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The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage delivered fireworks and drama that set up knockout stage chaos. The superstars have shown up and put everything on the line for their nation.

Now is the perfect time to check in on the tournament’s biggest futures markets on FanDuel. As champion odds, the Golden Boot and other awards continue to shift after every knockout result, FanDuel has everything covered.

So far, France has looked undeniable and on a collision course to the final. Argentina hasn’t slowed down much either, led by their star, Lionel Messi, who continues to light up the tournament.

Will Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland or Lionel Messi run away with the Golden Boot or will someone join them and even overtake them?

With each round of 32 match shifting the odds, bettors can lock in their odds now and watch the drama of the World Cup unfold. FanDuel has updated World Cup futures throughout the knockout stage.

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Golden Boot Winner

• Kylian Mbappé (France): -110
• Lionel Messi (Argentina): +145
• Harry Kane (England): +1800
• Ousmane Dembélé (France): +1800
• Erling Haaland (Norway): +2700
• Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain): +3000
• Vinícius Júnior (Brazil): +3000
• Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal): +6000
• Jonathan David (Canada): +7000
• Lamine Yamal (Spain): +7000

World Cup Winner

• France: +190
• Argentina: +440
• Spain: +650
• England: +750
• Brazil: +1100
• Portugal: +1500
• Norway: +2200
• USA +3500
• Mexico: +4000

Who Will Reach Quarter Finals?

• France: -1000
• Argentina: -400
• Morocco: -260
• England: -190
• Brazil: -175
• Spain: -145
• Colombia: -105
• USA: +105
• Norway: +115
• Portugal: +175

Source

John Mozeliak has a lengthy to-do list as interim general manager for the Los Angeles Angels, but the hiring of a new manager to replace Kurt Suzuki is not among his priorities.

“I met with Kurt and most of (the coaches) this morning, and I told them they’re all fine for this year,” Mozeliak, the former St. Louis Cardinals’ baseball operations head, said at a news conference before Saturday night’s game against the Athletics.

“There’s nothing they have to worry about. … They all have jobs moving forward. There’s no reason for massive change right away.”

As for the rest of his agenda, which includes transforming a club that has suffered 10 straight losing seasons and entered Saturday with an American League-worst 34-39 record into a winner, Mozeliak plans to dive right in.

“There’s a short view and a long view, and the short view is going to be coming through the draft, addressing the trade deadline, finding another new general manager,” Mozeliak said. “And then, ultimately, hopefully, we lead to that foundation and structure that provides perpetual winning for the Angels.”

Mozeliak, who replaced the fired Perry Minasian on Friday, said he will have a limited role in a July 11-12 draft in which the Angels have the 12th overall pick, leaving the selections to scouting director Tim McIlvaine.

“My philosophy on the draft is, let the scouting director and his team do their jobs,” Mozeliak said. “Even when I sat in the GM seat for 18 years, I never scouted amateur players. I felt that was their responsibility. So they’re going to have a lot of autonomy to do it.

“The only real input I’m gonna have is understanding their process … and if there are some financial decisions that are being baked into who we pick and why.”

Mozeliak said he has not received any direction from owner Arte Moreno or team president Molly Jolly on whether the Angels should embark on a rebuilding process by trading valuable pieces such as pitchers Reid Detmers and Jose Soriano and outfielder Jo Adell.

USA Today reported last week that Moreno prefers to retain those players.

“In time, I think we will come up with a trade-deadline strategy that we are all comfortable with, from ownership to Molly,” Mozeliak said. “And my job will be to help execute it.”

Mozeliak said he has already formed a list of GM candidates and will begin seeking permission from teams to interview them after the Aug. 3 trade deadline.

He hopes to have a new GM in place well before his contract expires in December, though he didn’t completely rule out the possibility of remaining with the Angels longer.

“When my contract ends, depending on who ends up getting hired, what the team looks like, there could be a position or a role that makes sense for me to stay around. … But on a personal level, I’m just not ready to give away my life again for, you know, 80 hours a week, 100 hours a week, to just do baseball,” he said.

Mozeliak spent 30 years with the Cardinals, including his final 18 seasons leading baseball operations. Under his guidance, St. Louis reached the postseason 10 times, won six National League Central Division titles, captured two NL pennants and won the 2011 World Series.

