World Cup 2026 Betting Tips, Odds & Predictions

Welcome to the 2026 World Cup Guide.

The first of 104 matches across 39 days gets underway on Thursday, so let’s not hang around and dive straight into the ante-post markets.

The 23rd edition of the World Cup will be like no other:

• A record 48 teams and 12 qualifying groups.   
• Hosted across three countries: United States, Canada and Mexico - expect hot weather.
• Italy, Denmark and Chile will be absent.
• Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan make their debuts.
• Scotland return for the first time since 1998.
• The gang are all back: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mohamed Salah, Kevin de Bruyne, Virgil van Dijk, Harry Kane, Vinícius Junior, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe.

All that’s needed now is a final check-list:

• New batteries in the remote control.
• Fridge fully-loaded.
• World Cup wall chart.
• Alarm set for all-night games.
• Alarm set for our daily World Cup betting column.

Before studying the group stages for some punting angles, do note there were numerous shocks at this stage during the 2022 World Cup:

2022 Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
2022 France 0-1 Tunisia
2022 Germany 1-2 Japan
2022 Spain 1-2 Japan
2022 Brazil 0-1 Cameroon
2022 Portugal 1-2 South Korea

GROUPS

GROUP A 

• Mexico (Ranked 15)
• South Korea (25)
• Czechia (41)
• South Africa (60)

BoyleSports’ odds to win Group A:

5/6 Mexico 3/1 South Korea 10/3 Czechia 12/1 South Africa

Fixtures:

Thu 11 June: Mexico vs South Africa 20:00 ITV
Fri 12 June: South Korea vs Czechia 02:00 ITV
Thu 18 June: Czechia vs South Africa 17:00 BBC
Fri 19 June: Mexico vs South Korea 02:00 BBC
Thu 25 June: South Africa vs South Korea 02:00 BBC
Thu 25 June: Czechia vs Mexico 02:00 BBC

There wasn’t much between Mexico and South Korea during their 2-2 draw in the US last year, although the men in green enjoy home advantage this time around. 

The hosts also get to play all three games at home, two of them in the famous Azteca Stadium where Fulham’s Raul Jiminez can showcase his talents. South Korea remain a tough unit and boast wins over Portugal and Germany at the last two World Cups.

Czechia showed toughness in beating both Denmark and Ireland in the playoffs, but regularly come unstuck in major tournaments, while South Africa may find this company too rich.

GROUP B

• Switzerland (Ranked 19)
• Canada (30)
• Qatar (55)
• Bosnia & Herzegovina (65)

BoyleSports’ odds to win Group B: 

4/5 Switzerland 9/4 Canada 10/3 Bosnia & Herzegovina 33/1 Qatar 

Fixtures:

Fri 12 June: Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina 20:00 BBC
Sat 13 Jun: Qatar vs Switzerland 20:00 ITV
Thu 18 June: Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina 20:00 ITV
Thu 18 June: Canada vs Qatar 23:00 ITV
Wed 24 June: Switzerland vs Canada 20:00 ITV
Wed 24 June: Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar 20:00 ITV

The odds for Switzerland winning the group look accurate as they made it out of the group stages in four of their last five World Cups. Granit Xhaka will again pull the strings. 

Canada - managed by former Leeds boss Jesse Marsch - lost all three games at the 2022 WC, but improved to reach the semis of Copa America; Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies is the star name. Canada play all three games at home, which could help them pip Bosnia, who won two playoffs via penalties against Wales and Italy; look out for the former Man City hitman Edin Dzeko, still scoring aged 40. 

Qatar won just one of their last 12 games and qualified in fourth place with a -7 goal difference.

