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Brazil are facing the prospect of navigating the entire World Cup group stage without Neymar as the medical staff prioritizes his long-term fitness. The Seleção talisman is battling to recover from a significant muscle injury, with coaching staff now focusing on a return for the knockout rounds.

Caution Remains The Priority For Seleção

Brazil’s medical department and coaching staff have reached a consensus regarding Neymar’s involvement in the opening phase of the World Cup: caution is the only way forward.

Despite the clamour for the superstar to return to the starting line-up, there is currently no indication that he will be risked in the upcoming clash against Haiti in Philadelphia.

As per ESPN, Brazil are determined to avoid a setback that could end his tournament prematurely. Neymar has not trained under Carlo Ancelotti since arriving at Granja Comary on May 27, and the order from the backroom staff is to ensure he does not suffer a regression by returning to intensive drills too soon.

Recovery Timeline For Calf Injury

Neymar is currently working his way back from a grade-two calf problem which he sustained while playing for Santos on May 17. While he increased his workload in the gym recently – a positive sign of evolution in his recovery – he remains far from match fitness and has yet to reintegrate with his team-mates on the grass.

The plan is for the 32-year-old to step onto the pitch this week for individual work, but he will only be cleared for full team sessions once the medical staff are certain he is pain-free.

Given that he has not played a competitive match in over a month, his lack of rhythm is a major factor in the decision-making process.

Plans For The Knockout Stages

Internally, Brazil are now working towards a schedule that would see Neymar fit for the World Cup knockout stages. This strategy effectively rules him out of the clash against Haiti and makes him a major doubt for the final group match against Scotland in Miami on June 24.

This conservative approach will only be maintained if the Seleção results allow for such luxury on the pitch.

Ancelotti is keen to have his best player available but refuses to compromise the player’s health. The Italian recently explained his decision to keep the injured star in the squad, stating: “Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible. When we called up Neymar, we did it not just because of his technical quality, which is undeniable. But also because of his experience, the example he could represent for the younger players on the team.”

A Final Assessment Looms

The medical team have not ruled out conducting fresh imaging tests in the coming days to verify if the intensive treatment has successfully healed the calf muscle. These results will dictate whether Neymar can accelerate his transition to the field or if he must continue his lonely rehabilitation in the gym.

Ultimately, Brazil are weighing short-term caution against long-term gain. With or without their all-time leading scorer, the Seleção must secure their path to the round of 32, where they hope a fully rested and recovered Neymar will be ready to lead their charge for a sixth world title.

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Belgium’s golden generation might have ended in 2022, but a younger squad opened its World Cup the way it has opened most things lately: with more questions than answers. Egypt — organized, patient, entirely unfazed by the badge it was facing — held one of Europe’s more talented squads to a 1-1 draw in Seattle on Monday.

Emam Ashour put the Pharaohs ahead in the 19th minute. Belgium, which lined up without a recognized striker, spent an hour passing the ball to death without ever threatening to score one. Then Rudi Garcia went for one of the lasting remnants of the past golden generation, and that man shocked audiences with his first touch.

Here are my takeaways from Belgium and Egypt’s opening draw:

1. Belgium Needs a Healthy Lukaku — Desperately

(Photo by Dale MacMillan/Soccrates/Getty Images)

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Belgium started this World Cup match without a striker. 

Garcia deployed Charles De Ketelaere, usually a second striker or attacking midfielder, as a false nine in front of an attacking midfield three built on flair: Jérémy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne, Leandro Trossard. It produced some decent football but virtually no penalty-box menace. Egypt’s block sat there and dared Belgium to find a center forward. Belgium couldn’t muster a single shot on target during the entire first half.

Enter Romelu Lukaku. Within seconds, a Youri Tielemans pass sprang Thomas Meunier down the right. Lukaku’s run through the middle was perfectly timed as the low cross was fed right into the path of the veteran striker.

That sequence is Belgium’s entire striker situation in a nutshell. Lukaku is 33. He has played about an hour of competitive football all season after a high-grade thigh tear, surgery and a parade of setbacks at Napoli — a saga ugly enough that he spent half the year rehabbing in Belgium against his club’s wishes. And he is still, comfortably, the most important No. 9 this team has. Belgium’s all-time leading scorer, and it isn’t close.

The question for Garcia was never whether Lukaku belongs. It depends on whether his body allows him to be the player this squad is designed around.

2. The Gap At The Top Keeps Shrinking

(Photo by Sarah Stier – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Egypt didn’t park ten men and pray. Hossam Hassan’s side defended with shape, broke with intent and, for long spells, looked like the team with the clearer idea of what it was doing. Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush were deployed to stretch Belgium’s back line all night. This was not a smash-and-grab. 

And it fits the pattern of these opening days. Canada took its first men’s World Cup point off Bosnia. Cape Verde somehow held Spain to a 0-0 draw. Japan produced a highly entertaining 2-2 result against the Netherlands. The teams that were supposed to make up the numbers in a bloated 48-side field have been landing clean punches on the establishment.

