Tight semifinal odds put the focus on defensive totals and player props involving Mbappé, Yamal, Bellingham and Messi
The World Cup is down to its Final Four, with France scheduled to take on Spain tomorrow, 3 p.m. EST, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
That’s followed by England versus Argentina, Wednesday, 3 p.m. EST, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia.
Listening to England manager Thomas Tuchel carve his team up following their 2-1 win over Norway on Saturday, and with Argentina barely surviving a scare against Switzerland, winning 3-1, you’d think the second game is a little dicier from a betting perspective.
But that first game is tightly matched as well.
In World Cup betting at Betway, the odds for both matches bear that out.
In tomorrow’s matchup, France is +137, Spain +210, and the draw +210.
And for Wednesday, England is +225, Argentina is +260, and the draw is +190.
Again, quoting Breaking Bad’s Tuco: “Tight, tight, tight.”
Where do you lean if you’re sports betting?
Two massively even-matched games, likely to feature tight, tactical battles. Understand the 90-minute rule – most moneyline, over/under, and props settle only after regulation.
Extra time and penalties only count for to advance markets. A draw after 90 minutes kills a straight win bet.
What’s the injury situation?
For France versus Spain, France looks good, with Aurelien Tchouameni back training after a thigh issue and likely to start in midfield.
Kylian Mbappé had a slight ankle issue but said he is fine. On the Spain side, Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino have recovered from previous injuries, while Lamine Yamal, playing through issues, has been starting.
In the England-Argentina game, Jarell Quansah is suspended for the second game of a two-match ban, and Jordan Henderson is out with a broken arm after that freak accident after the Mexico game.
England’s Reece James is back, though, having recovered from a hamstring injury. Argentina’s Lionel Messi took a hit to the eye against Switzerland but should be fine. Cristian Romero and Leandro Paredes had cramping issues but should be okay.
Best bets for tomorrow: France to win, with that attacking line of Mbappé, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele and either Desire Doué or Bradley Barcola. Spain will try to keep the ball, but that’s too much firepower.
While I think France wins, I am going Under 2.5 Total Goals (-110) since Spain has played elite defence all tournament, with a backline that makes it tough for opponents to find the cage. Plus, money on Mbappé to score is also an obvious pick, at +105. Yamal 2+ Shots on Target at plus money (+125), as well, since he is one of Spain’s most dangerous one-on-one attackers and is tied for the team lead in shots on target. Yamal often finds himself in shooting positions when Spain has enough possession to create opportunities.
This really feels like England’s year, so I’m backing them to beat Argentina on Wednesday. With unders hitting consistently at this stage of the tournament, I’m also taking Under 2.5 Total Goals at -163.
My favorite player props at Betway are Jude Bellingham to record 2+ Shots on Target at +230 and Lionel Messi as an Anytime Goalscorer at +120.
