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In the penultimate match of Monday’s action, Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay and Saudi Arabia played to a 1-1 draw after a 79th minute equalizer from Maxi Araujo canceled Abdulelah Al-Amri’s opener in the first half. It was a match that offered a tremendous amount of guile and effort that concluded with a result that now has everyone with a point a piece in Group H and all to play for in the remaining two matches after Cape Verde also valiantly drew against Spain. 

After a poor first half, Uruguay came out like a young Mike Tyson in the second half, but the opposition just about held on thanks to a heroic performance from Mohammed Al Owais and his resilient defensive line, blocking almost everything that came at them.  

It was a fun match with incredible intensity. Here are my four takeaways:

1. A Clash Of Strategies

(Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP via Getty Images)

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Uruguay’s high line against Saudi Arabia’s pass-first strategy proved to be a contrast of philosophies, so it made for entertaining viewing.

But most importantly, at least in the first half, Georgios Donis’ team took advantage of Uruguay’s gung-ho approach, where Bielsa always wants at least four players pushing forward towards the box. But in the second half, in typical Loco Bielsa fashion, it was all about La Celeste and its willingness to push no matter what. It’s like watching a classic NFL team’s blitz package over and over again. 

It won’t surprise you to see that it’s actually very similar to Mauricio Pochettino’s United States plans as he is a disciple of Bielsa, and his Americans punished Paraguay last Friday. The difference here, however, is that Saudi Arabia are a technically savvy team, able to break through the lines. And the plan to counter worked better than Paraguay’s choice to just sit.  

But Bielsa, who is going through a rocky period (when isn’t he?) with Uruguay after some squad selections and poor results in friendlies, threw caution into the wind and pushed his team to earn a point and deliver. It was the type of performance that personified Garra Charrua, the ultimate sacrifice to give it your all, no matter the cost.

2. Hydration Break Boosts Managers’ Strategies

(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

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There have been many thoughts about the hydration break during the competition and personally, I am not a fan. However, in this match? It was exactly what both managers needed in order to inject life into the match because as soon as they returned to action, the energy was boosted. 

In the first half, the difference when it came to management was that Saudi Arabia had a clearer plan and anticipated a charging bull coming at them and, due to the press, it countered smartly. Bielsa is not the kind of manager that often gets out coached but in this case, at least in that moment, that’s exactly what happened. Donis saw the press and evaded it. 

In the second half, however, Bielsa’s team used the break to do exactly that. Recharge. Simply because the velocity of its attack was relentless, and the team needed a minute to recalibrate mentally and physically. Uruguay pushed and pushed and probably should have won, and it was all thanks to Bielsa’s tinkering in the second half. 

So what’s the lesson? These breaks are not going anywhere, so if you’re a manager, you might as well copy the NBA model, and use it to alter your tactics. 

3. Saudi Arabia Keeps Improving As An International Team

(Photo by Carmen Mandato – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Four years ago, the Green Falcons, under Herve Renard, shocked the world with a 2-1 victory over Argentina in their opening match of the World Cup. Tonight, it held its own against Uruguay and earned a valuable point. It’s also extra impressive because Donis only arrived to lead the team a few months ago, after Renard was let go. So there was a lot to do in order to prepare. And tonight, they made themselves proud. 

Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais was absolutely magnificent, anticipating any danger and committing himself to the direct approach of his opponents. The stoppage-time save from Federico Valverde’s attempt was the best save of the tournament thus far. He did another one closer to stoppage time, continuing to deny the Uruguayan avalanche of chances. It was honestly a ridiculously good performance as perhaps Al Owais used inspiration from Cape Verde stopper Vozinha from earlier in the day.

At 34 years old, the Al-Hasa stopper is part of his third World Cup squad and performed admirably. 

Mohamed Kanno from Al-Hilal was also brilliant in the midfield, able to go up against the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur and Manuel Ugarte.  

But really, this is about the development of the Saudi Pro League and the amount of economic and structural injection it continues to possess. It’s paying off. 

4. A Chaotic Second Half, But Not For Núñez

(Photo by Carmen Mandato – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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The second half was the football definition of Heath Ledger’s Joker walking out of the hospital in The Dark Knight. Bielsa made changes and doubled down on pressing Saudi Arabia’s box at every single opportunity and Al Owais just had to evade it like — well, Batman I guess. 

The tsunami of Uruguayan pressure kept coming, but Saudi Arabia held on. It felt like a video game at times and I didn’t want it to end. Notably absent from the action, however, was Darwin Núñez.

(Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

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At the break, Bielsa took off the former Liverpool striker for Agustin Cannobio after failing to make any kind of impact, with zero shots on target and only eight touches. It’s a shame what’s happened to the man who was once so feared as a striker in Europe, notably during his days with Benfica. 

At only 26, having left Al-Hilal after mutually agreeing to end the contract, Núñez is now a free agent, but in terms of suitors, nothing concrete as of right now. And sadly, the start he has had to this World Cup won’t help his chances of attracting more attention for a possible return to Europe. 

4 ½. What’s Next

As mentioned earlier, there is all to play for in this group as Uruguay will stay in Miami and face Cape Verde on Saturday whilst Saudi Arabia plays a tasty encounter against Spain in Atlanta, who will be in desperate mood as it searches for its first win of the tournament. They all do, really. So this group just became a must-watch drama.

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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One of the biggest controversies in recent college football history might soon reach a resolution. 

Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby is set to apply for entry in the NFL Supplemental Draft, NFL Network reported Monday. Sorsby’s lawyers also plan to withdraw their lawsuit against the NCAA, which would allow him to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft, NFL Network added in its report. 

As Sorsby prepares for the supplemental draft, he’s set to have a pro day on July 10, ESPN reported. The deadline for Sorsby to officially declare for the supplemental draft is June 22. A date for the supplemental draft hasn’t been set yet. However, it’s traditionally been held in July when a player has declared for the supplemental draft. 

Sorsby’s decision to seek entry into the NFL Supplemental Draft came a week after a Texas judge granted him an injunction against the NCAA, allowing him to play for Texas Tech in the 2026 season amid his gambling scandal. In recent days, however, the NCAA, the Big 12 and other college administrators have pushed for Sorsby to receive a greater punishment than a two-game suspension. Both the NCAA and Big 12 made filings in separate courts on Monday to try to overrule the decision made last week. 

News of the scandal broke in April, when Sorsby checked himself into rehab for a sports gambling addiction. In May, he admitted to placing more than $90,000 in bets over a four-year period, while court documents showed that Sorsby placed at least 40 wagers on Indiana or his teammates during his time with that program (2022-23). 

Sorsby transferred from Indiana to Cincinnati before the 2024 season. He transferred from Cincinnati to Texas Tech this past offseason, joining the Red Raiders as one of the top players in the portal. 

If approved, Sorsby could become the first player selected in the NFL Supplemental Draft since 2019. He also might be one of the more highly-touted players to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft in quite some time. Some 2027 NFL mock drafts had Sorsby as a first-round pick. With that in mind, he could become the first player taken in the first round of the NFL Supplemental Draft since 1992. 

FOX Sports NFL Draft analyst Rob Rang recently gave Sorsby a Round 2 grade but believes the 22-year-old QB has a high ceiling. 

“There was not a player in the 2026 draft class with a higher ceiling and lower floor than Sorsby, so projecting where he would have been selected is a more complicated hypothetical than it might appear,” Rang wrote.

Sorsby threw for 2,800 yards, 27 touchdowns and five interceptions at Cincinnati in 2025. 

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Tuesday is one of the most star-studded days in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kylian Mbappé and France begin the day by taking on one of Africa’s best teams in Senegal. The second game features Erling Haaland and Norway beginning their tournament run when they face Iraq. 

Then Lionel Messi and Argentina begin their title defense against an Algerian team that enters the tournament playing great soccer. Finally, one of the most improved European teams in Austria looks to continue to impress in its opener when it faces Jordan. 

Here is all you need to know for the big day. 

France vs. Senegal: How To Watch

When: Tuesday, June 16, 3 p.m. ET 
Where: New York/New Jersey 
TV: FOX
Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One

Group I gets underway on Tuesday when pre-tournament favorite France opens its World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium with a difficult test against one of Africa’s best teams in Senegal. 

France is remarkably deep and talented at every position and the team’s expectation is to lift every trophy possible. But the team has come up short in its last two major tournaments. At the 2022 World Cup final, France painfully lost to Argentina on penalties. At Euro 2024, France fell to eventual champions Spain 2-1 in the semifinal round. 

Under head coach Didier Deschamps, France strolled through World Cup qualifying without a loss, outscoring opponents 16-4 over six games.  

Kylian Mbappé is eyeing a third straight World Cup final appearance. (Getty) –>

It is hard to find a weakness in France as Ibrahima Konaté and Willian Saliba likely make up the best central defensive pairing at this tournament. The midfield trio of Aurelien Tchouameni, N’Golo Kante, and Adrien Rabiot are all well established at the highest levels. And the front line consists of Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembélé, who recently won the Champions League with Paris St. Germain, and Kylian Mbappé, who is one of the best attackers of his generation. 