He joined the Cardinals in 1996 as an assistant in the scouting department and quickly rose through the organization, serving as an assistant scouting director, scouting director, director of baseball operations, assistant GM, GM and president of baseball operations.

He helped build one of baseball’s better farm systems, producing several franchise cornerstones and future Hall of Famers, including three-time National League most valuable player Albert Pujols; 10-time All-Star Yadier Molina; and three-time All-Star Adam Wainwright.

Minasian’s firing, announced before Friday night’s 9-3 loss to the Athletics, ended his 5 1/2-year run as GM, which included the departure of Shohei Ohtani after 2023, the firing of three managers — Joe Maddon, Phil Nevin and Ron Washington — and a number of failed free-agent signings, including David Fletcher (five years, $26 million) and Robert Stephenson (three years, $33-million).

Minasian, 46, was unable to stem a streak of losing seasons or drastically improve a farm system that is considered to be among the majors’ worst.

The Angels went 392-500 under Minasian, the 13th GM in franchise history. They never finished with more than 77 wins or finished higher than third place in the AL West. They lost a franchise-record 99 games in 2024.

Moreno, who has often meddled in baseball decisions and been reluctant to spend aggressively for free agents in recent years, is notoriously difficult to work for. He raised the ire of Angels fans this spring when he claimed that, according to surveys, affordability was more of a priority for fans than winning.

Sections of Angel Stadium have been filled in recent weeks with shirtless fans imploring Moreno to sell the team.

“I know what’s happening. I see it.
I hear it,” Jolly said. “Fans have a right to have their voices be heard. It didn’t influence the decision that I wanted to make, but we all want to win. Our owner wants to win. I do. The fans deserve that, and that’s what we’re going to work toward. “

Mozeliak said he is looking forward to building a relationship with the mercurial owner.

“My job is to have a healthy relationship with him, and I think the short term focus for me is just, what does that communication line look like, and making sure he understands what our direction is,” Mozeliak said.

“I haven’t met Mr. Moreno (since taking the Angels job) but I can tell you this — he does care. He does want to win … I wouldn’t be sitting here if I didn’t think he truly loved this team and cared about this city and wanted this to work.”

Reporting by the Associated Press.

Source

After going down a goal early, DR Congo rallied past Uzbekistan and booked its spot into the Round of 32 at the World Cup — it’s first knockout round appearance in team history.  

Yoane Wissa scored two goals to seal the victory and third place in Group K behind Colombia and Portugal, allowing the Leopards to be one of the eight third-place teams to advance to the elimination rounds. 

Here are takeaways from the game:

1. DR Congo Keeps Making History

DR Congo wasn’t a debut World Cup team — its first appearance was in 1974 when the country was known as Zaire — but this result was longtime in the making for the central African nation. 

DR Congo’s road to the 2026 World Cup included taking down African heavyweights Cameroon and Nigeria during qualifying and then defeating Jamaica in the intercontinental playoffs in March – all games that toughened this team in win-or-go-home scenarios.

At this World Cup, DR Congo showed early on it would be a tough opponent. A tough 1-1 draw to Portugal and a tight 1-0 loss to Colombia provided the Leopards with a path to the knockout stage. A talented squad – led by Wissa, who scored three of the team’s four goals at the tournament – did not get rattled by its early miscue against Uzbekistan. 

The win also sees countries from Africa continue to make history at this World Cup. In all, eight countries from the continent will play in the knockout stage, the most ever.

2. Leopards’ Lineup Changes Paid Off

After drawing with Portugal in its opener and losing against Colombia, DR Congo knew only a win would be good enough to reach the Round of 32.

That prompted DR Congo head coach Sébastien Desabre to adjust the defensive formation he used in the first two games and opt for a more aggressive approach with more attackers on the field. The Leopards conceded an early goal, but then relied on its more talented forwards to eventually break down Uzbekistan’s defense in the second half. 

Wissa, who had several big chances throughout the game, earned a penalty to equalize the game in the 68th minute. Fiston Mayele then sealed the win with a go-ahead goal in the 78th minute after he surged past the Uzbek defense for the finish. Wissa then added a third in stoppage time to put the game on ice. 

3. Despite Loss, Uzbekistan Set The Tone Early 

Uzbekistan entered this game knowing the chance of reaching the knockout stage was pretty much nonexistent — it needed to beat DR Congo by six goals to get third place in the group. 

