The World Cup is in full swing and today we have a slate with four games featuring some action in Groups E & F. Germany vs. Curacao gets things started, then we'll have the main attraction, Netherlands vs. Japan, and all of Sunday's action will finish with Ecuador vs. Ivory Coast and Sweden vs. Tunisia.
So, let's dive into today's World Cup best bets.
World Cup Best Bets Today
The team logos in the table below represent each of the World Cup matchups that our staff is targeting from today's slate. Click on the team logos for any of the matchups below to navigate to a specific bet discussed in this article.
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 1:00 p.m. | |
  | 4:00 p.m. | |
| 4:00 p.m. | |
  | 7:00 p.m. | |
  | 10:00 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our World Cup odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Curacao vs Germany
Germany enters this opening match on a nine-game winning streak, having recovered impressively after an early qualifying loss to Slovakia. During this successful run, the German attack has been formidable, scoring more than 3.5 goals in five of those nine victories. Their offensive firepower is expected to overwhelm a Curaçao side making its debut on the world's biggest stage.
Curaçao made history as the smallest nation to ever qualify for the tournament, but they face an immense challenge. In recent preparatory matches against strong opposition, their defense was exposed. They conceded a combined nine goals in losses to Australia and Scotland, which raises serious questions about their ability to contain a world-class team like Germany. The disparity in quality suggests that Germany can control the game from the outset and create numerous scoring chances.
On paper, this is one of the biggest mismatches of the opening round. Germany, a perennial contender ranked 10th in the world, possesses a massive advantage in talent and experience over 82nd-ranked Curaçao. The tactical dynamic is straightforward: Germany will dominate possession and relentlessly attack, while Curaçao will focus on damage control with a low defensive block.
Pick: Germany Over 3.5 Goals (-152)
Netherlands vs Japan
Cody Gakpo consistently elevates his performance on the international stage for the Netherlands.
Despite a mixed season at the club level with Liverpool, he is a different force for his country, with 20 goals in 48 appearances. He was vital in Qatar, scoring three goals in five games, and was a key contributor during qualification with four goals and four assists.
He will be the primary threat to the Japanese defense.
Pick: Cody Gakpo Anytime Goalscorer (+105)
Japan vs Netherlands
The Netherlands come into this tournament with a formidable attacking record, having failed to score in just one of their last 20 competitive fixtures. During that span, they have averaged an impressive 2.60 goals per game.
However, their defense is not impenetrable, conceding an average of 1.05 goals per game over the same period. This trend was visible at the last major international tournament, where both teams scored in all three matches, where the Dutch were similarly priced to win.
Japan, meanwhile, have proven they can find the net against top-tier opposition. They have scored in their last seven matches and have a history of performing well on the biggest stage.
At the 2022 tournament in Qatar, Japan did not keep a single clean sheet, and both teams scored in three of their four games. They showed a similar pattern in the 2018 competition, again with both teams scoring in three of their four matches. Given these trends, backing both sides to get on the scoresheet offers solid value.
Pick: Both Teams to Score – Yes (-125)
Ecuador vs Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast boasts an exciting talent in Yan Diomande. The Leipzig winger was electric in the Bundesliga, contributing 12 goals and seven assists.
He is the primary creative force for the Elephants and represents their best chance to unlock Ecuador's formidable defense. A wager on him to score or assist is a valuable play, as most of Ivory Coast's attacking moves will likely run through him.
Even against a tough opponent, his individual brilliance could be the difference-maker for his team.
Pick: Yan Diomande to Score or Assist (+225)
Tunisia vs Sweden
Sweden enters this tournament with significant questions about their defense. Under manager Graham Potter, the team has played six matches, and both teams have scored in every single one. Those games have been high-scoring affairs, averaging four goals per contest.
This trend isn't new — Sweden failed to record a clean sheet in any of their eight qualifying and playoff matches. Their final warm-up match, a 2-2 draw with Greece, saw both teams create plenty of chances, each registering 13 shots.
While Sweden's attack, led by Premier League forwards Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres, is a clear strength, their backline is prone to conceding. This makes the Both Teams to Score market an attractive option.
Tunisia has also shown a tendency to be involved in open games, keeping just two clean sheets in their last nine matches while scoring an average of 1.44 goals per game.
Pick: Both Teams to Score – Yes (+100)