Even with all that talent, there are some concerns. France was stunned by the Ivory Coast in its first World Cup tune-up in Nante as the African nation carved up the French defense with excellent passing en route to a 2-1 win. France then won its final World Cup friendly against Northern Ireland 3-1 but was not particularly sharp. 

Coached by Pape Thiaw (who spent a large portion of his playing career in France), Senegal will not be an easy game for France. Currently, ranked 15th in the latest FIFA Rankings, Senegal also qualified for this World Cup without losing a game. Sadio Mané, 34, is not the player he was a decade ago, but he is still a dangerous forward. Winger Nicholas Jackson is also a top-level attacker after recently winning the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, while on loan from Chelsea. 

But there is a lot of depth to this Senegal team and 20 of the 26 players played in Europe’s top five leagues this past season. 

France vs. Senegal: Player to Watch

Kylian Mbappé: Regarded as one of the best players of his generation (ranked No. 2 in our Top World Cup Players), the French striker is on the shortlist for most experts to win the World Cup’s Golden Ball, Golden Boot, or both. The common criticism of Mbappé in recent years has been his scoring efficiency, as he has been wasteful with many of his opportunities despite still scoring goals in droves. This was the case in France’s two friendlies prior to the World Cup. He had six shots against Northern Ireland and did not score. Against the Ivory Coast, he only had one shot that was saved. 

Mbappé could use a strong start at this World Cup to get into a rhythm for the knockout stages. But if he continues to go games without scoring, frustration could set in.

Norway vs. Iraq: How To Watch

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When: Tuesday, June 16, 6 p.m. ET 
Where: Boston 
TV: FOX
Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One

The second game of the day takes us to Boston Stadium when Norway takes on Iraq in the Group I opener for both teams.

All eyes will be on Norway in this game. Currently ranked 31st in the FIFA World Rankings, the last time Norway was in the World Cup was 1998. The last time it participated in the European Championships was in 2000. Despite not having been relevant on the international stage for over two decades, Norway brings a very talented team to the 2026 World Cup and has the potential to make a very deep run. 

Norway was the most dominant team in UEFA World Cup qualifying, having won all eight of its games in a group with Italy, Israel, Estonia, and Moldova and outscoring opponents by a stunning margin of 37-5.   

Erling Haaland is one of the best center forwards in the world. In his club career in top divisions (with Molde, Red Bull Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund, and Manchester City), Haaland as scored 297 goals in 364 games in all competitions. 

For Norway’s national team, he has 55 goals in 50 appearances. 

But Norway brings a fantastic supporting cast to this World Cup. Martin Ødegaard is the captain of both Norway and Arsenal, who are coming off winning the Premier League. RB Leipzig midfielder Antonio Nusa, 21, is one of the top young players at this tournament. Fulham’s Oscar Bobb is a electric winger for Fulham after the London club paid  £27 million to Manchester City for him in January. 

Erling Haaland of Norway is set to bring his superstar status to the World Cup. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

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While many believe Norway can make a deep run in the knockout stages at this World Cup, a potential concern is the team’s ability to withstand the heat of the American summer. 

Ranked 57th in the World in the latest FIFA Rankings, Iraq is the heavy underdog in each of his Group I games. Australian head coach Graham Arnold has done an impressive job with Iraq after taking over in 2025 when the team was in poor shape. But Arnold dramatically improved the team to qualify through a 2-1 intercontinental playoff win over Bolivia.

That playoff win was a remarkable story as it took the Iraqi team to make a harrowing journey to get to Monterrey, Mexico after war in the Middle East closed airspace, forcing the team to make a 12-hour bus ride to Jordan, followed by a long wait, to catch a flight to Mexico. 

The expectation is that Iraq will not advance, but Arnold believes that belief will help Iraq. 

“Some people may say that France, Norway and Senegal is the group of death,” Arnold told FIFA’s website. “I say let’s go for it. All the pressure is on France to win it, the pressure’s on Norway and Senegal to get through — the pressure is not on Iraq.”

Norway vs. Iraq: Player to Watch

Erling Haaland: With how good Haaland, 25, has been at the club level, he will finally have the opportunity to play in a major international tournament with Norway, like his father, Alf-Inge Håland, did for Norway at the 1994 World Cup in the United States. Haaland (ranked No. 6 in our Top World Cup Players) was the top goalscorer in UEFA World Cup qualifying with 16 goals, and he now enters this tournament as a contender for the Golden Boot. 

Norway has elite players but is not particularly deep. For the team to make a deep run, its star players will have to play well and that starts with Haaland. 