Egypt went winless in Russia in 2018. This cycle it conceded two goals in 10 qualifiers. On Monday, it walked off the pitch proudly with a point against the ninth placed side in the FIFA rankings. Pedigree still wins most of these games, but be thankful for the surprises that keep some of these games highly unpredictable.

3. Egypt Is Built To Be A Problem

(Photo by Dale MacMillan/Soccrates/Getty Images)

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Two goals allowed in ten qualifying matches is not a rounding error. It’s an identity.

Hassan has built a side around defensive discipline and two attackers who can punish a single lapse. Salah — who turned 34 on Monday, and is fresh off a quieter final season at Liverpool — is still feared by defenders. Marmoush, now at Manchester City, offers a second runner who threatens in behind the moment a center back steps too high. Ashour’s opener came from exactly the kind of organized, low-risk football this team will live on.

The draw has been kind to the Pharaohs, too. They drew the toughest fixture first and came away with a point. Iran and New Zealand are next, and Egypt will fancy itself in both. Second place in Group G is very much on the table — and a Round-of-32 date that could fall against the United States is the sort of thing that makes a federation dream.

4. What Is The Ceiling For Belgium?

We have been writing this group’s obituary since 2018, and it keeps refusing to die quietly. De Bruyne is 34. Courtois is 34. Lukaku is 33 and held together with tape. The trophy cabinet is empty. Qatar 2022 ended in a group-stage exit and a dressing room reportedly at war with itself. The brief in 2026 was simple: don’t do that again.

A point against a well-drilled Egypt is not that. But in a draw, Garcia’s headline idea — De Bruyne conducting behind a striker-less front three — generated barely any threat. It’s the kind of result that should keep a coach up at night. Talent has never been the issue with Belgium. The coherence has.

Iran comes next in Los Angeles, then New Zealand in Vancouver. Both are winnable. Both are also precisely the sort of stubborn, well-organized opponent that just gave Belgium 90 minutes of frustration while wearing a different shirt. Garcia has a week to decide how much he trusts Lukaku’s body — because for an hour on Monday, the alternative looked like nothing at all.

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So much for a supersized World Cup diluting the quality of soccer’s biggest tournament.

Cape Verde, making its debut at the World Cup, pulled off a stunning upset to shut out heavily favored Spain in a 0-0 draw on Monday.

“This means everything for our country,” Cape Verde coach Pedro Leitão Brito said. “We have always said that we wanted everybody to see our country, our team and we have shown organization and braveness and this is proof of what our country is about — resilience and to try to overcome hardships.”

European champion Spain entered the World Cup as one of the favorites to win the tournament, listed at +450, along with Spain. Now, after the draw, Spain has dropped to +500. 

Not even 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, who was the No. 1-ranked player in our Top 100 Players in the FIFA World Cup ranking, could turn a game that ended with wild and emotional celebrations from Cape Verde players and fans inside the stadium.

Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha broke down in tears after the final whistle following his impressive performance to keep Spain at bay.

“Heroic effort from this Cape Verde team,” FOX Sports lead soccer analyst Stu Holden said on the broadcast as members of Cape Verde embraced the 40-year-old Vozinha. “They’ve made themselves proud.”

Here are some numbers to put the stunning 0-0 draw between Spain and Cape Verde into perspective:

• The result marked one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history by FIFA rankings, representing the fourth-largest ranking gap ever in a match where the lower-ranked team avoided defeat.

• Spain entered the World Cup on a 30-game unbeaten streak, while this was Cape Verde’s World Cup debut, making it the third-smallest country ever to qualify in terms of population.

• Cape Verde’s population is 82 times smaller than Spain.

• Spain forward Lamine Yamal has a transfer value of €200M (approximately $232.1M). All 26 players of Cape Verde’s national team have a COMBINED transfer value of €54.4M (approximately $63.1M).

• Yamal and Norway forward Eling Haaland (€200M, approximately $232.1M) have nearly four times the value of Cape Verde’s entire team.

• Spain was ranked second in the FIFA world rankings heading into the matchup, while Cape Verde was ranked 67th. The 65-place difference is the ninth-biggest gap in world rankings in a World Cup matchup.

• Cape Verde is now one of just three debutant nations since 2010 to earn points in its opening match of the World Cup.

The 2010 champion Spain is aiming to win the World Cup for a second time and is coming into the tournament after winning the Euros in 2024. But a disappointing start echoes its performances in recent World Cups when it has failed to advance beyond the round of 16 in each of the last three editions.

“What doubts do you think my team is going to have? Zero doubts,” said Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, who had warned before the match that Cape Verde could be one of the surprise teams of the World Cup. “We know how difficult this competition is. The idea we need to follow is what took us here and what made us European champions.”

Spain plays Saudi Arabia on Sunday and Cape Verde faces Uruguay.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Spain vs Cape Verde Extended Highlights

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World Cup odds are drawing massive action over the first few days of the tournament. Sportsbooks across the nation — and around the world, to be sure — are taking boatloads of bets.

That included the public betting masses piling on tournament favorite Spain for its opener against seemingly way over-matched Cape Verde. 

Monday’s shocking tie was a boon for sportsbooks, a bust for bettors and a little of both for high-net-worth prediction market traders.

