The World Cup is in full swing, and today we have four games featuring action from Groups E and F. We start in the afternoon with the Netherlands vs. Sweden, then Germany vs. Ivory Coast takes the spotlight before Saturday's action finishes with Ecuador vs. Curaçao and Tunisia vs. Japan.
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. | |
| 1:00 p.m. | |
  | 4:00 p.m. | |
| 4:00 p.m. | |
  | 8:00 p.m. | |
  | 12:00 a.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. | ||
Sweden vs. Netherlands
There were eight draws in the opening 16 matches of the 2026 World Cup, and our internal data projection model, BETSiE, projects that the Netherlands has a 51.3% probability of victory, which yields an implied odds price near even.
We are going to opt for a draw in a match where both teams are likely to score and share high-quality chances.
Pick: Draw
Sweden vs. Netherlands
The reasoning behind a Both Teams to Score wager is compelling. The opening round of the tournament saw a combined 10 goals in the matches involving these two nations.
Sweden put on an offensive clinic in a 5-1 victory over Tunisia, while the Netherlands played to a 2-2 draw with Japan, conceding a late equalizer.
This free-scoring trend is not an anomaly, especially for Sweden. They have seen both teams score in seven consecutive games and have conceded a goal in 12 straight matches. Their defense has struggled to keep opponents off the scoresheet, a vulnerability the Dutch attack is well-equipped to exploit.
The Netherlands averaged a formidable 3.38 goals per 90 minutes during qualification, with Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo, and Donyell Malen all in strong form. Against a Swedish defense that allows quality chances, the Oranje should have little trouble scoring.
However, Sweden's attack is just as potent. Led by Premier League strikers Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres, they possess a clinical edge that can trouble any defense. Even in their dominant win over Tunisia, where they limited their opponent to just 0.28 expected goals (xG), they still conceded.
This suggests that even when controlling a game, their backline is susceptible. Given the offensive talent on both squads, betting on each team to score offers solid value.
Pick: Both Teams to Score – Yes
Ivory Coast vs. Germany
Germany made a massive statement with a 7-1 victory over Curacao, generating an impressive 4.22 expected goals (xG). The creative force of players like Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz overwhelmed their opponents.
Ivory Coast presents a much tougher defensive challenge than Curacao. They navigated all 10 qualification matches without allowing a single goal and started the tournament with a shutout against Ecuador.
Despite Ivory Coast's defensive record, backing Germany to score at least twice is a solid Ivory Coast vs Germany pick. Germany has scored more than 1.5 goals in nine of its last 10 games, demonstrating consistent offensive output.
While Ivory Coast was perfect in qualifiers, they did show some vulnerability at the Africa Cup of Nations, conceding in three of five matches. Germany's clinical finishers, led by Kai Havertz, are more than capable of punishing any defensive lapses.
The German attack, which produced 26 shots against Curacao, will likely find the back of the net at least twice to secure the win.
Pick: Germany Over 1.5 Goals
Ivory Coast vs. Germany
Julian Nagelsmann’s forward line looks to be in sparkling form, so they should create an abundance of chances once again. That’s why we are tipping the favorites to have at least 15 shots in this clash.
Germany has had 16 shots or more in their past six matches, averaging 21.17 shots per game.
Since Nagelsmann took charge, Germany has averaged 16.85 shots per game, which is still above the required amount for this bet to win.
Germany’s forward line of Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, and Leroy Sane looked deadly against Curacao. Their positional interchanges made them difficult to mark, and they finished the game with a total of 26 shots.
Pick: Germany Over 15.5 Shots
Curaçao vs. Ecuador
While Curaçao enters this match as a significant underdog, they are capable of frustrating Ecuador, especially in the opening stages. Dick Advocaat’s team showed resilience against Germany before tiring, and a similar pattern could unfold here.
As the game progresses, Ecuador's superior quality and fitness should create more scoring opportunities. This points toward more goals being scored in the second half.
Statistical trends support this outlook. In Ecuador's last 10 matches, the first halves have seen an average of just 0.6 goals, while the second halves have produced an average of one goal.
Their opening match loss to Ivory Coast was decided by a 90th-minute goal, further highlighting their tendency for late-game action.
Pick: Highest Scoring Half – 2nd Half
Japan vs. Tunisia
Tunisia is in disarray after a 5-1 defeat to Sweden prompted the dismissal of their head coach. Such a mid-tournament change rarely fixes deep-seated defensive problems overnight.
They have conceded 10 goals in their last two games, highlighting significant vulnerabilities that Japan's organized attack can exploit.
Japan has been effective offensively, scoring over 1.5 goals in five of their last eight matches. They were prolific in qualification, averaging 3.0 goals per game.
Against a disorganized and demoralized Tunisian defense, Japan has a strong chance to score multiple goals, making the Over 1.5 team total a solid pick.
Pick: Japan Over 1.5 Goals