Argentina vs. Algeria: How To Watch

When: Tuesday, June 16, 9 p.m. ET 
Where: Kansas City 
TV: FOX
Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One

Reigning champions Argentina kicks off its title defense on Tuesday when it faces Algeria at Kansas City Stadium in Missouri in Group J action. 

Argentina has not taken its foot off the gas pedal since winning the 2022 World Cup. At the 2024 Copa América, Argentina cruised to the title while conceding just one goal over its six games. Then in CONMEBOL’s singles-table World Cup qualifying, Argentina easily finished in first, nine points better than second-place Ecuador and outscoring opponents 31-10 over 18 games. 

The concern over Argentina is that the team has mostly remained the same since winning the 2022 World Cup. Lionel Scaloni remains the head coach and Lionel Messi remains the team’s captain and most important player. In total, 17 players on this current 2026 team were on the 2022 team. This includes key midfielders Enzo Fernández, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, and Leandro Paredes along with forwards Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez, who should all feature heavily again this summer. 

Lionel Messi wants to win his second straight World Cup. (Getty) –>

With the same team four years ago, has the team lost a step due to age? Are they too complacent? Is the hunger still there? 

Even with this concerns, Argentina is still the heavy favorite in this game Algeria, who are ranked 28 in the latest FIFA World Rankings. Led by Bosnian head coach Vladimir Petkovic, Algeria are capable of surprising people at this World Cup. 

Algeria’s friendlies in March as well as the recent tune-up games have gone very well for Algeria, who coasted to a 7-0 win over Guatemala, played Uruguay to a 0-0 draw, then in June defeated the Netherlands 1-0 and Bolivia 4-0. In World Cup qualifying, Algeria posted a record of 8-1-1 while outscoring opponents 24-8. 

At 35, winger Riyad Mahrez remains the team’s captain and most important offensive player. Now with Saudi club Al-Ahli, Mahrez won four Premier League titles with Manchester City and one with Leicester City. The team’s second leading scorer is Wolfsburg striker Mohamed Amoura who has 19 goals from 44 appearances. 

Argentina vs. Algeria: Player to Watch

Lionel Messi: As one of the legendary players of all time, Messi will earn his 200th cap for Argentina when he plays in this game. He has won the domestic league for each of his clubs: Barcelona, Paris Saint0Germain, and Inter Miami. He has won the World Cup, the Copa América, the Olympics, the U-20 World Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. 

At age 38, Messi is fighting Father Time in impressive fashion (ranked No. 16 in our Top World Cup Players). All eyes will be on him to see how he begins what could likely be his final major international tournament. 

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Austria vs. Jordan: How To Watch

When: Wednesday, June 17, 12 a.m. ET 
Where: San Francisco Bay Area 
TV: FS1
Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One

In Group J, one of the world’s most improved teams in Austria gets its World Cup underway with high expectations when it takes on Jordan on Tuesday night at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. 

There are plenty of reasons to believe that Austria is significantly better than its current FIFA World Ranking of 24. It qualified for the World Cup after winning UEFA Group H over Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, Cyprus, and San Marion with a record of 6-1-1 while impressively outscoring opponents 22-4. At Euro 2024, Austria finished atop Group D over traditional world powers France and the Netherlands along with Poland before being eliminated in the knockouts by Poland. 

In 2026, Austria has won its three friendlies, a 5-1 win over Ghana, a 1-0 win over South Korea, and a 1-0 win over Tunisia. 

This success is a complete reversal of decades of lackluster results. The last time Austria had qualified for the World Cup was in 1998 when it made a group stage exit in France. 

The architect of this rise has been famed German head coach Ralf Rangnick who is known for his counter-pressing style. He has heavily influenced top German managers such as Jürgen Klopp, Julian Nagelsmann, and Thomas Tuchel. 

He has led Austria since 2022, and it is his first time running a national team. Under Rangnick, Austria has been effective in its relentless pressing. 

Rangnick brings with him an older roster with an average age of 28.6. The likely average age of its starting lineup is over 30. This includes captain amd defender David Alaba, 35, of Real Madrid, forward Marko Arnautovic, 37, of Red Star Belgrade and who has 133 appearances, forward Michael Gregoritsch, 32, of FC Augsburg, and midfielder Marcel Sabitzer, 32, of Borussia Dortmund. Each of these players are important to Austria’s current World Cup efforts.

Meanwhile, Jordan will be making its World Cup debut and is currently ranked 63 in the FIFA World Rankings. The Chivalrous Ones are the heavy underdogs in what is a very strong Group J. 