Read on for more on that outcome, along with big Brazil bets, the USA’s rout of Paraguay and other interesting wagers in World Cup markets.

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.

Pain In Spain, Part Uno: Sportsbooks

Ahead of Monday’s first World Cup match, Caesars Sports had three-way moneyline odds of Spain -1450/Cape Verde +2400/Draw +1000. That meant it took a $1,450 bet on Spain to win $100.

But there was no shortage of Spain backers and very little support for big ‘dog Cape Verde or Draw. Even during the match, the odds for Draw got as high as +2500.

So when the match stunningly ended in a 0-0 tie, Caesars and surely many other operators, netted a substantial win.

“This was a significant result for the trading floor, with Spain heavily backed by bettors across both straight bets and parlays,” Caesars head of soccer trading Mark Bickerdike said. “A remarkable result for Cape Verde in its first-ever World Cup match and one that could have significant implications for Group H and the tournament as a whole.”

Hard Rock Bet noted that 78% of money wagered on the match lost. Spain was in a ton of parlays, seen as ostensibly a free Bingo space. Hard Rock termed parlay damage as “enormous.”

But there were customers who took fliers on Draw. Better still, a DraftKings Sportsbook bettor made two incredibly prescient plays:

• $100 on a 0-0 Draw +4000
• $100 on no goalscorer at +3000

That customer walked away with $7,000 profit in about two hours’ time.

Pain In Spain, Part Dos: Prediction Markets

Prior to Monday’s match, Polymarket gave Spain a 92% chance of beating Cape Verde. That translates to odds of -1150. The Spanish side was thought to be a lead-pipe cinch to not only win but to win easily.

Somehow, not only did Spain fail to win, but it also failed to put up even a single goal. The 0-0 draw was an absolutely earth-shaking result.

And a seismic loss for a Polymarket customer. The trader put nearly $1 million on Spain to win the match — $999,068, to be exact.

Had Spain won, the trader would’ve profited just shy of $87,000, with a total payout of $1,085,943.

Instead, the trader ostensibly lost a million bucks.

On the flip side, a Polymarket customer traded $427,952 on Spain not to win the match, meaning either a draw or Cape Verde upset. The price on that trade: 9%, which equates to about +1000 odds.

So that trader made out huge, profiting nearly $4.3 million (total payout $4.7 million).

Banking on Brazil

One of the interesting elements of betting on soccer is that the three-way moneyline is more prevalent. As alluded to above, it involves betting on one of the teams to win, or the match to end in a draw in 90 minutes plus injury time.

There is no overtime in group play, and even in the knockout stages, 90 minutes plus injury time doesn’t include overtime. Just something to be mindful of as you make your wagers.

On Friday, Brazil was a -160 favorite, while Morocco was a healthy +400 underdog, and the Draw was +260. At Hard Rock Bet, a customer put $50,000 on Brazil -160 to win the match.

But 21 minutes in, underdog Morocco struck first on an Ismael Saibari goal to go up 1-0. Brazil countered on Vinícius Júnior’s goal in the 32nd minute.

That was it, though. No more scoring the rest of the way, making a winner of those who bet on Draw.

And a loser of that $50,000 bettor.

On the positive side, a Kalshi prediction markets customer made bank on the match. The trader put a whopping $400,000 on Brazil to not win — meaning the match ends in a tie or Brazil loss — at a price of 40%, which correlates to +150 odds.

With Morocco forging an unexpected draw, the customer banked a profit of $600,000, for a total payout of $1 million.

Hard Rock also took a big futures play on Brazil: $250,000 at +800 to win the World Cup. If the Brazilians go the distance, then the bettor collects $2 million profit (total payout $2.25 million).

USA’s Big Day vs. Paraguay

The USA got off to a rousing start, as did bettors who backed it in World Cup odds. Folarin Balogun had two first-half goals, as the Americans rolled to a 4-1 victory over Paraguay.

No sportsbooks reported much in the way of big bets on the U.S., but there was a ton of small stuff from the public betting masses, and sportsbooks got beat up on the USA’s rout.

“It was a very good day for USA backers,” BetMGM trading manager Seamus Magee said.

Among those backers, a Hard Rock customer with a patriotic play: $1,776 on USA even money (+100) to win the match.

That wager easily cashed for $1,776 profit (total payout $3,552).

As with the Spain and Brazil matches, the really big money landed in prediction markets. In particular, Polymarket saw two monster trades fading the USA, which proved a perilous strategy.

One trader put $589,380 on the U.S. to not win — to either lose or tie — vs. Paraguay. Another trader put $505,814 on Paraguay to pull the upset. Both trades went down in flames as the USA rolled to victory.

At Caesars Sports, a bettor nearly pulled off a half-million-dollar long-shot win. The customer wagered $1,655 on USA +30000 (300/1) to win by an exact score of 5-1.

The USMNT came up just short. One more U.S. score, and the bettor would’ve cleared $496,500 profit.

Upset Special

Australia landed a notable early upset in World Cup odds. On Saturday night, the Aussies were in the range of +400 to +500 underdogs vs. Turkey.

