World Cup. Dually recognized for solid defensive play, both Ecuador and the Ivory Coast are odds-on favorites to advance (along with Germany) in this expanded tournament. If the Germans fail to finish in the top two -- as they did in both Russia (2018) and Qatar (2022) -- Ecuador and the Ivory Coast are largely favored to secure those spots, in either order. -- Matiash
Ecuador's top goal scorer Enner Valencia (+175): The favorite to top Ecuador's scoring table, Valencia leads his country with 49 goals in national play, highlighted by three in Brazil 2014 and another three in Qatar 2022. Healthy again after suffering an apparent ankle injury with his Liga MX side Pachuca, the 36-year-old veteran will front Ecuador's offensive attack while Sebastián Beccacece's side otherwise relies on its stifling defensive play. -- Matiash
Netherlands' top goal scorer, Cody Gakpo (+300): Scoring 55 goals across 108 international appearances, Memphis Depay (+275) is the Netherlands' all-time leading goal scorer. However, the 32-year-old missed the March window due to a hamstring issue and his minutes figure to be managed accordingly. Gakpo, on the other hand, enters the tournament in excellent form, having led the team with three goals at the Euros and having registered four during World Cup qualifying. On a squad rich with defensive depth but lacking offensive attack, both forwards will be called upon. Gapko's fresh legs and present-day consistency, however, should keep him just ahead of his veteran counterpart. -- Loza
To score in every group game, Japan (+100): The Samurai Blue first qualified for the World Cup in 1998. Less than 30 years later, the club has not only managed a streak of eight consecutive appearances, but also enters 2026 ranked No. 18 in the world. After a convincing March window that included road wins over Scotland and England, Japan is widely expected to place second to the Netherlands in group competition (+180). This team brings along a brilliantly efficient and technically sound offense. In fact, Japan registered a goal in all but two matches (both in the third round of the AFC qualifiers) during the qualifying campaign. The loss of Kaoru Mitoma certainly stings, but given Hajime Moriyasu's highly fluid system in combination with the team's European pedigree, a score in every group game seems more probable than merely "possible" to happen. -- Loza
Sweden vs. Tunisia, to WIN from behind, Sweden (+1000): The Blågult recorded exactly zero wins from behind during the team's qualifying campaign. That's because Sweden didn't win a single match during the group stage. However, the Blue and Yellow snuck into the tournament via the UEFA playoffs (through the Nations League route) where the team bested Ukraine and Poland. Along the way, the squad picked up embattled manager Graham Potter, who delivered a chaotic pair of wins, further adding to the head-scratching spectacle that continues to follow this squad. Sweden has the attacking firepower necessary to overcome Tunisia's defense, but in light of recent events, the victory figures to unfold in dramatic fashion. -- Loza
Tunisia vs. Sweden, anytime goal scorer, Ismaël Gharbi (+550) and Elias Saad (+475): Making a third consecutive World Cup appearance, Tunisia arrives as Group F's biggest underdog (+1200 odds to win the group). That doesn't mean, however, that The Eagles of Carthage won't make opposing squads uncomfortable. While the strength of this team is a sound defense, there exists legitimate talent across the front line. Saad is the team's most reliable finisher and is expected to start as Tunisia's primary striker. He scored three goals for the national team over the course of six matches during the qualifying campaign. Gharbi scored only once over four appearances during the same span, but brings a youthful creativity and set piece prowess to the squad. The 22-year-old has the technical flair and precise finishing ability to beat the odds and win the above wager. -- Loza
Belgium's top goal scorer, Jérémy Doku (+800): For value, siding with the Manchester City winger to lead his nation in goal scoring is rather appealing. Perceived as an ever-improving clutch performer, Doku scored four goals in the span of five matches from mid-April to early May when his English Premier League side still sported a fighting chance of catching Arsenal for the title. Still on the rise, the 24-year-old attacker serves as an attractive X-factor in Belgium's projected positive run this June and July. -- Matiash