Team captain Eldor Shomurdov slightly fanned those flames of hope with a sensational early goal, latching onto a lovely flick from Abbosbek Fayzullaev to then chip a shot over DR Congo keeper Lionel Mpasi. 

For Shomurodov, his 45th for the national team, it’s a deserved goal. It also demonstrated why he was the joint leading scorer in the Turkish Süper Lig with club Başakşehir. 

Despite losing all three games at the World Cup, Uzbekistan can hang its hat on having at least some memorable moments during its first trip to the tournament. 

4. Khusanov Showed Some Growing Pains

(Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) –>

Had Uzbekistan actually advanced to the Round of 32, it would have been without its star defender, Abdukodir Khusanov, after the Manchester City center back was booked on yet another yellow card for a hard challenge. 

Khusanov wiped out Wissa late in the first half after finding himself out of position, earning a well-justified booking that sent the Newcastle United forward tumbling onto the pitch. It didn’t 

The play was fairly similar to his foul on Luis Diaz in the loss to Colombia in the group-stage opener, in which Khusanov chased down the Bayern Munich star but couldn’t stop his momentum and tumbled out of bounds.

Khusanov knew that coming into this tournament he was going to have to play with more urgency considering the attacking talent Uzbekistan was facing at this World Cup. It will be a learning moment for Khusanov as he develops into a more complete defender for both club and country. 

DR Congo vs Uzbekistan Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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Source

It was a group stage to remember for the United States men’s national team.

For the first time since 2010, the U.S. won its group at the men’s FIFA World Cup, and it won multiple matches at the tournament for the first time since 2002. There is still plenty of work to be done, as the U.S. looks for its first win in the knockout stage in 24 years. But this is a moment in American soccer history worth reflecting on.

Here are the best moments and players from the United States’ group stage, plus a look-ahead to what’s next for the Stars and Stripes:

OUR 7 FAVORITE USA WORLD CUP MOMENTS SO FAR

1. Folarin Balogun’s Top-Corner Golazo

McIntyre: Balogun had already created the Americans’ first goal of the World Cup, an own goal that deflected in of a Paraguayan defender. He’d already scored one of his own to make it 2-0 for the home team. 

But it wasn’t until deep into first-half stoppage that “Balo” both sealed the USA’s win and Man of the Match honors for himself. He did it with aplomb, dancing around a would-be tackle and picking out the top left corner of the visitors’ goal to give the Stars and Stripes an insurmountable 3-0 lead. It also served as a statement to the other 47 teams in the tournament: the U.S. means business. 

2. Freeman’s Breakout Header

(Photo by MB Media/Getty Images) –>

McIntyre: The U.S. was leading the Socceroos, thanks to a second own goal in as many games when Freeman, the 21-year-old son of Super Bowl winner and Green Bay Packers legend Antonio, pounced on an airborne ball and nodded in past the outstretched Aussie keeper into the net. Initially, the goal was ruled offside. But the longer the VAR check took, the more the anticipation grew among the home fans in Seattle.

By the time the ref took to the mic to explain his decision, it was apparent what it would be. The goal stood, the stadium shuddered, and Freeman took off on a 70-yard sprint, with all 25 of his teammates following. At that point, it was also clear that the U.S. was about to win back-to-back World Cup games for the first time in 96 years.

Litman: Goal celebrations have been special for this team. The squad chasing and then enveloping Alex Freeman after his header against Australia, then the team jumping and shouting after Auston Trusty scored against Türkiye, shows how tight-knit the group is. The players genuinely want to celebrate each other’s success.

3. ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’

McIntyre: The almost 70,000 in attendance didn’t need much coaxing. The atmosphere had been electric all game; it had morphed into a full-on street party by the time the final whistle echoed. Then the sweet sounds of John Denver’s iconic ballad came echoing though the PA, and neither the U.S. players nor fans missed a beat. Suddenly, it felt like all of Seattle was singing along spontaneously. The magical moment has since become a touchstone, and the classic tune is the soundtrack to this World Cup for the co-hosts.

Litman: I also have to go with the team walking around the field together after a 2-0 win over Australia singing the John Denver classic along with thousands of U.S. fans at Seattle Stadium. It was an incredibly special moment for the team and a passionate fan base longing to rally behind a winner.