Not exactly Spain-Cape Verde Draw odds, but still noteworthy.

Surprisingly, Australia netted a goal in each half and kept the Turks scoreless in a 2-0 victory. Hard Rock Bet didn’t see a ton of action on the match, but a couple bettors turned a respectable profit.

One customer put $2,097 on Australia +425 to profit $8,912.25 (total payout $11,009.25). Another got a better price on the Aussies at +500, with a $1,500 bet profiting $7,500 (total payout $9,000).

Here’s Hoping You Had It

You don’t have to wager four, five or six figures to get yourself a nice win. For all us normies, just getting 10 bucks down at, say, 10/1 or 15/1 makes for a great day.

Such was the case if you got on this World Cup prop bet at FanDuel Sportsbook: Folarin Balogun +1400 to score two or more goals vs. Paraguay.

As noted above, Balogun had a big night for the USMNT on Friday. He scored in the 31st minute and again in first-half stoppage time, staking the U.S. to a 3-0 halftime lead en route to that 4-1 victory.

So that prop was a no-sweat winner. If you put a tenner on it, then that turned into $140 profit. If you got frisky and put $100 down, then you nabbed a nifty $1,400 profit.

And the wait on that win was less than an hour. That’s excellent ROI.

Landon Donovan, renowned for his days with Team USA and now a FOX Sports soccer analyst, made a pregame recommendation for a four-leg parlay at FanDuel. And it hit:

• USA moneyline
• Both teams to score
• Over 2.5 total goals
• Christian Pulisic to score or assist

That was a relatively low-sweat parlay bet. At +525, $10 turned into $52.50 profit.

I Like Big Bets and I Cannot Lie

There are countless more notable bets on World Cup odds, whether on matches or in futures markets. One of the more interesting ones from the weekend was a bet-a-lot-to-win-a-little wager.

In Sunday’s Germany-Curaçao match, the German side was a monstrous -3500 favorite. That meant it took a $3,500 bet to profit just $100.

A Caesars Sports customer went in with far more than that, wagering $125,000 on Germany to win.

The big favorite promptly went out and took a 1-0 lead on Felix Nmecha’s goal in the sixth minute. But things briefly got a little interesting when Curaçao tied it in the 21st minute on Livano Comenencia’s goal.

Weird things can and do happen at the World Cup — as evidenced by that Spain-Cape Verde outcome. But in this instance, there was no weirdness there. Germany went on to add six more goals in a 7-1 blowout.

So the bettor netted all of $3,571 profit (total payout $128,571).

Other noteworthy World Cup wagers, all at Caesars Sports:

• $100,000 Mexico -1000 win or draw vs. South Africa (Caesars). Another unique way to bet, with both win and draw being winners. Mexico won 2-0, and the bettor netted $10,000 profit (total payout $110,000).
• $30,000 Portugal +800 to win the World Cup (Caesars). If Cristiano Ronaldo & Co. go the distance, the bettor profits $240,000 (total payout $270,000).
• $10,000 Portugal +800 to win the World Cup (Caesars). That bet nets $80,000 profit if Portugal lifts the trophy (total payout $90,000).

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With 48 teams competing and a grueling path through the knockout stage, reaching the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be an accomplishment in itself.

Only four nations will survive the tournament’s first 100 matches and earn a spot in the final four, putting themselves within two victories of lifting the most coveted trophy in sports.

So after the first 13 days of the tournament, which countries are favored to make a deep run this summer?

Let’s take a look at the latest odds to reach the semifinals 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.

To Reach Semifinals

Argentina: +110 (bet $10 to win $21 total)
Spain: +110 (bet $10 to win $21 total)
France: +120 (bet $10 to win $22 total)
England: +155 (bet $10 to win $25.50 total)
Portugal: +195 (bet $10 to win $29.50 total)
Germany: +310 (bet $10 to win $41 total)
Brazil: +310 (bet $10 to win $41 total)
Netherlands: +390 (bet $10 to win $49 total)
USA: +460 (bet $10 to win $56 total)
Norway: +550 (bet $10 to win $65 total)
Colombia: +650 (bet $10 to win $75 total)
Belgium: +700 (bet $10 to win $80 total)
Morocco: +700 (bet $10 to win $80 total)
Mexico: +850 (bet $10 to win $95 total)
Japan: +850 (bet $10 to win $95 total)
Switzerland: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
Croatia: +1200 (bet $10 to win $130 total)
Austria: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)
Senegal: +1700 (bet $10 to win $180 total)
Canada: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)

Here’s what to know about this oddsboard:

The Top 7: Spain, France, Portugal, England, Argentina, Brazil and Germany stand at the top of the board, with each nation listed at +310 or better to reach the semifinals. Combined, the group has 39 World Cup semifinal appearances and includes six former champions, highlighting why oddsmakers view them as the clear favorites to make the final four in 2026. While France was the favorite in this market for much of the tournament, Argentina has just overtaken Les Bleus after clinching Group J. 

At the 2022 World Cup, Morocco became the first African nation ever to reach the semifinals (Getty Images). 