Managed by Jamal Sellami of Morocco, Jordan is a team that plays with a compact defense and looks to generate chances through counterattacking. The team qualified for the World Cup after finishing as the runners-up in Group B of the third round of the AFC’s qualifiers. Sellami’s squad finished behind South Korea but ahead of Iraq, Oman, Palestine, and Kuwait. 

Nearly all the players on Jordan’s roster play for Asian clubs. The only player who plays for a major European team is starting forward and captain Musa Al-Taamari who plays for Rennes in France’s Ligue 1. Al-Taamari, 29, has scored 24 goals in 94 appearances for Jordan. 

Austria vs. Jordan: Player to Watch

Marko Arnautović: In a World Cup that features many aging stars, such as Lionel Messi, Luka Modrić, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Edin Džeko, Arnautović remains undisputed leader of Austria’s attack at age 37. Now with Red Star Belgrade, which he joined in 2025, Arnautović is the national team’s most-capped player and all-time scorer. But unlike those other players, Arnautović will be playing in his first World Cup. He is known for his powerful style and his strong hold-up play. In 2025, he scored eight goals in nine appearances for Austria.

Austria has ambitious goals this summer and Arnautović is a critical part of those efforts. 

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FIFA Men’s World Cup

Updated Jun. 23, 2026 2:06 a.m. ET

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Tunisia have sensationally sacked head coach Sabri Lamouchi just one game into its 2026 World Cup campaign. The decision comes in the wake of a devastating 5-1 defeat at the hands of Sweden in their Group F opener on Sunday.

Carthage Eagles act after Sweden demolition

The North African side were left reeling following a one-sided affair that saw the Swedish attack carve through their defence with ease. The 5-1 scoreline marked one of the most lopsided results in Tunisia’s tournament history, prompting the governing body to take drastic measures. The defeat was compounded by the narrative on the pitch, as Yasin Ayari notably scored against the country of his father’s birth to help seal Tunisia’s fate.

Dressing room unrest leads to exit

While the result on the pitch was the primary catalyst for the dismissal, it has been reported that significant dressing room tension had been brewing behind the scenes.

Lamouchi’s tenure across all competitions ends after just five matches in the dugout. It appears the lack of cohesion between the coaching staff and the playing squad made his position untenable once the pressure of the world stage was applied.

Kebaier expected to step in for Japan clash

Looking ahead, the Carthage Eagles are expected to turn to a familiar face to steady the ship. Former manager Mondher Kebaier is the frontrunner to take over on an interim basis as the team prepares for a critical encounter against Japan on June 20th.

However, it has also been reported that former Sunderland and Tunisia star Wahbi Khazri is in the running to take the hotseat instead.

Tunisia make World Cup history

By opting for a change mid-tournament, Tunisia have secured an unwanted piece of history. Lamouchi becomes the first coach to be officially sacked while the 2026 World Cup is still in progress, highlighting the depths of the federation’s disappointment in the French manager.

With the federation feeling there was no path forward under the current leadership, they chose to act before the second group-stage fixture. It is worth noting that Tunisia’s task will be far from easy, as, following their clash with Japan, they are set to conclude the group stage against the Netherlands.

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Two things have undoubtedly been true this summer: the superstars are shining, and the Golden Boot odds seem to be changing every minute. 

Just as they did on matchday 1, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland stole the spotlight again on Monday, combining for six more goals.

Messi struck first, setting the all-time World Cup goals record in the first half of Argentina’s match against Austria. He then added another goal in extra time at game’s end, giving him 18 World Cup goals all time and five through two 2026 World Cup games.

That performance briefly made Messi the Golden Boot favorite at +150.

But the lead didn’t last long.

A few hours later, Mbappé responded with two goals of his own, jumping from +350 to +155 to reclaim the favorite spot on the board. The French superstar now has 16 career World Cup goals, tying Miroslav Klose for the second-most in men’s World Cup history.

The back-and-forth between two of the greatest players in the history of the sport is shaping up to make this a historic summer, with records likely to be broken and traded every time these two superstars step onto the pitch. 

If that wasn’t enough, Haaland added two more goals of his own in Norway’s 3-2 win over Senegal to tighten the race even further.

