The World Cup group stage is nearing its conclusion. That’s why, for the final round of group play, this week’s action will feature simultaneous matches with six-game slates. Today, Groups G, H, and I take center stage, and by the end of the day, we’ll know which teams from this lot will join France and Norway in the knockout stage.
So, let's dive into today's World Cup best bets.
Today's World Cup Best Bets
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 |
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  | 11:00 p.m. | |
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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. | ||
Norway vs. France
Following matchday two, France and Norway are among the highest-scoring sides in the second half of matches, with France having scored five times and Norway netting four.
All four fixtures involving these nations so far have delivered at least two goals during the second 45 minutes.
Given that Norway are yet to keep a clean sheet in the tournament and Erling Haaland's side needs a victory, an end-to-end contest is anticipated right up until the final whistle.
Pick: Half With More Goals – 2nd Half (+100)
Senegal vs. Iraq
Iraq enters this game having conceded 5.19 expected goals against (xGA), the third-worst defensive record in the competition so far. They have already allowed seven goals in two matches, and this trend of defensive frailty is expected to continue against a talented Senegalese front line.
This creates a prime opportunity for forward Ismaila Sarr to get on the scoresheet. Sarr was a constant threat against Norway, scoring two goals and finishing the match with an impressive 1.21 xG from six total shots.
Facing a less organized and more porous defense, he should find plenty of space and opportunities to add to his goal tally.
Pick: Ismaila Sarr Anytime Goalscorer (+145)
Uruguay vs. Spain
The case for both teams scoring is compelling. Uruguay's matches in this tournament have consistently seen goals from both sides, including a 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia and a 2-2 draw with Cape Verde. In fact, five of their last five games have featured both teams scoring.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side knows that sitting back for a 0-0 draw is a risky strategy against a possession-dominant team like Spain. They will likely press high and try to force turnovers, which could leave them exposed at the back, but also create scoring opportunities.
Spain, meanwhile, has been an offensive machine, failing to score in just three of their last 32 matches. After a frustrating opening draw, they exploded for a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, demonstrating their clinical finishing.
Given that Uruguay has already conceded three goals against the group's weaker teams, it's difficult to see them keeping a clean sheet against the Spanish attack. Spain’s defense can be caught on the counter, which plays into Uruguay's hands, making a goal for the South American side a strong possibility
Pick: Both Teams To Score – Yes (-110)
Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia
Although this match could easily go either way, Cape Verde have shown slightly more compared to Saudi Arabia, making their win the value pick in the 1X2 market at the odds-against price.
In their duel against Uruguay, Saudi Arabia struggled to find their footing despite scoring in the first half. Their goal came from just 0.6 total in the first 45 minutes, and the Green Falcons have then completely locked down, managing just 0.06 xG in the second half. Although a point was surely positive, Cape Verde pushed for a win in this matchup, leading to the belief that they are the more threatening team.
Cape Verde may have generated just 0.86 xG in their duel against Uruguay, but were equally attacking-oriented in both halves, taking 12 shots with four on target.
Despite their heavy underdog status at the start of the competition, Cape Verde have proven themselves against two World Cup giants and will be eager to show what they’ve got against Saudi Arabia, seemingly the only opponent against whom they can actively seek a win.
Pick: Cape Verde Moneyline (+155)
New Zealand vs. Belgium
Belgium entered this tournament with high expectations but has struggled to live up to them, securing only two points from their first two matches. This desperation for a win could lead to an aggressive, open game. New Zealand, despite a recent loss, has shown they can score, netting goals in both of their previous tournament games. Only a victory gives them a chance to advance, so they have every incentive to push forward and exploit any weaknesses in the Belgian squad.
The underlying data support the idea of a vulnerable Belgian defense. In their first two games, they allowed a combined 1.70 expected goals against (xGA). Even Iran, which struggled with possession, managed seven shots with three on target. New Zealand, needing a positive result, will likely get opportunities to test the Belgian backline, especially from set pieces, where Chris Wood is a significant threat.
Belgium has scored only one goal so far—an own goal—and will be motivated to improve their offensive output against a New Zealand defense that has conceded five goals in two matches. An attacking game is expected from both sides, making goals on both ends a strong possibility.
Pick: Both Teams To Score – Yes (+130)
Egypt vs. Iran
Mohamed Salah scored his first goal of the tournament last time out against New Zealand. It was a goal we’ve seen countless times during his Liverpool career: cutting in from the right flank, playing a one-two with his teammate, and calmly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper.
Salah’s goal against Egypt put his nation in front in the game, before Mahmoud Trezeguet made it 3-1 in the 82nd minute to secure Egypt’s first-ever win at the FIFA World Cup. Despite an underwhelming domestic campaign in his final season for Liverpool, Salah still scored seven Premier League goals and seven assists.
Egypt and Salah will aim to finish their Group G adventure in style. Notably, Salah has now scored in three of the four World Cup games he’s played in with Egypt, dating back to Russia 2018.
Against New Zealand, Salah’s goal was accompanied by five shots, 13 touches in the box, and five big chances created, all of which were the most of any player on the field. If he continues to be so impactful for his nation on matchday three, then backing him to find the net might prove to be a shrewd way into the fixture for bettors.
Pick: Mohamed Salah Anytime Goalscorer (+205)