To score in every group game (+120): This offer is in acknowledgement of superstar Mohammed Salah and his enduring ability to find the back of the net. Winger Trézéguet, forward Omar Mahmoush and others also serve as viable threats to score for The Pharaohs. While Belgium's inexperienced defense is conceivably, although not so obviously, penetrable, the defenses of Iran and New Zealand present as lesser competition altogether. An Egyptian goal in every group stage game doesn't feel like a big ask at all. -- Matiash
To finish bottom in group, Iran (+350): Considering the heavy cloud of political chaos hanging over the Iranian side heading into this tournament, group stage competition could present a tough uphill climb for the nation ranked 21st in the world. With safety and security issues in play, along with cross-border travel (commuting from Mexico on all three days of their group stage matches), Iran is dealing with additional hurdles not affecting other countries. A loss to New Zealand in the opener would likely condemn the country to the last spot in a quartet that also includes Belgium and Egypt. -- Matiash
New Zealand vs. Iran, DRAW (+255): The first tournament match for both teams (June 15) will probably decide which squad is most likely to immediately head home following the group stage along with harboring some hope of moving on for the other. With a loss serving as a likely knockout blow for either, both sides can be counted on to approach this essential opener in a more conservative manner. While there's little question Iran is the stronger side, the extra weight of battling in a World Cup partially hosted by the United States could conceivably affect the nation's mental performance, especially out of the gate. -- Matiash
To win ALL group games, Spain (-110): The No. 2-ranked club per FIFA and the reigning European Champions, La Roja is making a 13th consecutive World Cup appearance. Luis de la Fuente has impressively managed to push the perennial powerhouse to new levels, increasing pace, installing aggression and infusing the squad with electric young talent. Spain was undefeated through the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, scoring 21 goals and conceding just two. With Rodri reportedly back to health and teenage phenom Lamine Yamal also on track to make his tournament debut, Spain is set to surge. -- Loza
Cape Verde vs. Spain, team first goal scorer, Dailon Livramento (+950): A goal versus No. 2-ranked Spain would, frankly, be a gift. That said, the Blue Sharks are no stranger to coming from behind and figure to be chasing points. Were the team to find the net, it would likely come courtesy of Livramento's physicality and pace. The 25-year-old striker established himself as Cape Verde's primary attacking target, registering a team-high four goals during the qualifying campaign. -- Loza
Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay, anytime goal scorer, Salem Al-Dawsari (+550): Despite sitting with only a No. 61 FIFA ranking, Saudi Arabia has the goods to surprise. After all, the Green Falcons upset Argentina, 2-1, during the group opener in 2022. A lot, of course, has changed since then, including the team's manager. Hired in late April, Georgios Donis, will seek to lean on his familiarity with the Saudi Pro League player pool. That should start with team captain Al-Dawsari. The first Saudi player to win the AFC Champions League Golden Boot in 2025, this will likely be the 34-year-old's final World Cup. With 107 caps and 25 goals scored for his national team, expect the versatile attacker to finish strong and find the net at least once. -- Loza
Group H Runner-Up, Uruguay (-165): Uruguay has earned 15 World Cup appearances, but hasn't won the tournament since 1950 and exited during the group stage in 2022. This year's squad features a demanding new coach, an infusion of young talent, and the retirements of two venerated strikers. After an uneven qualifying campaign and given the public conversation surrounding Marcelo Bielsa's uncompromising approach, La Celeste enters the competition with undeniable volatility. Still, an elite midfield, a stingy defense and trademark tactical intensity should carry this team to the knockout bracket. -- Loza
Kylian Mbappé, FIFA Player of the Tournament (+900): No one should feel surprised if we have a repeat Golden Boot winner at the World Cup for the first time. After securing the prize in 2018, England captain Harry Kane tops the odds table as the premature favorite. It's a logical choice, in respect to Kane's outstanding year at Bayern Munich and in qualifying. However, France's superstar -- the reigning individual champion -- remains the early frontrunner of many pundits for good reason. Once again, he put up superior numbers for Real Madrid in LALIGA and UEFA Champions League competition. At age 27, he's a mere five goals shy of catching Germany's Miroslav Klose to take over as the World Cup's all-time scorer. If France makes it as far as anticipated, Mbappé could make history once again. -- Matiash