GROUP C

• Brazil (Ranked 6)
• Morocco (8)
• Scotland (43)
• Haiti (82) 

BoyleSports’ odds to win Group C:

1/5 Brazil 9/2 Morocco 12/1 Scotland 100/1 Haiti

Fixtures:

Sat 13 June: Brazil vs Morocco 23:00 BBC
Sun 14 June: Haiti vs Scotland 02:00 BBC
Fri 19 June: Scotland vs Morocco 23:00 ITV
Sat 20 June: Brazil vs Haiti 02:00 ITV
Wed 24 June: Scotland vs Brazil 23:00 BBC
Wed 24 June: Morocco vs Haiti 23:00 BBC

Brazil made their first-ever foreign signing in the dugout with Carlo Ancelotti who should have little trouble in steering them to win the group. A tough opener against Morocco could reveal their chances of winning a first WC since 2002. 

Some may see 9-2 as value for the official AFCON champions Morocco topping the group having reached the WC semis in 2022. Unbeaten in 28 games, and with Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz up front, there is no fluke about their lofty No.8 ranking with FIFA. 

Scotland knocked out Denmark in the playoffs but have never qualified from the group stages, although the new format could see them going through with just one victory against lowly Haiti, who also return to the finals for the first time since 1974.

GROUP D

• United States (Ranked 16)
• Turkey (22)
• Australia (27)
• Paraguay (40)

BoyleSports’ odds to win Group D: 

11/8 USA 7/4 Turkey 4/1 Paraguay 7/1 Australia

Fixtures:

Sat 13 Jun: USA vs Paraguay 02:00 BBC
Sun 14 June: Australia vs Turkey 05:00 ITV
Fri 19 June: USA vs Australia 20:00 BBC
Sat 20 June: Turkey vs Paraguay 04:00 ITV
Fri 26 June: Turkey vs USA 03:00 ITV
Fri 26 June: Paraguay vs Australia 03:00 ITV

A tight group. Paraguay last appeared at the finals in 2010 when making the last eight, and had the second-best defensive record in qualification ahead of Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. They lack firepower but offer more value than the USA, who will be under pressure on home territory. They made the knockouts as hosts in 1994.

It’s odd to think this is Turkey’s first appearance since making the semi's in 2002, and they arrive after two 1-0 playoff wins over Kosovo and Romania. The experienced side features numerous players from top clubs in Europe including Juventus attacker Kenan Yildiz. Australia made the knockouts in 2022, but this Socceroos outfit look a weaker side and will need to fight hard.

GROUP E

• Germany (Ranked 10)
• Ivory Coast (34)
• Ecuador (60)
• Curacao (83)

BoyleSports’ odds to win Group E:

2/7 Germany 4/1 Ecuador 7/1 Ivory Coast 100/1 Curacao

Fixtures:

Sun 14 June: Germany vs Curacao 18:00 ITV
Mon 15 Jun: Ivory Coast vs Ecuador 00:00 BBC
Sat 20 Jun: Germany vs Ivory Coast 21:00 ITV
Sun 21 June: Ecuador vs Curacao 01:00 BBC
Thurs 25 June: Curacao vs Ivory Coast 21:00 BBC
Thurs 25 June: Ecuador vs Germany 21:00 BBC

A real David vs Goliath to start when Germany and Curacao clash. The Germans failed to reach the knockouts at the last two World Cups, but are on an unbeaten nine-match run, including a recent 2-1 win over USA. Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz will need to be at their best if topping this group.

Ecuador are the ‘dark horses’, and were runners-up behind Argentina in qualification, conceding just five goals in 18 games. They boast classy players from Europe's biggest teams including Chelsea's Moises Caicedo, and the fact they drew nine of their last 11 games suggests they could be tailor-made for a good run.

The Ivory Coast have yet to make the knockouts in three previous attempts, but the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations winners have a swagger these days - their last two outings showed depth away from Africa in beating Scotland and France. Curacao have Dutch coach Dick Advocaat back to steer them, but he may not prevent last-spot finish.