4. Scoring Early

–>

Litman: The U.S. has scored goals within the first 11 minutes of all three games thus far. Granted, the opening goal in each of the first two games were own goals, but they were forced by the Americans’ pressure. Continuing that pace will be key to setting the tone in the knockout stages. 

5. Pochettino’s Projects Pay Off

(Photo by Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images)

–>

Sciaretta: Pochettino was hired on a short-term basis for the USMNT with a job scheduled to run for less than two years. Despite the nature of his hire, he was able to identify players who were way outside the player pool he inherited and who he believed could fit well into his plans. 

Sebastian Berhalter, Alex Freeman and Matt Freese are three who played in the group stage of this World Cup and who have only played for the USMNT under Pochettino. What has been the result of these three players? Two goals, two assists and a clean sheet. It’s not just Pochettino’s team culture or tactics which have paid off. It has also been his player identification.

6. Ream Defying Age

(Photo by Al Sermeno/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

–>

Sciaretta: Let’s face it. Until June, Ream hadn’t had a good 2026 for Charlotte or the U.S. national team. Many, including myself, believed he had lost his battle with Father Time at the worst possible moment. But in the first two games, he was very good. Ream is one of those rare examples of players who don’t truly peak until well after the age of 30. Whether he can hang on another few weeks is another question.

7. McKennie Shows Up

 (Photo by Jane Gershovich/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

–>

Sciaretta: Weston McKennie is very much a bellwether for the U.S. national team. When he plays well, the team plays well. When he does not, the team typically struggles. In 2024 and the first half of 2025, McKennie had a very tough run, which coincided with the team getting grouped at the 2024 Copa América and falling to fourth at the 2025 Nations League finals with losses to Panama and Canada. At this World Cup, McKennie has been excellent, and his form has been a significant reason why the team won its World Cup group.

5 STANDOUT GROUP STAGE PLAYERS

McIntyre: Named Man of the Match in his first two career World Cup games, Balogun was also leading the competition’s Golden Boot race five games into the event. He’s since been overtaken by some of soccer’s biggest names, and he sat out the Americans’ final group match to avoid yellow card jeopardy. But if how he performed in the first round is any indicator, he’ll spearhead the USA’s attack in the knockout stage.

Sciaretta: There was a debate about whether Balogun or Ricardo Pepi should be the starting striker as both players were coming off strong seasons. But Balogun clearly looks like the right choice.

McIntyre: Uncapped just over a year ago, Freeman is emerging as a legitimate star in real time at this World Cup. His coach went even further, saying that the right-sided defender has the potential to become one of the best at his position in the global game. 

Litman: The youngest player on the roster, but one of the most impressive. Freeman, 21, has had a wild 16 months from earning his first-ever MLS start in March 2025 to his national team debut three months later to scoring a goal in the World Cup last week. It’s been a whirlwind, but he’s been taking it all in stride. Freeman’s teammates love him — that was evident in the way they celebrated his goal vs. Australia — and he’ll play a major role for this program for years to come.

Sciaretta: The versatile defender has been very good at passing out of the back and getting many of the team’s possessions into dangerous positions. But tactically, he is so important to how the team plays. He can shift from a central defender in a three-man backline to a right back who can get forward. He gives the team a lot of options.

McIntyre: The all-action midfielder led the entire USA roster in playing time during the group stage, logging all but the final six minutes of Thursday’s 3-2 loss to Türkiye. It’s probably not a coincidence that the visitors’ winning goal came after McKennie, who wore the captain’s armband in that match, had been subbed out.

Sciaretta: He has immense quality and is often a bit of a wild card for the U.S. team. But he has been a big ingredient to the team playing well.

Litman: What a story. He was part of the friends and family unit at the last World Cup while his dad coached the team. Now, he’s part of his first World Cup roster, and not only that, but he also started against Türkiye, hitting the trifecta with an assist, a goal and a yellow card. Mauricio Pochettino clearly rates him, as he’s played in every game so far.

Fullback/Winger

USA

Litman: The most creative player the U.S. team has. Watching Dest play is mesmerizing, like there’s a magnet connecting his foot to the ball. He played right back at the last World Cup, but his move higher up to winger has been significant. He’s a skilled dribbler, takes defenders one-on-one, combines in tight spaces and creates chances. He also has a powerful shot and has come close to scoring a few times.