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Recent History: Morocco authored one of the most remarkable underdog runs in World Cup history in 2022. Entering the tournament at 200-1 odds to win the title, Morocco became the first African nation ever to reach the semifinals before eventually falling to France. Prior to the tournament, the Atlas Lions were listed at 50-1 to reach the semifinals, rewarding bettors with a massive payout in this market. Can Morocco strike gold again this summer? Its odds have climbed from +1000 to +700 to reach the semis again after its competitive opening draw against Brazil and a win over Scotland.

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Winning two knockout stage games? That means you’re really in the running to win the World Cup.

USA jumped from +185 to +135 to reach the quarterfinals after its 2-0 win over Australia on Friday.

Let’s check out the updated odds for which countries will make it to the quarterfinals at FanDuel Sportsbook as of June 21.

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.

To Reach Quarterfinals

France: -170 (bet $10 to win $15.88 total)
England: -165 (bet $10 to win $16.06 total)
Argentina: -135 (bet $10 to win $17.41 total)
Spain: -135 (bet $10 to win $17.41 total)
Portugal: +105 (bet $10 to win $20.50 total)
Netherlands: +120 (bet $10 to win $22 total) 
Brazil: +125 (bet $10 to win $22.50 total)
USA: +130 (bet $10 to win $23 total)
Germany: +150 (bet $10 to win $25 total)
Belgium: +175 (bet $10 to win $27.50 total)
Norway: +210 (bet $10 to win $31 total)
Colombia: +220 (bet $10 to win $32 total)
Morocco: +240 (bet $10 to win $34 total)
Switzerland: +280 (bet $10 to win $38 total)
Mexico: +300 (bet $10 to win $40 total)
Japan: +300 (bet $10 to win $40 total)
Uruguay: +390 (bet $10 to win $49 total)
Canada: +420 (bet $10 to win $52 total)
Austria: +440 (bet $10 to win $54 total)
Croatia: +500 (bet $10 to win $60 total)

USA is currently one of the favorites to reach the World Cup quarterfinals (Getty Images).

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Here’s what to know about this oddsboard. 

Recent History: The quarterfinals are kinda a given for France, at least in recent years. The French have made it to at least the quarterfinals in five of the last seven World Cups, and they have made the final in four of the last seven years, winning the tournament twice. Les Bleus got off to the perfect start to the tournament with its 3-1 win over Senegal. As for Spain, it has only made the quarterfinals twice in the past seven tournaments, but did win it all in 2010. However, Spain is off to a less than ideal start to the 2026 World Cup. It had to settle for an opening draw against Cape Verde in a match it was -1500 to win. 

The Host Nations: Before this summer, Canada had never won a World Cup match in two tournament appearances. But that has all changed. Canada dominated Qatar 6-0, earning its first ever World Cup win and sitting atop Group B after Match Day 2. As for Mexico, it has two quarterfinal appearances all time (1970 and 1986), and the USA has one QF appearance (2002). Both El Tri and the Stars and Stripes have seen their odds rise after perfect starts to the World Cup.

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After the World Cup group stage, things go from intense to do-or-die. 

In previous years, the Round of 16 was the first knockout stage match, but with an expanded field of 48 teams— it is now the second. 

Let’s check out the odds for which countries are favored to win at least one knockout stage game and make it to the Round of 16, at FanDuel Sportsbook as of June 21.

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.

To Reach Round of 16

France: -650 (bet $10 to win $11.54 total)
England: -475 (bet $10 to win $12.11 total)
Germany: -425 (bet $10 to win $12.35 total)
Spain: -300 (bet $10 to win $13.33 total)
USA: -270 (bet $10 to win $13.70 total)
Argentina: -260 (bet $10 to win $13.85 total)
Portugal: -250 (bet $10 to win $14 total)
Belgium: -220 (bet $10 to win $14.55 total)
Mexico: -210 (bet $10 to win $14.76 total)
Switzerland: -200 (bet $10 to win $15 total)
Brazil: -195 (bet $10 to win $15.13 total)
Norway: -185 (bet $10 to win $15.41 total)
Netherlands: -165 (bet $10 to win $16.06 total) 
Colombia: -145 (bet $10 to win $16.90 total)
Canada: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total)
Morocco: +105 (bet $10 to win $20.50 total)

France currently has the best odds in the entire field to make the Round of 16 (Getty Images).

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Here’s what to know about this oddsboard.

The Favorites: France and Spain are favored to win the tournament, making them heavy favorites to at least reach the second round of the knockout stage. In 2014, France made it to the quarterfinals, followed by a championship in 2018 and a runner-up finish in 2022. The last time it failed to make it out of the group stage was back in 2010. For Spain, it lost in the Round of 16 in both 2022 and 2018, and failed to make it out of the group stage in 2014, after winning the World Cup in 2010. However, in the round of 16 betting markets, England has surpassed Spain after its dominant 4-2 win over Croatia in its opener.