GROUP F

• Netherlands (Ranked 7)
• Japan (18)
• Sweden (38)
• Tunisia (45)

BoyleSports’ odds to win Group F: 

8/11 Netherlands 3/1 Japan 9/2 Sweden 7/1 Tunisia

Fixtures:

Sun 14 June: Netherlands vs Japan 21:00 ITV
Mon 15 June: Sweden vs Tunisia 03:00 ITV
Sat 20 June: Netherlands vs Sweden 18:00 BBC
Sun 21 June: Tunisia vs Japan 05:00 BBC
Fri 26 June: Tunisia vs Netherlands 00:00 BBC
Fri 26 June: Japan vs Sweden 00:00 BBC

The Netherlands are the standout team and have a star-studded defence, but while they went unbeaten in qualification (Poland the main rivals), they did suffer a recent 0-1 warm-up defeat to Algeria. 

Japan can push the Dutch, and are experienced in making the knockouts when beating Spain and Germany in Qatar four years ago. A very well-organized team that beat Brazil, England and Scotland during the last 12 months, and won’t mind the heat. The Japanese League even switched to penalty shootouts rather than draws several months ago in preparation.

Sweden are now bossed by Graham Potter, who recently admitted he even looked Swedish, and while only winning two of their last ten games, they can look to Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres bagging some goals - who needs Ibrahimovic? 

Don’t write off Tunisia, who overcame France at the 2022 WC, although they have never reached the knockouts and stumbled badly in January’s Africa Cup of Nations.  

GROUP G

• Belgium (Ranked 9)
• Iran (21)
• Egypt (28)
• New Zealand (85)

BoyleSports’ odds to win Group G: 

4/11 Belgium 9/2 Egypt 6/1 Iran 20/1 New Zealand

Fixtures:

Mon 15 June: Belgium vs Egypt 20:00 BBC
Tue 16 June: Iran vs New Zealand 02:00 BBC
Sun 21 June: Belgium vs Iran 20:00 ITV
Mon 22 June: New Zealand vs Egypt 02:00 ITV
Sat 27 June: New Zealand vs Belgium 04:00 BBC
Sat 27 June: Egypt vs Iran 04:00 BBC

Belgium can’t have any complaints about their draw against three countries they should take care of. Labelled for the past decade or so as having a ‘golden generation’, Belgium haven't quite lived-up to that billing, although they may now feel less pressure and play more freely, hence they arrive unbeaten in 13 games.

Mention Egypt and Mo Salah comes to mind. He will again carry their hopes of reaching the knockouts for the first time having failed in 1990 and 2018, while New Zealand have their own Premier League star in Chris Wood. This group presents an opportunity to record a first-ever win at the finals having lost all six previous games in 1982 and 2010, but they’ll need to improve on only one win in their last 11 games. 

Iran can be expected to play with plenty of pride and did beat Wales 2-0 at the 2022 WC when also netting twice in a 6-2 loss to England. 

GROUP H

• Spain (Ranked 2)
• Uruguay (17)
• Saudi Arabia (61)
• Cape Verde (68)

BoyleSports’ odds to win Group H: 

1/5 Spain 4/1 Uruguay 20/1 Saudi Arabia 40/1 Cape Verde  

Fixtures:

Mon 15 June: Spain vs Cape Verde 17:00 ITV
Mon 15 June: Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay 23:00 ITV
Sun 21 June: Spain vs Saudi Arabia 17:00 BBC
Sun 21 June: Uruguay vs Cape Verde 23:00 BBC
Sat 27 June: Saudi Arabia vs Cape Verde 01:00 ITV
Sat 27 June: Uruguay vs Spain 01:00 ITV

The tournament’s favourites Spain will be happy with their group, and it will be a shock if they don’t finish top, which may be settled in the finale against Uruguay. The European champions remain in irresistible form, losing just once in 31 games - on penalties in the Nations League Final.

Former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa will look to steer Uruguay into the knockouts where they failed to reach in 2022. Real Madrid’s captain Federico Valverde and familiar names like Darwin Nunez and Rodrigo Bentancur bring quality, but more killer instinct will be required, having won only four of their last 19 games.

Saudi Arabia's last six finals ended at the group stage, although they left their mark in 2022 after beating Argentina, while Cape Verde make their finals debut and face a tough opener against Spain, followed by Uruguay - confidence could be low ahead of their finale.

