Messi, Mbappé and Haaland headline today's World Cup card, while underdogs Austria and Senegal look to shake things up
The expanded format for the 2026 FIFA World Cup – 48 teams, 104 matches, over three countries – has opened the door to more underdog betting opportunities.
That was the narrative going into the tournament, and so far, there hasn’t been any disappointment.
Cape Verde, with their 2-2 draw yesterday with Uruguay (-236 going into the match, Care Verde +700), are legitimately in the hunt for a Round of 32 berth in Group H. The tiny island nation, ranked No. 63 in the world, held powerhouse Spain to a 0-0 draw in their first World Cup match.
Iran, too, entered the tournament in Group G clear underdogs behind Belgium, ranked 10th in the world, but they’ve scored a 2-2 draw against New Zealand and yesterday’s 0-0 draw against Belgium, led by the goalkeeping of Alireza Beiranvand, who made seven saves. The star-studded Belgium squad has yet to score in two World Cup matches.
And don’t forget Ivory Coast, who gave the Germans all they could handle in Group E play Saturday, before a packed house in Toronto, before the Germans scored late to eke out a 2-1 win. Ivory Coast upset Ecuador in their first match and have outperformed pre-tournament expectations.
To fill the 32-team knockout bracket, FIFA also advances the eight-best third-place teams across the 12 groups, as well as the top two teams, which is why these underdogs can stay alive, making the tournament all the more interesting this time out.
There are four matches on the schedule for today.
Argentina versus Austria, today, 1 p.m. EST, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas. In World Cup betting at Betway, Argentina is -223, Austria +550, with odds for a draw at +333.
Austria beat Jordan 3-1 in their opener. Ranked No. 21 in the world, they close space quickly, and try to force turnovers. They won’t back off and sit deep. Under Ralf Rangnick, led by a solid veteran core of David Alaba, Marcel Sabitzer, Konrad Laimer and Marko Arnautovic they’ll need their best performance today against No. 1-ranked Argentina.
Argentina is -223 at Betway since motivation will not be an issue, pushing for three points after their opening 3-0 win over Algeria off a Lionel Messi hat trick.
Messi is chasing the all-time World Cup scoring record and, as the focal point of Argentina’s attack, is an obvious player prop. He’s -115 at Betway as an Anytime Goalscorer, +260 as First Goalscorer, and +500 to Score 2+ Goals.
I’m backing Argentina on the moneyline and Messi Anytime Goalscorer in this one.
France plays Iraq at 5 p.m. EST, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. France is the big betting favorite, at -1200, with Iraq at +2500, and odds for a draw at +1100.
A convincing win today would put France in an excellent spot to advance, currently tied atop Group I with Norway, after beating Senegal 3-1 in their opening match of the tournament.
Kylian Mbappé scored twice against Senegal, and player props are focusing on him. Iraq lost to Norway in its opener, 4-1.
I am going with France Over 3.5 Total Goals (+115) and Michael Olise 1+ Assist (+130 at Betway).
France is one of the deepest teams in the tournament and is currently on top of the futures board at +400 to win it all.
Norway plays Senegal at 8 p.m. EST, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey. At Betway, Norway is +110, Senegal +225, and odds for a draw at +240.
Norway comes in with momentum, while Senegal showed fight against France. Norway to win is my best bet, with the MetLife crowd leaning their way. Over 2.5 Total Goals (-118) is another market where I’m leaning.
The talent on the pitch points to goals. Erling Haaland scored twice in Norway’s 4-1 win over Iraq and is -115 as an Anytime Goalscorer and +260 as First Goalscorer. Mané, meanwhile, remains Senegal’s most dangerous player in transition and is +250 to score anytime. I’m also eyeing Nicolas Jackson Shots on Target 1+ (-175) and 2+ (+280), given his importance to Senegal’s attack.
This will be a fun match with Norway holding a small edge.
And finally, at 11 p.m. EST, Jordan plays Algeria, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California. Algeria is -200, Jordan +500, with odds of a draw at +320.
Both teams are looking at potential elimination after opening-match defeats. Algeria opened against the tougher opponent, Argentina, losing 3-0, while Jordan played Austria, losing 3-1.
Algeria is the clear betting favorite, since they bring more experience, and will bring urgency into this one.
Algeria to win, and Riyad Mahrez Anytime Goalscorer for Algeria at +150 are good bets.
