Canada headlines today’s World Cup group-stage slate against Qatar, while Mexico-South Korea and Switzerland-Bosnia could reshape the race for knock-round spots
Top World Cup headlines this morning are led by the news that Canada captain Alphonso Davies is available for tonight’s Group B match against Qatar, according to head coach Jesse Marsch.
As bettors settle in with their morning coffee, they’ll be closely monitoring the status of Davies, whether Jonathan David can break through offensively, and if Cyle Larin gets the nod after scoring off the bench last week against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Bettors are still reeling this morning from the stunning 1-1 draw between heavily favored Portugal and DR Congo yesterday in NRG Stadium in Houston, in front of close to 69,000 spectators (filled mostly with Portugal supporters).
Portugal dominated possession, but had just one shot on target, as Cristiano Ronaldo was largely neutralized.
Not the case in England versus Croatia in Dallas, with England’s statement 4-2 win, led by two markers by Harry Kane. Jude Bellingham also had an excellent strike.
Colombia handled Uzbekistan, 3-1, and in Toronto, in front of close to 43,000 fans, Caleb Yirenkyi tapped in a cross in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time as Ghana topped Panama 1-0. Ghana is on top of Group L with England this morning.
England’s impressive win over Croatia appears to have caught bettors’ attention. Betway lists France as the World Cup favourite at +400, with England and Spain next at +600, while Argentina is priced at +900.
Today there’s a full sked of matches, as group stage play continues.
Czechia (0-0-1) plays South Africa (0-0-1) at noon EST at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. In World Cup betting on Betway this morning, Czechia is -125, South Africa +333, with odds for a draw at +250.
Both teams are under pressure after losing their openers. South Africa might be a good place to sprinkle some cash. There’s anger in the South Africa camp, a feeling they were a victim of an injustice, after Themba Zwane was sent off for striking Mexico’s Roberto Alvarado, which FIFA later deemed serious enough to suspend him for three matches. In total there were three red cards against the South Africans in that match.
I think we’ll see a better showing from South Africa. Still, go with Czechia in a must-win.
Under 2.5 Goals would be a smarter play in this one, as well, sitting at -143 at Betway. Patrik Schick, Czechia’s clear goal threat, is +140 at Betway for Anytime Goalscorer.
Switzerland (0-1-0) plays Bosnia-Herzegovina (0-1-0), 3 p.m. EST, at SoFi Stadium, in Inglewood, California. Switzerland is betting favorite at -200, Bosnia-Herzegovina at +500, and odds for a draw at +320.
This one is more straightforward – Switzerland, needing a response after the draw against Qatar, and with a deeper squad, to win. The Swiss had a lot of chances against Qatar, with six shots, and 68% possession, led by Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye, but didn’t finish.
Bettors looking beyond the moneyline may want to consider Over 2.5 total goals at -115 and Switzerland Over 1.5 team goals at -138.
Canada (0-1-0) plays Qatar (0-1-0) at 6 p.m. EST at BC Place in Vancouver.
Last time we checked in, on Tuesday, on Betway, Canada was -400 betting favorites for tonight’s match at BC Place. Those odds this morning are now at -350. Qatar is at +900, with odds for a draw at +450.
So, the market is showing a little more respect for Qatar, despite Canada still being the heavy favorite. Davies looks sharp, which is huge, and Qatar, while getting a point against Switzerland, were still dominated.
Canada keeping a clean sheet in front of what will be a loud and proud crowd in BC Place here makes sense, but at -350? (around a 78% implied chance of winning). Canada to win is a most bet moneyline at a lot of sportsbooks today.
Canada should control possession, making team shots an intriguing prop market. At Betway, Canada to record 16 or more shots is priced at -189.
And finally, Mexico (1-0-0) plays South Korea (1-0-0), 9 pm. EST, at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico. Mexico is +100, South Korea +280, and odds for a draw at +230.
Mexico is a most bet moneyline for both tickets and handle at a lot of sportsbooks as well this morning.
Still, the draw at +230 is worth a look. Mexico has the home crowd behind it, but South Korea is a resilient bunch. Under 2.5 total goals (-163) also stands out, while Both Teams To Score (Yes) is available at -106.