GROUP I

• France (Ranked 1)
• Senegal (14)
• Norway (31)
• Iraq (57)

BoyleSports’ odds to win Group I: 

2/5 France 11/4 Norway 8/1 Senegal 40/1 Iraq

Fixtures:

Tue 16 June: France vs Senegal 20:00 BBC
Tue 16 June: Iraq vs Norway 23:00 BBC
Mon 22 June: France vs Iraq 22:00 BBC
Tue 23 June: Senegal vs Norway 01:00 ITV
Fri 26 June: Senegal vs Iraq 20:00 ITV
Fri 26 June: Norway vs France 20:00 ITV

Every World Cup has a ‘Group of Death’ - here it is. 

At first glance, it appears France should saunter into the knockouts - but will it be as table-toppers?

Barring no slip-ups against Senegal, who they memorably lost to in the 2002 WC, this France side boasts Mbappe and Dembele up front, but with no Antoine Griezmann, and N’Golo Kante now 35, there are the faintest of cracks in midfield.

Norway return to the finals after their last appearance in 1998 with Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard onboard, who helped produce a sequence of just two defeats in 19 games. They’ll lack inexperience in dealing with the heat and major tournament know-how, but can reach the knockouts. 

Senegal won two of the last three Africa Cup of Nations and will be led by Sadio Mane, along with numerous PL stars. They need more against the big boys, though, having lost to England and the Netherlands at the 2022 WC. 

Iraq have a mountain to climb on their return after 40 years, but they’ll be buoyed by a recent warm-up draw against Spain. 

GROUP J

• Argentina (Ranked 3)
• Austria (23)
• Algeria (29)
• Jordan (63)

BoyleSports’ odds to win Group J: 

1/3 Argentina 7/2 Austria 13/2 Algeria 40/1 Jordan

Fixtures:

Wed 17 June: Argentina vs Algeria 02:00 ITV
Wed 17 June: Austria vs Jordan 05:00 BBC
Mon 22 June: Argentina vs Austria 18:00 BBC
Tue 23 June: Algeria vs Jordan 04:00 ITV
Sun 28 June: Algeria vs Austria 03:00 BBC
Sun 28 June: Argentina vs Jordan 03:00 BBC

Argentina bid to become the first-ever back-to-back winners of the World Cup, and it’s a task they are capable of with Lionel Messi still around. They walked qualification with five games to go, and purists will be hoping for more of the same as they could potentially meet Portugal in the last eight, triggering a first-ever WC match-up between Messi and Ronaldo. They’ll be wary of Algeria first-up, as they lost to them at the same stage in 1982.

Algeria return from a 12-year absence and have Riyad Mahrez and Mohamed Amoura up front. Despite a poor AFCON display, they won’t be bothered by high temperatures and could be in a shootout with Austria for second spot. Austria last appeared in 1998 and showed big improvement at Euro 2024 in beating Poland and the Netherlands, and have a settled team. They do have to travel for all three group games, though, and their high-energy approach could falter in the heat.

Jordan make their debut and are capable of scoring, but looked booked for fourth spot.

GROUP K

• Portugal (Ranked 5)
• Colombia (13)
• Uzbekistan (50)
• Congo (133)

BoyleSports’ odds to win Group K: 

4/9 Portugal 9/4 Colombia 9/1 D.R. Congo 33/1 Uzbekistan

Fixtures:

Wed 17 June: Portugal vs Congo 18:00 BBC
Thurs 18 June: Uzbekistan vs Colombia 03:00 BBC
Tue 23 June: Portugal vs Uzbekistan 18:00 ITV
Wed 24 June: Congo vs Colombia 03:00 ITV
Sun 28 June: Colombia vs Portugal 00:30 BBC
Sun 28 June: Congo vs Uzbekistan 00:30 BBC

Portugal go in search of their first-ever World Cup trophy and have the players to go far. As always, the limelight will be on Cristiano Ronaldo, but Roberto Martinez’s men are more than just a one-man team side these days, and should win this group. 