The Host Nations: Each of the three host nations — the USA, Mexico and Canada — are in great shape to top their respective groups and win their Round of 32 matchup. Mexico has officially won Group A after its win over South Korea on Thursday. The U.S. has clinched Group D after its win over Australia and Türkiye’s loss to Paraguay. And lastly, after its first ever World Cup win, Canada is very likely to advance and even win its group if it wins or draws against Switzerland next week. 

Mexico has a familiar relationship with the round of 16, having lost in that round every tournament from 1994 to 2018 — seven straight tournaments. In 2022, Mexico didn’t make it out of group play. As for the USA, it made the Round of 16 in 2022, did not qualify for the tournament in 2018, and made the Round of 16 in 2014 and 2010. If Canada advances, it will be playing in its first knockout game ever.

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U.S. World Cup Team Training Base (IRVINE, Calif.) — Tyler Adams watched the New York Knicks clinch the NBA title alongside his brothers and stood nearby as one of them broke down in tears of joy. Christian Pulisic, Christian Roldan and Chris Richards spent time around a fire pit overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Los Angeles native Haji Wright reconnected with family, while the U.S. men’s national team gathered for a barbecue at its team hotel.

Those moments were possible because, following the Americans’ 4-1 World Cup-opening victory over Paraguay, manager Mauricio Pochettino granted his players a day off — an unusual luxury during a tournament.

But due to the expanded 48-team field and the tournament’s 104-match schedule, teams have more time between group stage games. The United States began its quest last Friday and won’t play again until it faces Australia in Seattle this Friday, June 19 — a full week between matches. By comparison, at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, teams only had four days between each group stage match. 

While there may be differing opinions on how many days players need before returning to the pitch, the U.S. team has appreciated additional recovery time.

“I absolutely love it after playing a long club season, you know what I mean?” said Adams, who logged 26 appearances in all competitions for Premier League club AFC Bournemouth this season. “I think the last World Cup, it’s not even comparable when you’re in the middle of your season, and you’ve only played 15, 17 games before a World Cup, and you’re fully fresh and ready to go.

“Now, I think your body feels it a little bit more coming at the end of a season and into a World Cup where there’s so much emotion, so much adrenaline, all these things.”

Tyler Adams back to the grind after a couple days off. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

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Unlike the 2022 World Cup, which was staged in November and December to avoid Qatar’s summer heat and fell in the middle of the European club season, this year’s tournament comes at the end of the campaign. As a result, Europe-based players transitioned directly from their clubs into World Cup preparation with little to no downtime.

“There are pros and cons,” said Wright, who scored 18 goals for the recently promoted Coventry City this season. “I think the time between matches, it allows players to recover. It’s difficult to play a game every three, four days, but with the break in between, we’ll see the best version of every player for each game. I prefer it this way, actually.”

Players were back training on Monday and seemed fresh and energized. Even during warm-up drills, the guys were aggressive and intense. At one point, goalkeeper Matt Freese and midfielder Sebastian Berhalter went up for the same ball and Berhalter fell down on the ground for a few moments after needing to catch his breath. 

Pulisic, who suffered what appears to be a minor calf injury vs. Paraguay, was the only player not practicing with the full squad at the beginning of the session. He instead was working in the gym with team trainers before getting on the field for some individual work. The USA’s star forward contributed to the first two goals on Friday before sitting out the second half, and was probably grateful for an extra day to recharge. 

Not every team is necessarily guaranteed days off during the tournament. The break the U.S. enjoyed on Sunday — and will continue to receive after each group-stage match — was mandated by Pochettino. While the former Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea boss may not have experienced a similar reprieve during his playing days with Argentina, he understands the importance.

“Spent time with my family and was able to disconnect a little bit,” said Adams, who played the full 90 minutes vs. Paraguay. “I don’t get to see my brothers, my mom, my dad often, so that was super important to just be able to hang out with them and put the games aside for a day.

“To have a day completely off in a tournament is rare, so I think the fact that they gave us that day off shows the work that we put in throughout the past few weeks in order to earn that. And we don’t take it lightly.”

Attention now turns to the squad’s next test against Australia. The Socceroos are tied with the Americans atop Group D on three points after beating Türkiye 2-0 on Saturday. The teams last met in October in a chippy, physical friendly that the U.S. won 2-1 behind a brace from Wright.

Former MLS player and current commentator Mike Grella called the upcoming matchup a “layup” for the Americans, though that’s now how the squad sees it.

“No, it’s not a layup,” Adams said emphatically when asked about Grella’s recent comments. “If anything, it’s going to be one of the most difficult games that we play. We saw a team that went out against Türkiye and competed at a very, very high level. They’re combative, they’re smart, tactically, they were unbelievably sound. So I think it’s going to be extremely difficult.”

United States vs Paraguay Extended Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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The wait is over. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to 16 different cities across Canada, Mexico and the United States this summer, and you’ll be able to catch all the action with FOX Sports, America’s English-language home for the 48-team soccer bonanza.

Here is the full broadcast schedule for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and how you can watch every game:

How to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament matches will air live across FOX and FS1 with every match streaming live and on-demand within both the FOX One and the FOX Sports apps. 