3 BURNING QUESTIONS

1. Bosnia And Herzegovina Await Which USA Version?

(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

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Sciaretta: The U.S.has only won one World Cup knockout in its history, and that was 24 years ago in the middle of the night against Mexico, a CONCACAF team it had beaten many times before. Winning a knockout on home soil against a European team in front of a massive television audience would be groundbreaking and an important chapter in team history. 

Litman: Which U.S. team will we see? The one that galvanized a fan base in the first two matches, or the one that lacked cohesion against Türkiye? Granted, Mauricio Pochettino will roll with his first team lineup and the squad will be excited to play in the knockout stage, no doubt. But the group’s mentality and response after the loss will be something to watch.

McIntyre: Can Mauricio Pochettino finally beat a European opponent? He’s faced six since becoming U.S. coach in 2024 — and lost every single time.

2. When Will Christian Pulisic Explode?

(Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)

–>

Doug: The USA’s best player has looked as sharp as ever in limited minutes, including helping set up two goals in one half of action against Paraguay. He hasn’t scored himself yet, though — I expect that will change vs. the Bosnians.

Litman: He obviously ended his scoring drought in the pre-tournament tune-up vs. Senegal and played a role in the Americans’ first two goals vs. Paraguay. But he’s missed time with that calf injury and hasn’t scored one of his own yet. We talk so much about how this home World Cup will shape his legacy. Now that he’s back in the fold, scoring goals and being the star of the team is a major part of that.

3. Will Freese Have His Big Moment?

(Photo by Al Sermeno/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

–>

Sciaretta: Freese made no saves against Paraguay. He made two against Australia, and they were of moderate quality. If the U.S. team is going to make a run, he is going to have to make some big saves. He hasn’t had the opportunity yet, but it is coming — possibly against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Source

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Another full day of round of 32 action takes over the World Cup. Norway and Erling Haaland battle Ivory Coast, France faces Sweden behind Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, and Mexico looks to continue its impressive run against Ecuador.

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• Deposits: credit card, debit card, or bank transfer via Moonpay inside the app
• Customer support: in-app help center, plus active support on Discord and X (formerly Twitter)

For a full rundown of regulated sportsbook apps available in your state, see the best betting apps guide at FOX Sports.

Polymarket vs. Kalshi

Polymarket and Kalshi are the two largest CFTC-regulated prediction market platforms in the U.S. The core mechanic is the same on both: you buy yes or no shares, correct outcomes pay $1.00, incorrect pay $0. Where they differ is in focus.

	Polymarket	Kalshi
Regulator	CFTC	CFTC
Sports markets	13 plus sports, deepest coverage	Growing sports offering
Finance and politics	Strong coverage	Original strength
Trading fees	None on binary markets	None on binary markets
Availability	49 states plus D.C.	Most U.S. states
Minimum age	18 and older	18 and older
Welcome offer	Deposit $20, get $50 bonus (code FOX)	Trade $10, get $10 bonus (code FOXSPORTS)

Both platforms are worth using if you trade across different categories. For details on Kalshi’s current welcome offer, see the Kalshi promo code page at FOX Sports.

Polymarket Payment Methods

Polymarket uses Moonpay to handle deposits and withdrawals inside the app. No external crypto wallet or exchange is required. All account balances are held in USDC, a stablecoin pegged one-to-one with the U.S. dollar, and the conversion from dollars happens automatically when you deposit.

Deposit options

• Credit card (Visa, Mastercard)
• Debit card (Visa, Mastercard)
• Bank transfer (ACH)
• Minimum deposit to claim the $50 bonus with code FOX: $20

Withdrawal options

• Back to your original payment method (card or bank)
• To a crypto wallet as USDC
• Processing times vary by method; card withdrawals typically process within 1 to 3 business days

Does Polymarket Have a Referral Program?

The promo code FOX is a welcome offer for new users, not a referral program. Once your account is active, Polymarket has a separate referral system for existing users who want to earn ongoing rewards for bringing others to the platform.

The Polymarket referral program works through a unique referral link tied to your account, not a shareable code. When someone signs up through your link and trades on the platform, you earn 30 percent of the trading fees they generate for their first 180 days. To qualify, your account needs to reach a lifetime trading volume of $10,000.