Colombia offer a good test for Portugal. An experienced, tough team that beat Argentina and Brazil in qualification, and equipped with big names from Europe like Manchester City's Abdukodir Khusanov and former Liverpool man Luis Diaz. They face Uzbekistan first-up, who make their WC debut, and will lack experience against bigger teams, especially from Europe, unlike D.R. Congo, who managed a couple of draws against Senegal and Denmark. They last appeared in 1974 but have several names punters will know, such as Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki.

GROUP L

• England (Ranked 4)
• Croatia (11)
• Ghana (73)
• Panama (33)

BoyleSports’ odds to win Group L: 

2/7 England 7/2 Croatia 10/1 Ghana 50/1 Panama

Fixtures:

Wed 17 June: England vs Croatia 21:00 ITV
Thurs 18 June: Ghana vs Panama 00:00 ITV
Tue 23 June: England vs Ghana 21:00 BBC
Wed 24 June: Croatia vs Panama 00:00 BBC
Sat 27 June: England vs Panama 21:00 ITV
Sat 27 June: Croatia vs Ghana 21:00 ITV

Here we are again. Another World Cup campaign that promises so much from England - this time without Gareth Southgate, replaced by German Thomas Tuchel. 

As always, it looks splendid on paper, and again, the Three Lions qualified with ease. Reaching the knockouts should be a formality, and the fact they won both groups at the 2022 WC and Euro 24 will ensure they feature in many punters' group-winning accas.

Old foes Croatia will again give England a tough time with their tried-and-trusted brigade led by Luka Modric. A few defeats in the warm-ups against Belgium and Brazil suggests there is work to be done by those older legs in the heat. 

Ghana missed the knockouts in both the 2022 and 2014 World Cups, and did likewise in their recent Africa Cup of Nations. Five defeats in their last six games doesn’t inspire, and they will be hoping Mohammed Kudus is back fit to join Antoine Semenyo in attack. 

Panama make their second appearance having finished bottom of the group in 2018. They’ll offer resistance but 50/1 to win the group says it all. 

Before discussing who can win this year’s World Cup, a quick reminder of previous World Cup winners back to 1970 - and the host continent. 

Previous World Cup winners

Year	Winners	Runners-up	Continent
2022	Argentina	France	Asia
2018	France	Croatia	Europe
2014	Germany	Argentina	South America
2010	Spain	Netherlands	Africa
2006	Italy	France	Europe
2002	Brazil	Germany	Asia
1998	France	Brazil	Europe
1994	Brazil	Italy	North America
1990	Germany	Argentina	Europe
1986	Argentina	Germany	South America
1982	Italy	Germany	Europe
1978	Argentina	Netherlands	South America
1974	Germany	Netherlands	Europe
1970	Brazil	Italy	South America

On the last five occasions the WC was held in Europe, it was won by a European team, which isn’t much help this time around, while the score when hosted away from Europe reads: Rest of the world 6-2 Europe.

Germany’s marginal win on penalties over Argentina in South America (Brazil) 12 years ago shows that a European team can triumph in other continents, which Italy almost achieved in 1994 when the tournament was last held in North America (losing on penalties to Brazil).

It’s something to bear in mind before drilling down any further.

Next, let’s look at past winners’ profiles.

Previous World Cup Winners’ Profiles (since 1970)

