The World Cup is in full swing, and today we have four games featuring action from Groups C and D. We start in the afternoon with Australia vs. the United States, then Morocco vs. Scotland takes the spotlight before Friday's action finishes with Haiti vs. Brazil and Paraguay vs. Turkiye.
So, let's dive into today's World Cup best bets.
World Cup Best Bets Today: June 19 Expert Predictions
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 |
|---|---|---|
  | 3:00 p.m. | |
| 3:00 p.m. | |
  | 6:00 p.m. | |
  | 8:30 p.m. | |
| 8:30 p.m. | |
  | 11:00 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. | ||
Australia vs. USA
The USA made a statement in its opening match, dismantling Paraguay 4-1 and showing why many view Mauricio Pochettino’s side as a potential dark horse in this tournament.
The Americans were ruthlessly efficient in front of goal, scoring four times from just 1.34 expected goals (xG). They converted every big chance they created and consistently found ways to punish defensive mistakes.
Australia deserves credit for its defensive effort against Turkiye, surviving 30 shots and keeping a clean sheet despite spending long stretches without the ball. However, replicating that performance against a USA side that presses aggressively and attacks with greater speed will be a difficult task.
After defending for most of their opener and conceding 72% possession, Australia could begin to feel the effects physically as this match progresses. With the home crowd behind them and momentum on their side, the USA should have enough to secure another three points.
Pick: USA to Win (-130)
Australia vs. USA
While the USA impressed offensively in its opening victory over Paraguay, defensive concerns remain. Mauricio Pochettino’s side conceded the only shot on target they faced and has now allowed at least one goal in 14 of its past 15 matches.
Australia showed against Turkiye that it can be extremely efficient in front of goal. Despite managing just 28% possession and generating only 1.18 expected goals (xG), the Socceroos scored twice and made the most of their opportunities.
The Americans have enough attacking quality to create chances against any opponent, but Australia’s ability to strike on the counterattack should provide opportunities at the other end.
Australia has scored in four of its past five matches, while the USA continues to show vulnerabilities defensively. With both teams possessing enough attacking threat to capitalize on chances, backing both teams to score offers solid value.
Pick: Both Teams to Score – Yes (-106)
Morocco vs. Scotland
Scotland has been a reliable scoring team, netting goals in eight of their last ten matches. While their opening win against Haiti wasn't a dominant performance, their ability to score nine goals in the three games leading up to the tournament highlights their offensive potential. Steve Clarke's side will likely concede possession to Morocco, aiming to leverage their strength on the counter-attack and from set-piece situations, which should generate scoring opportunities.
Morocco, on the other hand, comes into this match needing a positive result to bolster their chances of advancing. Their aggressive attacking mindset was on full display against Brazil, and they will almost certainly press forward against Scotland. This offensive pressure is likely to produce goals, as they have scored in each of their previous seven contests. However, this approach can leave them vulnerable at the back; Morocco has conceded in four of their last six games. Given Scotland's knack for scoring and Morocco's attacking necessity, a match where both teams score appears highly probable.
Pick: Both Teams to Score – Yes (+110)
Haiti vs. Brazil
Brazil has a long-standing tradition of dominating their group, having finished in first place at every tournament since 1978. A key part of that success has been defensive stability. They have only one loss in their last 13 group stage matches dating back to the 2010 competition, conceding an average of just 0.58 goals per game during that stretch. At the last two tournaments, they kept two clean sheets in the group phase, showcasing their ability to shut down weaker opponents.
After a frustrating 1-1 draw with Morocco in their opening match, Brazil will be focused on securing a convincing victory. This pressure should translate into a sharp defensive performance against a Haiti team that struggled to convert its opportunities against Scotland. Despite taking 15 shots in their opener, Haiti only managed to put two on target and failed to score. They have now been held scoreless in three of their last eight games, losing all three.
Considering Brazil’s need for a decisive result and Haiti's lack of offensive firepower, a win for Brazil without conceding a goal appears to be a strong possibility. The combination of Brazil's organized defense and Haiti's inefficiency in the final third makes these picks a solid Brazil vs Haiti prediction.
Pick: Brazil to Win & Both Teams to Score – No (-178)
Haiti vs. Brazil
Brazil is expected to respond emphatically after dropping points in its opening match against Morocco. Despite the 1-1 draw, Carlo Ancelotti’s side looked at its most dangerous in the first half, generating six shots and controlling long stretches of play against one of the strongest teams in the group.
Now facing Haiti, one of the lowest-ranked teams in the tournament, the expectation is for a much more aggressive start. Brazil knows that goal difference could prove crucial in the race for first place in Group C, creating additional incentive to build an early lead.
Haiti showed vulnerabilities before halftime in its opener against Scotland, allowing 0.92 expected goals (xG) in the first half alone. While they managed to keep the score respectable, they spent much of the opening period under pressure and struggled to cope with sustained attacking sequences.
With Brazil looking to make a statement and Haiti facing a substantial step up in class, backing Brazil to lead by at least two goals at halftime offers strong value.
Pick: Brazil -1.5 1H Handicap (+127)
Paraguay vs. Turkiye
Turkiye's opening 2-0 loss to Australia was a statistical anomaly. They registered an incredible 30 shots, with eight on target, yet failed to find the back of the net. It was a historic level of offensive inefficiency, but the underlying process suggests a team capable of creating numerous opportunities. The challenge now is to add a clinical edge against a vulnerable opponent.
Paraguay's defense offers the perfect opportunity for Turkiye to correct their finishing woes. In their 4-1 defeat to the USA, Paraguay conceded four goals from just six shots on target. The USA generated only 1.35 expected goals (xG), indicating that Paraguay’s goalkeeping and defensive organization were well below the required standard for this level of competition. If Turkiye can replicate their high shot volume, they are poised to capitalize on Paraguay's defensive frailties.
Pick: Turkiye Over 1.5 Goals (+112)