This is distinct from the sign-up bonus. New users should enter promo code FOX at registration to claim the $50 trading bonus. The referral revenue share program is for established users looking to earn ongoing rewards after hitting the volume threshold.

Is Polymarket Legal?

Polymarket is legal and regulated in the United States under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The platform operates as a CFTC-designated contract market, the same regulatory classification as major financial derivatives exchanges. Prediction markets are legally distinct from sports betting and operate under federal commodity law rather than state gaming regulation.

Polymarket is available to U.S. users aged 18 and older in 49 states and Washington, D.C. Nevada is the only state where the platform is currently unavailable. The $50 trading bonus with promo code FOX has additional restrictions and is not available in AZ, IL, MA, MD, MI, MT, NJ, NV, or OH. Users located in those states can still access and trade on the platform in most cases, but the deposit bonus does not apply.

Where Is Polymarket Legal?

Polymarket is available in the following states. Nevada is the only state where it is not currently offered.

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona (platform available; bonus not available)
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois (platform available; bonus not available)
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland (platform available; bonus not available)
• Massachusetts (platform available; bonus not available)
• Michigan (platform available; bonus not available)
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana (platform available; bonus not available)
• Nebraska
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey (platform available; bonus not available)
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio (platform available; bonus not available)
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• Washington D.C.
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

For regulated sportsbook options available in your state, visit the sportsbook promos page at FOX Sports for current welcome offers from FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and other legal operators.

Responsible Gambling

Trading on prediction markets should always be approached as entertainment. If it stops feeling that way, free, confidential support is available around the clock from these organizations:

Polymarket Promo Code FAQs

What is the Polymarket promo code?

The current Polymarket promo code is FOX. Enter it at sign-up in the promo code field to receive a $50 trading bonus after depositing $20 or more. The bonus is available to new users in eligible states and is credited automatically after the qualifying deposit.

What is the Polymarket invite code?

The Polymarket invite code FOX works the same as the promo code. Polymarket uses the terms promo code, invite code, and referral code interchangeably for the sign-up bonus code. Entering FOX during registration gives you the deposit $20, get $50 trading bonus in eligible states.

What is the Polymarket referral code?

The Polymarket referral code FOX is the code for FOX Sports users claiming the new user trading bonus. It functions identically to the promo code and invite code. Enter FOX at the point of sign-up before completing account creation to qualify for the $50 bonus on a $20 deposit.

Is Polymarket the same as a sportsbook?

No. Polymarket is a prediction market, not a sportsbook. Rather than placing a bet against a house with margin built into the line, you buy and sell shares in event outcomes directly with other users. Prices are set entirely by supply and demand among traders, and Polymarket does not take a position on any outcome. The platform is regulated by the CFTC under federal commodity law, not a state gaming commission.

Where is Polymarket available?

Polymarket is available to U.S. users aged 18 and older in 49 states and Washington, D.C. Nevada is currently the only state where the platform is not available. The $50 trading bonus with code FOX is additionally unavailable in AZ, IL, MA, MD, MI, MT, NJ, NV, and OH.

How do I deposit money on Polymarket?

You can fund a Polymarket account with a credit card, debit card, or bank transfer through the Moonpay integration built into the app. No cryptocurrency wallet is required. Account balances are held in USDC, a U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin, and the conversion from dollars to USDC happens automatically at deposit.

Can I enter the Polymarket promo code after creating my account?

No. The promo code FOX must be entered during the registration process and cannot be applied to an existing account retroactively. Make sure to enter the code before completing sign-up to unlock the $50 trading bonus on a $20 deposit.

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Portugal came to Miami as many people’s pick to win the whole thing and left with a point, second place, and very little to brag about. Colombia outshot them 26 to 13 and hit everything but the net.

Diogo Costa saved the day; the rest of Portugal mostly watched. A draw is a draw. This one came with a thank-you note to the keeper and an uncomfortable question: is this team actually a contender?

Here are my takeaways from Portugal’s 0-0 draw with Colombia:

1. Portugal Were Billed As Contenders. Miami Said: Prove It.

(Photo by Hugo Rivera/Jam Media/Getty Images)

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A lot of smart people had Portugal among the favorites to win this whole thing. On tonight’s evidence, those people might want a refund. Colombia ran the game from the first whistle: 26 shots, a ball hacked off the line, Diogo Costa standing on his head. Portugal managed two shots on target all game.

