The World Cup is in full swing, and today we have four games featuring action from Groups G and H. We start in the afternoon with Spain vs. Saudi Arabia, then Belgium vs. Iran takes the spotlight before Sunday's action finishes with Uruguay vs. Cape Verde and New Zealand vs. Egypt.
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 |
|---|---|---|
  | 12:00 p.m. | |
| 12:00 p.m. | |
  | 3:00 p.m. | |
  | 6:00 p.m. | |
| 6:00 p.m. | |
  | 9:00 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. | ||
Saudi Arabia vs. Spain
The surprising 0-0 draw against Cape Verde should serve as a wake-up call for Spain. Now facing another opponent they are heavily favored to beat, La Roja must deliver a statement performance.
Lamine Yamal is poised to be central to that effort. Despite playing only the final 20 minutes of the opener, he completed more dribbles (five) than any other player and took two shots, injecting much-needed energy into a stagnant attack.
With Mikel Oyarzabal struggling significantly in the first match — famously not touching the ball in the opening 30 minutes — Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, will likely turn to Yamal and Nico Williams from the start.
This change should provide the pace and directness Spain lacked. Yamal’s role will be crucial in breaking down a Saudi Arabian defense, and his odds to find the net present solid value for a player of his caliber in a must-win game.
Pick: Lamine Yamal Anytime Goalscorer (-105)
Saudi Arabia vs. Spain
Spain struggled to break Cape Verde down in their opening game, so the minnows came away with a surprise draw. However, Luis de la Fuente’s side still had plenty of shots, so we are backing them to have at least 21 against Saudi Arabia.
Spain had 27 shots against Cape Verde. 33.33% of Spain’s shots in that game came after Lamine Yamal was introduced in the 71st, which accounts for just over 20% of the match. Yamal should start this game, and goal difference could be key for Spain, so they should have plenty of shots from the off.
Saudi Arabia conceded 27 shots in their first game against Uruguay. 22 of those came in the second half, as the Saudi’s struggled for possession. Spain should be able to dictate the pace of the game and rack up a good number of attempts.
Pick: Spain 21+ Shots (-130)
Iran vs. Belgium
Belgium’s offense was a force throughout qualification, scoring 29 goals in just eight matches. Even in a somewhat subdued 1-1 opening draw against Egypt, they managed to register 15 shots.
The expected return of Romelu Lukaku to the starting eleven should provide a massive boost. Lukaku, Belgium's all-time leading scorer, made an immediate impact off the bench in the first game and will be a constant threat to Iran's backline.
This matchup looks particularly favorable for Belgium, given Iran's defensive performance against New Zealand. Conceding two goals and allowing eight shots on target to the tournament's lowest-ranked team raises serious concerns.
If New Zealand could create that many opportunities, Belgium’s world-class attackers should be able to exploit those same weaknesses.
Pick: Belgium Over 1.5 Goals (-188)
Cape Verde vs. Uruguay
The case for Under 2.5 goals is compelling. Cape Verde’s opening match against Spain was a masterclass in defensive discipline. Despite facing 27 shots and an expected goals (xG) figure of 2.28, they secured a historic clean sheet.
Their strategy involved a deep, organized block that frustrated one of Europe’s top attacking sides. It is highly probable they will employ the same tactics against Uruguay.
Uruguay, for their part, showed signs of offensive inefficiency in their 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia. While they fired off an impressive 27 shots, with 22 of those coming in a dominant second half, they only managed to score a single goal.
Facing a Cape Verde defense that has already proven its resilience against elite competition, Uruguay’s attack will be sternly tested. This combination of a stout defense and a misfiring offense strongly points toward a low-scoring contest.
Pick: Under 2.5 Goals (-160)
Cape Verde vs. Uruguay
Building on that defensive analysis, the Uruguay to Win to Nil pick also offers value. While Cape Verde’s defensive strength is clear, their attacking threat is minimal.
Against Spain, they generated just 0.3 xG from only six shots throughout the entire match. Uruguay is expected to control possession, much like Spain did, which will limit Cape Verde's opportunities to get forward.
After a lackluster first half against Saudi Arabia, Marcelo Bielsa’s side tightened up significantly, allowing just two shots (none on target) in the second half.
Desperate for a victory to get their campaign on track, Uruguay will be focused on securing a clean sheet, making a win without conceding a likely outcome.
Pick: Uruguay to Win to Nil (+100)
Egypt vs. New Zealand
Mohamed Salah remains the central figure for the Egyptian national team. He is just two goals shy of tying the all-time scoring record for his country and was in excellent form during the qualification stages, netting nine goals in nine matches.
After providing an assist in the opening 1-1 draw against Belgium, Salah faces a more favorable matchup here. New Zealand's defense has failed to record a clean sheet in their last 12 games, a vulnerability a player of Salah's caliber is well-equipped to exploit.
As the team's designated penalty taker, his chances of finding the net are further increased.
Pick: Mohamed Salah Anytime Goalscorer (+120)