Messi now has the most goals this tournament with five, Mbappé and Haaland are tied for second with four, Canada’s Jonathan David and Germany’s Deniz Undav have three, and a host of other stars — Harry Kane, Vinícius Jr., Mikel Oyarzabal and Kai Havertz — have two.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot race is already shaping up to be historic. Let’s dive into the updated odds at FanDuel Sportsbook as of June 22.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Golden Boot Winner 2026

Kylian Mbappé: +155 (bet $10 to win $25.50 total)
Lionel Messi: +165 (bet $10 to win $26.50 total)
Erling Haaland: +500 (bet $10 to win $60 total)
Harry Kane: +700 (bet $10 to win $80 total)
Mikel Oyarzabal: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total)
Deniz Undav: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)
Lamine Yamal: +3300 (bet $10 to win $340 total)
Vinícius Júnior: +3300 (bet $10 to win $340 total)
Johan Manzambi: +3300 (bet $10 to win $340 total)
Jonathan David: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
Folarin Balogun: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
Cody Gakpo: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
Kai Havertz: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
Matheus Cunha: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
Ayase Ueda +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)

Here’s what to know about this oddsboard:

The Favorite(s): Recognize those two names atop the board? In Argentina’s opener against Algeria, with his first career World Cup hat trick, Messi tied Miroslav Klose for the most goals in men’s World Cup history with 16, while also setting the record as the oldest player (38) to record a hat trick, passing Cristiano Ronaldo. Then, in Argentina’s second game against Austria, Messi scored late in the first half to pass Klose for the record, and scored once more late in the contest to put some space between himself and Klose. 

Mbappé entered the tournament as the Golden Boot favorite. The French superstar scored twice in his World Cup opener, as he became France’s new all-time leader in goals with 58. Then, in his second World Cup match just hours after Messi pulled away, Mbappé added two more goals to regain favoritism. He won the Golden Boot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and is looking to become the first player in history to win two World Cup Golden Boot awards. 

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The biggest sporting event North America has ever hosted is in full swing, and we already have a ton of movement atop the 2026 FIFA World Cup oddsboard. 

Let’s dive into the full odds via FanDuel Sportsbook, as of June 22.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

2026 World Cup Winner Odds

France: +400 (bet $10 to win $50 total)
Spain: +500 (bet $10 to win $60 total)
England: +600 (bet $10 to win $70 total)
Argentina: +650 (bet $10 to win $75 total)
Portugal: +1100 (bet $10 to win $120 total)
Brazil: +1300 (bet $10 to win $140 total)
Germany: +1300 (bet $10 to win $140 total)
Netherlands: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)
Norway: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total) 
United States: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)
Morocco: +3300 (bet $10 to win $340 total) 
Japan: +4500 (bet $10 to win $460 total) 
Mexico: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
Belgium: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
Colombia: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
Switzerland: +8000 (bet $10 to win $810 total)

Here’s what to know about this oddsboard: 

The Favorites: France is now the solo favorite atop the oddsboard. It opened its pursuit for a third World Cup title with a 3-1 win against Senegal. Les Bleus followed that up with a dominating 3-0 win over Iraq on Monday. France will face Norway in a heavyweight showdown to decide Group I on Friday as it eyes a deep tournament run once again. France would win the group with a win or draw against Norway. 

While its opening draw against Cape Verde was a nightmare start to the tournament, Spain remains the second choice after its bounce-back 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia on Sunday. Spain has appeared in 16 previous World Cups and won the tournament once, lifting the trophy in 2010. It also won the 2024 Euros. It will look to bounce back and follow Argentina’s route to the title in 2022, after its disappointing first result of the tournament. 

Biggest Risers: Could the USA and Mexico have gotten off to better starts? After winning its first two group games, Mexico has officially won Group A and has clinched a spot in the knockout round. In its opening match, Mexico was dominant in a 2-0 win over South Africa. On Thursday, El Tri edged out a 1-0 win over South Korea. After Mexico’s start to the tournament, it now has major expectations placed on it to get past the Round of 16 for the first time since 1986. Meanwhile, the U.S. followed its dream opening win with another well-played match. The Stars and Stripes have won Group D, which allows them to play a third place team in the Round of 32 at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 1. Norway has also jumped from +3500 to +3000 after winning its first two World Cup matches against Iraq and Senegal.

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The group stage is the first step toward World Cup glory. 

All 48 nations playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been divided into 12 groups (labeled A-L) of four teams. 

With the expanded knockout format of 32 teams advancing past the group stage, winning the group has become more important than ever.

Let’s check out the latest odds for all 12 groups at FanDuel Sportsbook, as of June 23. 