JUMP TO: Group Stage | Knockout Rounds | World Cup Final

2026 World Cup Group Stage Schedule:

June 11, 2026

• Group A: Mexico 2-0 South Africa – Mexico City Stadium
• Group A: South Korea 2-1 Czechia – Guadalajara Stadium

June 12

• Group B: Canada 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina – Toronto Stadium
• Group D: USA 4-1 Paraguay – Los Angeles Stadium

June 13

• Group B: Qatar 1-1 Switzerland — San Francisco Bay Stadium
• Group C: Brazil 1-1 Morocco — New York New Jersey Stadium
• Group C: Scotland 1-0 Haiti — Boston Stadium
• Group D: Australia 2-0 Türkiye — BC Place Vancouver

June 14

• Group E: Germany 7-1 Curaçao — Houston Stadium
• Group F: Netherlands 2-2 Japan— Dallas Stadium
• Group E: Ivory Coast 1-0 Ecuador — Philadelphia Stadium
• Group F: Sweden 5-1 Tunisia— Monterrey Stadium

June 15

• Group H: Spain 0-0 Cape Verde – Atlanta Stadium
• Group G: Belgium 1-1 Egypt — Seattle Stadium
• Group H: Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay — Miami Stadium
• Group G: Iran 2-2 New Zealand — Los Angeles Stadium

June 16

• Group I: France 3-1 Senegal — New York New Jersey Stadium
• Group I: Norway 4-1 Iraq — Boston Stadium
• Group J: Argentina 3-0 Algeria — Kansas City Stadium
• Group J: Austria 3-1 Jordan — San Francisco Bay Stadium

June 17

• Group K: Portugal 1-1 DR Congo — Houston Stadium
• Group L: England 4-2 Croatia— Dallas Stadium
• Group L: Ghana 1-0 Panama — Toronto Stadium
• Group K: Colombia 3-1 Uzbekistan — Mexico City Stadium

June 18

• Group A: Czechia 1-1 South Africa – Atlanta Stadium
• Group B: Switzerland 4-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina — Los Angeles Stadium
• Group B: Canada 6-0 Qatar — BC Place Vancouver
• Group A: Mexico 1-0 South Korea – Guadalajara Stadium

June 19

• Group D: USA 2-0 Australia – Seattle Stadium
• Group C: Morocco 1-0 Scotland — Boston Stadium
• Group C: Brazil 3-0 Haiti — Philadelphia Stadium
• Group D: Paraguay 1-0 Türkiye — San Francisco Bay Stadium

June 20

• Group F: Netherlands 5-1 Sweden— Houston Stadium
• Group E: Germany 2-1 Ivory Coast — Toronto Stadium
• Group E: Ecuador 0-0 Curaçao — Kansas City Stadium
• Group F: Japan 4-0 Tunisia — Monterrey Stadium

June 21

• Group H: Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia — Atlanta Stadium
• Group G: Belgium 0-0 Iran — Los Angeles Stadium
• Group H: Uruguay 2-2 Cape Verde — Miami Stadium
• Group G: Egypt 3-1 New Zealand — BC Place Vancouver

June 22

• Group J: Argentina 1-0 Austria — Dallas Stadium
• Group I: France 3-0 Iraq — Philadelphia Stadium
• Group I: Norway 3-2 Senegal — New York New Jersey Stadium
• Group J: Algeria 3-1 Jordan — San Francisco Bay Stadium

June 23

• Group K: Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan — Houston Stadium
• Group L: Watch England vs Ghana — Boston Stadium (4 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
• Group L: Watch Panama vs Croatia — Toronto Stadium (7 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
• Group K: Watch Colombia vs DR Congo — Guadalajara Stadium (10 p.m. ET, FS1, FOX One)

June 24

• Group B: Watch Switzerland vs Canada — BC Place Vancouver (3 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
• Group B: Watch Bosnia vs Qatar — Seattle Stadium (3 p.m. ET, FS1, FOX One)
• Group C: Watch Brazil vs Scotland — Miami Stadium (6 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
• Group C: Watch Morocco vs Haiti — Atlanta Stadium (6 p.m. ET, FS1, FOX One)
• Group A: Watch Mexico vs Czechia — Mexico City Stadium (9 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
• Group A: Watch South Korea vs South Africa — Monterrey Stadium (9 p.m. ET, FS1, FOX One)

June 25

• Group E: Watch Ecuador vs Germany — New York New Jersey Stadium (4 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
• Group E: Watch Curaçao vs Ivory Coast — Philadelphia Stadium (4 p.m. ET, FS1, FOX One)
• Group F: Watch Japan vs Sweden— Dallas Stadium (7 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
• Group F: Watch Tunisia vs Netherlands — Kansas City Stadium (7 p.m. ET, FS1, FOX One)
• Group D: USA vs Türkiye – Los Angeles Stadium (10 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
• Group D: Watch Paraguay vs Australia — San Francisco Bay Stadium (10 p.m. ET, FS1, FOX One)