Year	Winner	Rank	Group Qualification	Warm-ups	Last WC	Best WC
2022	Argentina	3	Second: W11 D6 L0 GD+19	W4 D0 L0	Last 16	Winners
2018	France	7	Winners: W7 D2 L1 GD+12	W4 D2 L1	Last 8	Winners
2014	Germany	2	Winners: W9 D1 L0 GD+26	W3 D3 L0	Semi’s	Winners
2010	Spain	2	Winners: W10 D0 L0 GD+23	W6 D0 L0	Last 16	Semi’s
2006	Italy	7	Winners: W7 D2 L1 GD+9	W2 D3 L0	Last 16	Winners
2002	Brazil	1	Third: W9 D3 L6 GD+14	W5 D1 L0	R/U	Winners
1998	France	18	Host	W3 D3 L1	DNQ	Semi’s
1994	Brazil	3	Winners: W5 D2 L1 GD+16	W3 D1 L1	Last 16	Winners
1990	Germany	4	Second: W3 D3 L0 GD+10	W2 D0 L0	R/U	Winners
1986	Argentina	9	Winners: W4 D1 L1 GD+6	W1 D2 L2	Last 16	Winners
1982	Italy	5	Runners-up: W5 D2 L1 GD+7	W8 D2 L1	Semi’s	Winners
1978	Argentina	Host	Host	W4 D0 L1	Last 8	Second
1974	Germany	Host	Host	W3 D1 L1	Semi’s	Winners
1970	Brazil	N/A	Winners: W6 D0 L0 GD+21	W5 D1 L0	Last 16	Winners

As for trends linking the past winners, then the following criteria remains key…

Of the last 14 World Cup winners since 1970…

14 avoided the playoffs in qualification
14 historically reached a World Cup semi-final or final
14 were not the current World Cup champions
13 were either ranked nine or higher or were hosts
13 made the last 16 of the previous World Cup
13 lost a maximum of just one warm-up match
10 of the 10 in group qualification recorded a GD of +6 or higher
9 of the 10 in group qualification finished first or second

WINNER

So, let’s get down to business.

Who wins the 2026 World Cup?

While there will be a shock World Cup winner one day - like Greece at the 2004 Euros - I can’t see it happening just yet.

Therefore, it’s a process of elimination from this list:

Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain.

First off the list, England (I want to wrong!)

They’ve made great strides in creeping closer to winning a biggie, but this is a new era under Thomas Tuchel, and the heat could play a factor for a side that failed to close out big games against the top teams. 

Next to go are the Netherlands.

They look as safe as houses at the back with van Dijk, van de Ven, Timber and Dumfries. But, going forward could be the problem, especially against the world’s best backlines. The likes of Donyell Malen and Cody Gakpo aren’t prolific.

It’s Germany’s turn to be axed next.

Although they won the WC in South America in 2012, they seem to have lost some of that aura - even England lost just once to them in their last six meetings. From 1968 to 1996, England beat them only twice in 14 meetings.

Germany were also ranked second and fourth prior to landing their last two World Cups and are now ranked tenth. They didn’t convince when losing to Portugal and France in last summer’s Nations League either, so they may have to wait for their fifth WC success.

Now it’s getting tight.

Portugal are narrowly passed up, but you’ll hear about them in the 'Highest Scoring Team' section later.

France are amazing on their day, but have yet to convince away from Europe despite their narrow loss in Qatar. The heat may or may not turn out to be a factor, but with no Antoine Griezmann or Eduardo Camavinga, plus an ageing N’Golo Kante, they could come up light in the middle. A tough group with Norway and Senegal may also open up some cracks in the camp which they have history of - it will be a case of hit or miss.

The first team to get the vote is BRAZIL.

Like France they can be hit or miss. 

But, considering they usually line-up for tournaments in the top two of the betting, they actually offer some value at 8-1.

They won this on the last occasion it was staged in America back in 1994, and boast a solid spine featuring Alisson, Gabriel, Casemiro & Vinicius Jnr. Add to that, Raphinha, Martinelli, Guimaraes & Cunha, and the 8-1 starts to look big.

The main bet to lift the trophy on July 19 is SPAIN.

This appears to be 'their time' for racking up the trophies after decades of nothing, and having won three Euros and one WC during a magical 18-year era, it may not have stopped just yet.

Beaten just once in 31 games - on penalties - they simply know how to win, are structured in knowing what they are doing, have no injuries, and shouldn’t have any problems should the temperatures get really hot.

If a reminder of their talent is required:

Yamal, Rodri, Pedri, Oyarzabal, Williams & Ruiz.

It's Spain for me.

But, what of the reigning champions, Argentina?