Group I Runner-Up (+220): A good mix of younger (Lamine Camara) and older (Sadio Mané) talent, the Senegalese are serving as a favorite World Cup dark horse for many, despite sharing a Group with France and Norway. While the No. 2 spot in the group is expected to slip to Erling Haaland and his fellow Norwegians, a draw between Senegal and Norway on June 22 -- hardly an outlandish thought -- could go far in shuffling out a different order. Losing the Africa Cup of Nations title for controversially leaving the pitch in regulation against Morocco, Senegal is more determined than ever to make a splash on the world stage. -- Matiash
To lose all group games (+125): Barely slipping into the tournament with a 2-1 win over Bolivia in late March, Iraq very well could lose outright to France, Senegal and Norway, teams ranked third, 14th and 31st, respectively, by FIFA. Manager Graham Arnold's roster just doesn't have the necessary game breakers. Positioned 56th in the world themselves, Iraq barely edged out Andorra (ranked 172nd) in a recent friendly. -- Matiash
To reach the Quarterfinals (+240): Leaving a wake of destruction in their qualifying path, Norway outscored their competition, 37-5. Even considering the gap in strength of competition -- although they did flatten Italy twice -- that's an impressive chasm. One player deserves a heavy share of praise for that feat. With full credit to midfielder Martin Ødegaard and others, Erling Haaland is an otherworldly striker, boasting 55 goals in 48 games for Norway, including 16 in eight qualifying contests. Even if that means having to go through a solid side from Group E (Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast) and then another quality European squad, the Manchester City superstar has the wherewithal to help -- perhaps even drag -- Norway into the Elite Eight. *Bonus Bet: Haaland top tournament goal scorer (+1400) -- Matiash
Argentina vs. Algeria, first goal scorer, Lionel Messi (+300): The "will he, won't he" suspense surrounding Messi's involvement has dominated World Cup headlines. Lionel Scaloni only officially named the Inter Miami star to the tournament roster on May 29. It's worth noting that the legendary forward -- who turns 39 years old midway through Group J fixtures -- has been nursing a hamstring issue ahead of the tournament's opening match. That said, "La Pulga" remains Argentina's top goal scorer, having registered eight goals over 12 matches during CONMEBOL qualifiers. The timing of this bet is what makes it tricky, but there certainly exists a scenario in which Messi kicks off his international swan song with an early goal before having his minutes managed for the remainder of what should be an uncomplicated initial victory. -- Loza
Algeria vs. Argentina, Algeria total team goals OVER 0.5 (-115): Making their first World Cup appearance since 2014, Les Fennecs arrive with the experience and excitement necessary to surprise. The squad won eight of 10 matches, comfortably topping their CAF qualifying group. Leaning on the team's dynamic attacking talent, as well as the tactical versatility employed via Vladimir Petković, Algeria figures to press Argentina early and often. Emiliano Martínez is a world-class keeper, but the Desert Foxes have the energy and maneuverability to find the net once over 90 minutes. -- Loza
Austria vs. Jordan, total team tackles, Austria 16+ (+105): Widely considered the "godfather" and inventor of Gegenpressing, Ralf Rangnick has successfully transformed Das Team into a relentless, high-pressing machine. Austria returns to the World Cup stage for the first time in nearly three decades under his tutelage, having conceded just four goals over eight matches during the team's 2026 qualifying campaign. Austria additionally recorded an eye-popping 144 tackles (second most in UEFA behind Czechia) during that span. Despite being heavily favored over Jordan (-310), the Austrians will need to remain defensively alert against counterattacks, likely registering an on-brand number of tackles, well into the double-digits. -- Loza