The convenient excuse is the South Florida heat, and yes, it was a sauna in Miami. But here’s the flaw in that alibi: Colombia played in the same swamp and looked twice as sharp. Roberto Martinez slowed the tempo to a crawl to control the game and instead invited a siege.

Unbeaten in the group? Sure. Convincing? Only against Uzbekistan. If this is a contender, it’s hiding it well. The heat didn’t park the bus. Portugal did.

2. The Ronaldo Watch: ‘I’m Back’ Just Met a Real Defense.

(Photo by Evrim Aydin/Anadolu via Getty Images)

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The Cristiano Ronaldo arc this tournament has been a full-on soap opera. Game one against Congo DR: invisible. Scoreless, three shots, none on target, a chorus calling for the bench. Game two against Uzbekistan: a first-half brace, each met with an emphatic “SIUUU”. CR7 became the first man ever to score at six World Cups, and a roar of “I’m back!” straight down the camera. Game three against Colombia: anonymous again, this time against an actual defense.

In his 40s now, it’s only normal that Ronaldo, an all-timer, will struggle against better defensive units. And here’s what isn’t changing: Martinez will not rotate him. He made that clear after the opener, and at 41, Ronaldo starts every knockout game until further notice.

That’s the bet Portugal has placed. The knockouts don’t serve up Uzbekistan. They serve up the kind of defenders he just spent 90 minutes failing to beat.

3. Colombia Is A Real Dark Horse

(Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

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Forget Portugal for a moment. Colombia were the best team on the field tonight, and it wasn’t close. Néstor Lorenzo’s side topped Group K unbeaten and dismantled a so-called favorite. James Rodríguez, 34 and at his third World Cup, ran the whole thing from midfield like someone who’s been here before, because he has. Luis Díaz buzzed down the left. Davinson Sánchez even had a stoppage-time winner flagged offside.

Colombia created enough to win three games. And that’s exactly the problem: 26 shots, zero goals. A team that dominates this thoroughly and still can’t score carries one terrifying flaw in knockout football, where you get one good look and have to bury it.

Colombia looks like genuine quarterfinal material. They also look like a side that could dominate its way out of the tournament. Finishing is the gap. They’d better close it.

4. The Permutations: Portugal Gets Croatia, Colombia Gets a Gift, Congo Makes History.

(Photo by Hannah Peters – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Let’s sort the Group K math. Colombia wins the group and draws a third-placed team in the Round of 32, a soft landing of sorts. Portugal, by slipping to second, gets Croatia and Luka Modrić on July 2. That’s a real one; Croatia doesn’t beat themselves.

And then the story of the night: Congo DR beat Uzbekistan 3-1 and are through as one of the eight best third-placed teams, locked in regardless of results elsewhere. This is enormous. It’s their first World Cup knockout berth ever, and their first World Cup since 1974, back when they were Zaire. The Leopards grabbed a point off Portugal, pushed Colombia to the brink, and now face England in the round of 32. Fairy tales rarely wear this badge. This one does.

Colombia vs Portugal Extended Highlights | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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Source

“Bear Bets” are real wagers that Chris “The Bear” Fallica is actually making.

Now things are gonna get interesting. 

We’re on to the Round of 32 in the World Cup, meaning a single loss equals elimination. 

Here’s how I’m wagering on Match Day 18, with only one game on tap.

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.

World Cup Best Bets — Sunday, June 28

South Africa vs. Canada

South Africa is here after scoring one goal in the run of play in three matches, and it has scored zero or one goal in each of its last eight matches. We can expect another tight, defensive-minded game from Bafana Bafana here. I wouldn’t be shocked if this one ended in a draw, but it should be a stereotypical knockout round match where Under is the play. Canada would love to get something from Alphonso Davies or Stephen Eustaquio here, but it is still up in the air if they are fit to contribute.

Fallica’s Picks:   Both Teams to Score — No (-130), Under 2.5 (-138)

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With the 2026 FIFA World Cup reaching the knockout rounds, fans will soon see 90-minute draws turn into extra time and penalty shootouts. At each of the last three World Cups, there were at least four matches decided by penalty shootouts, but in 2026, with 32 teams advancing to the knockout rounds instead of 16, that number could increase. 