The trends show they need to become the first team during the modern era to win it back-to-back - for the record, Italy managed it in 1934 & 1938, with Brazil in 1958 & 1962.

Apart from that, there is still plenty to like about Argentina, especially after walking away with their qualification group, plus they do have a good record of landing this trophy away from Europe so could go well again.

That’s why I’ll select Argentina in the ‘Name The Finalists’ market with Spain at 16/1.   

GROUP BETS

It was hard not to be impressed with ECUADOR’s second place in South America qualification against Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay and Paraguay, in which they leaked only five goals in 18 games.

It’s a staggering statistic, and the fact they can grind results out make them tailor-made to creep through in tournaments.

They face Germany, the Ivory Coast and Curacao in their group, and if going unbeaten against the latter pair, they could be more up for a finale head-to-head with Germany, who may have already qualified for the knockouts and may look to rest players for the knockouts.

Ecuador to win Group E at 4-1 is the call.

Now it’s acca time.

No World Cup betting plan would be complete without one, so the following teams will be making up my group-winners acca that pays around 15-2: 

Mexico, Belgium, Spain, France, Argentina, Portugal, England.  

TOP GOALSCORER (GOLDEN BOOT)

A market that went to Kylian Mbappe four years ago when his eight goals kept Lionel Messi at bay, who notched seven.

The 2018 winner Harry Kane picked up this award after six goals in Russia, and both Kane and Mbappe are the bookies’ favourites this time around with Mbappe an 11-2 shot and Kane 7-1. Both come into this in excellent form too, having finished top scorers in their domestic leagues, while pulling clear in the Champions League where Mbappe hit 15 goals to Kane’s 14.

Lionel Messi is next on the bookies’ list at 12-1 along with Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal, while Erling Haaland remains a 14-1 poke.

Previous Top Scorers

2022 Mbappe (France)
2018 Kane (England)
2014 Rodriguez (Colombia)
2010 Muller, Sneijder, Villa, Forlan (Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Uruguay)
2006 Klose (Germany)
2002 Ronaldo (Brazil)
1998 Suker (Croatia)
1994 Stoichkov, Salenko (Bulgaria, Russia)
1990 Schillaci (Italy)

I'm not drawn towards a bet at this stage. No hitman won this twice before, which of course is a record that will fall one day, but I'm more tempted into the highest scoring team... 

HIGHEST/LOWEST SCORING TEAM

If goals are your thing, then there are markets for which team will end up the highest scoring and lowest scoring.

Here are past winners of each accolade.

Highest Scoring Teams

2022 France - 16 goals
2018 Belgium - 16 goals
2014 Germany – 18 goals
2010 Germany – 16 goals
2006 Germany – 14 goals
2002 Brazil – 18 goals
1998 France – 15 goals
1994 Sweden – 15 goals
1990 Germany – 15 goals

Lowest Scoring Teams

2022 Belgium, Denmark, Qatar, Tunisia, Wales - 1 goal
2018 (Twelve teams) - 2 goals
2014 Cameroon, Honduras, Iran – 1 goal
2010 Algeria, Honduras – 0 goals
2006 Trinidad & Tobago – 0 goals
2002 China, France & Saudi Arabia – 0 goals
1998 Bulgaria, Japan, Tunisia, USA – 1 goal
1994 Greece – 0 goals
1990 Egypt, South Korea – 1 goal

The lowest scoring team could go to a number of sides in this different format featuring numerous weaker countries, and there have been ties for the accolade in the last two World Cups.

The highest scoring market has a better feel - after all, I’d want to be cheering my bet on as the goals go in rather than hoping for a stalemate!

PORTUGAL are capable of turning on the taps when faced with inferior opposition as seen when dismantling Armenia 9-1 and 5-0 in qualification, and there will be two opportunities against Uzbekistan and D.R. Congo in their group before the knockouts. 

Blessed with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix and Goncalo Ramos, not to mention that man Cristiano Ronaldo, there is every reason to think they can get up to double-figures and beyond. Odds of 9-1 for them finishing the top scoring team looks decent.