Jordan vs. Austria, anytime goal scorer, Mousa Al Tamari (+500): One of four teams making their World Cup debut, Al-Nashama is led by the electric and trailblazing Al Tamari. The left-footed right winger, who has affectionately been dubbed the "Jordanian Messi," became the first Jordanian to play in a top-five European league (France's Ligue 1). He is also credited with directly contributing to nine of Jordan's qualifying goals, scoring seven while registering two assists during the team's historic qualifying run. Getting past Austria's highly organized defense won't be easy, but few players are as clutch as Al Tamari. -- Loza
Portugal vs. Colombia, OVER 2.5 goals (+105): Conceding seven goals in six qualifying matches against opponents such as Hungary (ranked No. 42 by FIFA) and Armenia (ranked No. 106), Portugal will rely on its dangerous attack to enjoy success this June and July. We shouldn't expect a clean sheet when 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo and his squad take the pitch, including in one of the tournament's featured tilts. With a date against a third-place finisher on the line for the winner of Group K, both Portugal and Colombia can be counted on to press hard in their final match of the group stage. -- Matiash
Stage of elimination, Last 32 (+170): This is essentially a wager on Congo DR advancing past the group stage and no further. After deservedly earning their spot in the tournament with a gutsy win over Jamaica in the inter-confederation playoffs, Sébastien Desabre's players can potentially advance with a victory over Uzbekistan while not conceding too much to Colombia or Portugal. A draw against one of the two favorites in Group K is also not out of the question. -- Matiash
Uzbekistan's top goal scorer, Eldor Shomurodov (+300): If Uzbekistan is to enjoy any scoring success, it's most likely to come off the foot of striker Shomurodov. The captain led his side with five goals (and five assists) in navigating a tough 16-match route to qualify for the nation's first-ever World Cup. -- Matiash
To reach Last 16 (+100): After missing out on the 2022 World Cup, this Colombian squad is ready to make significant amends. Projected to seize the second qualifying spot behind Portugal, Luis Díaz, veteran James Rodríguez, and the rest of manager Néstor Lorenzo's charges would then advance to face the runner-up from Group L. That projects to be a Croatian side that has lost two recent friendlies, including a 2-0 decision to Belgium. With only two spots separating 11th-ranked Croatia and 13th-ranked Colombians, the latter stands a solid chance of advancing to the round of 16. If they manage to vault Portugal for top of the table, that path would likely be even smoother. -- Matiash
To reach the semifinal (+140): Built with a focus on team chemistry, this might be the strongest English squad to take the pitch in years. Comprising of captain Harry Kane (who scored a jaw-dropping 61 goals for Bayern Munich this season), young sensation Jude Bellingham (wearing No. 10), and wild-card striker Ivan Toney, Thomas Tuchel's crew shouldn't have to face fellow powerhouses Spain and France until much later in the tournament. -- Matiash
Stage of elimination, Last 32 (+115): After making the final in 2018 and the semis in 2022, Croatia's recent remarkable World Cup run might be coming to an end. If 40-year-old Luka Modrić & Co. finish second in Group L to England, as anticipated, that could set up a subsequent meeting with a strong Colombian side. That's a match that very well could end Croatia's run before the round of 16. A recent loss in a friendly with Belgium also served as a less-than-ideal warmup. -- Matiash
To qualify from group (-155): Under new manager Carlos Queiroz -- dropped into the role mere weeks ago -- Ghana is expected to take a frustratingly defensive approach to the world stage this June. While this isn't the most entertaining form of the beautiful game, it can be effective. A recent draw in a friendly with Wales offers promise the No. 73-ranked FIFA squad can squeeze out of the group stage, behind England and Croatia. We'll know soon enough. The opener with Panama will quickly determine whether or not Ghana is in contention. -- Matiash
Panama's top goal scorer, José Fajardo (+500): While there's plenty of chatter about Ismael Díaz as being one to watch for the Panamanian side, Fajardo scored three goals in nine Cup qualifying matches. Representing his country since 2017, the 32-year-old forward has served as a consistent scoring presence in a variety of competitions. For the record, "No Panama goal scorer" is priced just a little longer at +600. Just a word of warning that an "onslaught in production" might not be in the cards for this Central American squad. -- Matiash
Source: https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48807078/fifa-world-cup-betting-preview-best-bets-picks-odds-props-futures-2026