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Group A winner

Mexico wins

Group B winner

Canada: -165 (bet $10 to win $16.06 total)
Switzerland: +130 (bet $10 to win $23 total)

Group C winner

Brazil: -200 (bet $10 to win $15 total)
Morocco: +170 (bet $10 to win $27 total)
Scotland: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)

Group D winner

The USA wins

Group E winner

Germany wins

Group F winner

Netherlands: -370 (bet $10 to win $12.70 total)
Japan: +350 (bet $10 to win $45 total)
Sweden: +2700 (bet $10 to win $280 total)

Group G winner

Egypt: -180 (bet $10 to win $15.56 total)
Belgium: +240 (bet $10 to win $34 total)
Iran: +650 (bet $10 to win $75 total)

Group H winner

Spain: -750 (bet $10 to win $11.33 total)
Uruguay: +750 (bet $10 to win $85 total)
Cape Verde: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)

Group I winner

France: -450 (bet $10 to win $12.22 total)
Norway: +350 (bet $10 to win $45 total)

Group J winner

Argentina wins

Group K winner

Colombia: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
Portugal: +110 (bet $10 to win $21 total)
DR Congo: +1300 (bet $10 to win $140 total)
Uzbekistan: +15000 (bet $10 to win $1,510 total)

Group L winner

England: -1500 (bet $10 to win $10.67 total)
Ghana: +1700 (bet $10 to win $180 total)
Croatia: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
Panama: +8000 (bet $10 to win $810 total)

Source

With the largest World Cup field in the history of the tournament, 32 of the 48 teams will be fighting for a spot in the knockout stage. 

With that, 66.6% of nations will advance out of the group stage this summer, which is a massive upgrade from 50% in past World Cups. Because of this, sportsbooks have adjusted with less favorable odds.

Prior to the start of the tournament, Spain, Argentina, Brazil, England and Germany entered with the strongest odds to advance from the group stage, supported by recent major-tournament success and talent-rich rosters.

All five nations remain heavily favored at -10000 to advance to the knockout round. 

The Spaniards are the defending European Champions while the Argentinians are looking to win back-to-back titles. Germany has not made it out of the group stage in the last two World Cups. And then, of course, there’s Brazil, which has more titles than any country with five. 

Mexico and the United States are the first two countries to advance to the knockout stage, by winning Groups A and D, respectively.

Let’s dive into the odds for each team to advance to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as of June 22.

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Odds to Advance to Knockout Stage

Spain: -10000 (bet $10 to win $10.10 total)
Argentina: -10000 (bet $10 to win $10.10 total)
Brazil: -10000 (bet $10 to win $10.10 total)
England: -10000 (bet $10 to win $10.10 total)
Germany: -10000 (bet $10 to win $10.10 total)
Norway: -10000 (bet $10 to win $10.10 total)
Ivory Coast: -10000 (bet $10 to win $10.10 total)
Portugal: -5000 (bet $10 to win $10.20 total)
France: -5000 (bet $10 to win $10.20 total)
Sweden: -5000 (bet $10 to win $10.20 total)
Belgium: -2500 (bet $10 to win $10.40 total)
Austria: -2500 (bet $10 to win $10.40 total)
Morocco: -2000 (bet $10 to win $10.50 total)
South Korea: -1800 (bet $10 to win $10.56 total)
Netherlands: -1400 (bet $10 to win $10.71 total)
Australia: -1400 (bet $10 to win $10.71 total)
Colombia: -1000 (bet $10 to win $11 total)
Japan: -650 (bet $10 to win $11.54 total)
Paraguay: -650 (bet $10 to win $11.54 total)
Egypt: -650 (bet $10 to win $11.54 total)

The U.S. men’s national team has won Group D and will advance to the knockout round (Getty Images).

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Ghana: -400 (bet $10 to win $12.50 total)
Senegal: -310 (bet $10 to win $13.23 total)
Croatia: -310 (bet $10 to win $13.23 total)
Scotland: -295 (bet $10 to win $13.39 total)
Cape Verde: -230 (bet $10 to win $14.35 total)
Algeria: -170 (bet $10 to win $15.88 total)
Iran: -165 (bet $10 to win $16.06 total)
DR Congo: +100 (bet $10 to win $20 total)
Uruguay: +120 (bet $10 to win $22 total)
Saudi Arabia: +175 (bet $10 to win $27.50 total)
Uzbekistan: +180 (bet $10 to win $28 total)
Czechia: +200 (bet $10 to win $30 total)
Ecuador: +300 (bet $10 to win $40 total)
South Africa: +450 (bet $10 to win $55 total)
Panama: +600 (bet $10 to win $70 total)
Jordan +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
New Zealand: +1100 (bet $10 to win $120 total)
Iraq: +1200 (bet $10 to win $130 total)
Curaçao: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)

Source

What if I told you the only match without a goal on Monday produced the moment of the day? Yes, there were late equalizers and upsets on another four-match day at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but only one will go down in the tournament’s history books.