June 26

• Group I: Watch Norway vs France — Boston Stadium (3 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
• Group I: Watch Senegal vs Iraq  — Toronto Stadium (3 p.m. ET, FS1, FOX One)
• Group H: Watch Uruguay vs Spain — Guadalajara Stadium (8 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
• Group H: Watch Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia — Houston Stadium (8 p.m. ET, FS1, FOX One)
• Group G: Watch New Zealand vs Belgium — BC Place Vancouver (11 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
• Group G: Watch Egypt vs Iran — Seattle Stadium (11 p.m. ET, FS1, FOX One)

June 27

• Group L: Watch Panama vs England —New York New Jersey Stadium (5 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
• Group L: Watch Croatia vs Ghana — Philadelphia Stadium (5 p.m. ET, FS1, FOX One)
• Group K: Watch Colombia vs Portugal — Miami Stadium (7:30 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
• Group K: Watch DR Congo vs Uzbekistan — Atlanta Stadium (7:30 p.m. ET, FS1, FOX One)
• Group J: Watch Argentina vs Jordan — Dallas Stadium (10 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
• Group J: Watch Algeria vs Austria — Kansas City Stadium (10 p.m. ET, FS1, FOX One)

2026 World Cup Schedule: Knockout Round

Round of 32

June 28

• Watch Round of 32 in Los Angeles: Group A Second-Place vs. Group B Second-Place — Los Angeles Stadium (3 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)

June 29

• Watch Round of 32 in Houston: Group C Winner vs. Group F Second Place — Houston Stadium (1 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
• Watch Round of 32 in Boston: Germany vs. Group A/B/C/D/F Third Place — Boston Stadium (4:30 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
• Watch Round of 32 in Monterrey: Group F Winner vs Group C Second Place — Monterrey Stadium (9:00 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)

June 30

• Watch Round of 32 in Dallas: Group E Second Place vs. Group I Second Place — Dallas Stadium (1 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
• Watch Round of 32 in New York New Jersey: Group I Winner vs Group C/D/F/G/H Third Place — New York New Jersey Stadium (5 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
• Watch Round of 32 in Mexico City: Mexico vs Group C/E/F/H/I Third Place — Mexico City Stadium (9 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)

July 1

• Watch Round of 32 in Atlanta: Group L Winner vs. Group E/H/I/J/K Third Place — Atlanta Stadium (12 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
• Watch Round of 32 in Seattle: Group G Winner vs. Group A/E/H/I/J Third Place — Seattle Stadium (4 p.m. ET, FS1, FOX One)
• Watch Round of 32 in San Francisco: USA vs. Group B/E/F/I/J Third Place — San Francisco Bay Stadium (8 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)

July 2

• Watch Round of 32 in Los Angeles: Group H Winner vs. Group J Second Place — Los Angeles Stadium (3 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
• Watch Round of 32 in Toronto: Group K Second Place vs. Group L Second Place — Toronto Stadium (7 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
• Watch Round of 32 in Vancouver: Group B Winner vs. Group D/E/I/J/L Third Place — BC Place Vancouver (11 p.m. ET, FS1, FOX One)

July 3

• Watch Round of 32 in Dallas: Group D Second Place vs. Group G Second Place — Dallas Stadium (2 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
• Watch Round of 32 in Miami: Argentina vs. Group H Second Place — Miami Stadium (6 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
• Watch Round of 32 in Kansas City: Group K Winner vs. D/E/I/J/L Third Place – Kansas City Stadium (9:30 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)

Round of 16

July 4

• Watch Round of 16 in Houston: TBD vs. TBD – Houston Stadium (1 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
• Watch Round of 16 in Philadelphia: TBD vs. TBD – Philadelphia Stadium (5 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)

July 5

• Watch Round of 16 in New York New Jersey: TBD vs. TBD – New York New Jersey Stadium (4 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
• Watch Round of 16 in Mexico City: TBD vs. TBD — Mexico City Stadium (8 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)

July 6

• Watch Round of 16 in Dallas: TBD vs. TBD – Dallas Stadium (3 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
• Watch Round of 16 in Seattle: TBD vs. TBD – Seattle Stadium (8 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)

July 7

• Watch Round of 16 in Atlanta: TBD vs. TBD – Atlanta Stadium (12 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
• Watch Round of 16 in Vancouver: TBD vs. TBD – BC Place Vancouver (4 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)

Quarterfinals

July 9

• Watch Quarterfinal in Boston: TBD vs. TBD – Boston Stadium (4 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)

July 10

• Watch Quarterfinal in Los Angeles: TBD vs. TBD – Los Angeles Stadium (3 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)

July 11

• Watch Quarterfinal in Miami: TBD vs. TBD – Miami Stadium (5 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
• Watch Quarterfinal in Kansas City: TBD vs. TBD – Kansas City Stadium (9 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)

Semifinals

July 14

• Watch Semifinal in Dallas: TBD vs. TBD – Dallas Stadium (3 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)

July 15

• Watch Semifinal in Atlanta: TBD vs. TBD – Atlanta Stadium (3 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)

World Cup Final

July 19

• Watch World Cup Final 2026: TBD vs. TBD — New York New Jersey Stadium (3 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)

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.

The World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament matches will air live across FOX and FS1 with every match streaming live and on-demand within both the FOX One and the FOX Sports apps.

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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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