Today’s World Cup slate features six decisive group-stage matches, with France, Spain and Belgium battling for group titles, knockout positioning and survival
Another full slate of group stage matches are scheduled for today, with final group-stage matches for Group G, H, and I, with all three groups playing simultaneous games to determine final standings and Group of 32 qualifiers.
That’s six matches in total today, headlined led Norway versus France, a battle for first place in Group I. France only needs a draw to claim the group.
Winning the group means an easier Round of 32 opponent and smoother path through the bracket.
Belgium is under big-time pressure against New Zealand, since they have yet to win, and their ouster would be a stunner. Belgium is ranked 10th in the world.
Spain, now +600 in World Cup betting at Betway to win the tournament, behind France (+400) and Argentina (+600), can secure top spot in Group H action against Uruguay.
Norway (2-0-0) versus France (2-0-0), today, 3 p.m. EST, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts. At Betway, France is -167, Norway +350, with odds for a draw at +350.
Both Teams To Score (Yes) at -182 is the safest place to go, with both Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé on the field. Both men haven’t disappointed – Haaland with four markers in two matches, Mbappé with four as well.
Also check out Over 2.5 Total Goals (-211), and Haaland (+125) and Mbappé(-130) Anytime Goalscorers.
Senegal (0-0-2) versus Iraq (0-0-2), 3 p.m. EST, BMO Field, Toronto, Ontario. Senegal is -450, Iraq is +900, and the draw is +550.
Heavily favored, Senegal Win to Nil (-106), and Senegal Over 2.5 Team Goals (-110), even Over 3.5 Goals (+230), are good places to go, with Iraq already giving up seven goals in two matches.
Sadio Mané Anytime Goalscorer (+105) and Nicolas Jackson 2+ Shots on Target (+105) are worth a look.
Cape Verde (0-2-0) versus Saudi Arabia (0-1-1), 8 p.m. EST, NRG Stadium, Houston. It’s a pick’em at Betway, with both teams at +162 and the draw at +225.
Saudi Arabia, last in Group H, has just one goal and 10 shots over two matches. Under 2.5 Total Goals (-138) seems like the logical move here.
There’s also value in the draw at +225. Cape Verde has tied both of its matches, and another draw may be enough to keep it alive for a knockout spot. A win over Saudi Arabia, though, would send Cape Verde through to the Round of 32, while the Saudis likely need all three points to advance.
Uruguay (0-2-0) versus Spain (1-1-0), 8 p.m. EST, Estadio Akron, Guadalajara, Mexico. At Betway, Spain is -150, Uruguay +475, with odds for draw set at +250.
Uruguay needs a victory to stay alive, so they’ll be chasing if the game remains tied late. Spain just thrashed Saudi Arabia 4-0, so I am expecting them to keep up momentum through to the Round of 32. Spain to win for this one (-150).
Egypt (1-1-0) versus Iran (0-2-0), 11 p.m. EST, Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington. Egypt is +140, Iran +275, and odds for a draw are +160.
Egypt sits atop Group G with four points as we head into a decisive later evening match in Seattle. The Iranians have two points from two draws, so they’ll need points to advance.
Egypt led by Mohammed Salah looked impressive beating New Zealand 3-1, and they’ll be motivated to win, giving themselves a more favorable knockout path.
Egypt, with their superior attacking talent, to win this one. I’m also looking at a narrow in, so lock in the Under 2.5 Goals (-250).
New Zealand (0-1-1) versus Belgium (0-2-0), BC Place, Vancouver. Belgium is a massive favorite at Betway, at -550, with New Zealand +1100, and a draw at +650.
Belgium has elite talent, guys like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, plus the motivation since they’ve been among the most disappointing teams in the tournament so far.
Beligium to Win to Nil (Yes) at +115, since they keep clean sheets against weaker teams and can control games. De Bruyne Anytime Goalscorer is +120.