Here is everything you might have missed on Day 5 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

Spain vs. Cape Verde

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• In a stunning turn of events, Cape Verde, the second-smallest country in the 2026 FIFA World Cup by population size, got a point in its World Cup debut against Spain at Atlanta Stadium. The last debutant to get a point at the World Cup was Iceland in 2018. Senegal was the last team to win a World Cup debut match in 2002.
• Spain is ranked second in the FIFA World Rankings, while Cape Verde is 67th. The 65-place gap is the ninth-biggest gap in world rankings in a World Cup matchup.
• Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha became the third-oldest goalkeeper (40 years, 12 days) to keep a clean sheet in a men’s World Cup match, after Peter Shilton (40 years, 281 days) and Dino Zoff (40 years, 130 days). Vozinha defended all seven shots on target from Spain.
• Since scoring its last FIFA World Cup goal against Japan in 2022, Spain has had 49 shots and completed 2,500 passes in the competition without finding the net, per OPTA. Spain’s starting striker Mikel Oyarzabal became the first player on record since 1966 to play the first 30 minutes of a FIFA World Cup match without touching the ball once.
• Lamine Yamal had more dribbles (five) than any other player, despite coming on in the 71st minute.

Spain vs Cape Verde Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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Belgium vs. Egypt

[–>
• Egypt, in its return to the World Cup, played Belgium to a 1-1 draw at Seattle Stadium. Egypt is now 0W-2D-2L all-time in World Cup openers, while Belgium’s last loss in a World Cup opener came in 1986 vs. Mexico.
• Mo Salah, who turned 34 years old on Monday, assisted on Emam Ashour’s goal for Egypt, making him the first male African player on record to have a World Cup goal contribution on his birthday.
• Romelu Lukaku came on as a substitute in the 66th minute and forced an equalizer 22 seconds after being on the pitch. That goal ended a run of 325 minutes of World Cup football for Belgium without scoring, since Michy Batshuayi’s goal in its opening group-stage game at Qatar 2022.
• This was Belgium’s fourth consecutive World Cup game with exactly three shots on goal.
• Egypt remains winless all-time at the World Cup, now 0W-3D-5L.

Belgium vs Egypt Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay

[–>
• Second time wasn’t the charm for Saudi Arabia, but it did manage to split points with Uruguay in its World Cup opener at Miami Stadium. Saudi Arabia is now 1W-2D-4L all-time in World Cup openers, with its lone win coming vs. Argentina in 2022.
• Saudi Arabia scored the opening goal of a World Cup match for the first time since 1994, and is now 2W-1D-1L all-time at the World Cup when scoring first.
• Maximiliano Araújo’s goal in the 80th minute salvaged a point for Uruguay. Fifteen of Uruguay’s 55 World Cup group-stage goals have come in the 80th minute or later.
• Araújo became the first Uruguayan player to score in his debut in the World Cup since Diego Forlán in 2002.
• This was the first time since 2002 that Uruguay participated in a World Cup without Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani.

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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Iran vs. New Zealand

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• Iran and New Zealand had their chances, but both countries had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Los Angeles Stadium. There are now three groups that have four teams tied at one point, which has never happened in World Cup history. The last time there were four draws in a single day in a World Cup was 68 years ago.
• Elijah Just recorded the first brace by a New Zealand player ever in a World Cup match. Chris Wood also became the first New Zealand player to record two assists in a World Cup match ever.
• New Zealand had eight shots on target, its most in a match in World Cup history.
• Michael Boxall became New Zealand’s oldest World Cup player ever at 37 years and 302 days old.
• Ehsan Hajsafi became the first Iranian player to play 10 World Cup games.

Iran vs New Zealand Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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BEST OF THE DAY

Save Of The Day

Vozinha started playing soccer professionally in 2007 for his local club, Batuque, in Cape Verde. Nearly two decades later, the 40-year-old goalkeeper got the opportunity to show his class, recording a clean sheet against Spain. Six of his seven saves were from inside the box, and four of them were diving saves.

Assist Of The Day

Mohammad Mohebi will get the hero’s treatment for his decisive equalizer in the 64th minute, but it wouldn’t have been possible without the absolutely perfect cross from Ramin Rezaeian, which had just enough power to make it into the box and just enough finesse for Mohebi to get his head on it.

Goal Of The Day

Mo Salah got quite the birthday present from Emam Ashour, who settled Salah’s pass just outside the penalty box and hit a low-driven shot that Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Ahmed Shobeir couldn’t get a hand on despite his best effort. And the cherry on top? Salah was credited with the assist. Happy birthday, Mo!

Cape Verde’s Dream Debut

This is what the expanded tournament is all about. Against all odds, Cape Verde earned a point in its first-ever World Cup match by shutting out Spain, and the scenes after the match were something to behold, from the emotional players to the electric supporters.

Source