So what is the approach for goalkeepers defending against penalty-takers in these shootouts? And what is the approach for those who take penalty kicks? 

We asked former U.S. men’s national team goalkeeper Brad Guzan and former Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel how they approached stopping penalty kicks. And on the flipside, we asked former U.S. men’s national team star forward Clint Dempsey what goes into making a penalty kick in a high-pressure moment.

Here’s how they break down penalty kicks in a step-by-step process. 

Preparation

Goalkeepers like Kasper Schmeichel put countless hours into preparing how to stop penalty kicks. (Photo by Rui Vieira/PA Images via Getty Images)

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Well before any penalty kicks are taken, several hours of preparation are put into stopping or converting them. However, Guzan admitted that he always felt “the pressure was on the penalty-taker.”

Still, Guzan, who was on America’s roster at the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups and spent nine seasons with MLS club Atlanta United after a nine-year career in England, always felt supremely prepared for penalty shootouts. 

Before the start of a penalty shootout, he’d meet with the goalkeeper’s coach, study his opponents and put himself in a position to succeed. 

“You’ve done your research, you’ve done your homework leading up to the game,” Guzan said. “You’ve got a list, a piece of paper with their names and their tendencies. That gives you that little reminder, and then, go for it.”

Defending a penalty shootout is similar to being an infielder or outfielder in baseball and reading your positioning card before each batter steps onto the plate. A hitter can beat a shift, similar to how a penalty-taker can stray from their normal strategy, but following the history, the film, the research best prepares a goalkeeper. 

“At that point, you trust in your gut, you trust in what you’ve seen. And if you go the right way, you hope that you’ve put yourself in a position to make a save,” Guzan said. 

Trusting the preparation is key, Guzan explained, emphasizing that once a goalkeeper chooses a side to dive to, they have to commit. 

Mind Games

Goalkeepers like Brad Guzan try to find an advantage in penalty kicks by chatting up opposing players. (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)

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When it actually comes time for penalty kicks, there’s another advantage that goalkeepers have, according to Guzan: playing mind games. Guzan said he wouldn’t trash-talk penalty kickers, but he would certainly ice them. 

“I was a delay guy. Talking to the referee, getting a sip of water. I’m touching the post over there, I’m touching the post over here.”

That strategy, however, is much harder to implement at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where there are rules to ensure the game flows smoothly, where officials have awarded corner kicks when goalkeepers take too long to take a goal kick, and issued cards for wasting time.  

So, that’s why some other goalkeepers take their preparation and mind games to an extra level. Former Denmark and Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel shared that the teams he was a part of would seek the help of a mentalist to try and get an extra advantage in penalty kick situations.

“For me, it was always about control,” Schmeichel said. “We actually used a mentalist, a guy that guesses things that you’re thinking, but they’re putting it in your head. So, we actually asked one of those to see what we can actually do to influence a taker, and it would be things like overemphasizing certain words. 

“In a VAR situation, when the referee is out checking, I had a chance to talk to the taker. I’d overemphasize words like over or right or left, or try to do different things that they kind of taught us to look for. Can I get some kind of influence?”

Another challenge for goalkeepers is the introduction of late-game substitutes, or a penalty shootout going longer than five attempts. That can lead to penalty-takers who have few attempts on their record, and therefore, no concrete tendencies. 

In the end, Guzan said, it’s important to “trust in what you’ve already done,” and “commit and go.”

The Run-Up

Clint Dempsey believes that the success of penalty kicks might come before the kick is taken. (Photo credit should read OMAR TORRES/AFP via Getty Images)

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Now, the ref has blown the whistle and it’s time for the taker to step up to the ball for the kick. When Dempsey would take his first steps toward the ball, there was one move he would make that he thought gave the penalty kick taker an advantage. 

“To me, you stutter step to see if the keeper is going to go early,” Dempsey said. “If the keeper doesn’t go early, then you have to be precise. And you know in your mind where you like to go in those scenarios. There are times when you see the keeper bite, and then you’re able to change it up. I think different strokes for different folks.”

With penalty takers like Dempsey admitting that they tried to get the goalkeeper to move early, Guzan admitted that stopping penalty shots was “all about timing.”

“The timing to explode and the timing to go with whatever side you decide, left or right,” Guzan said. “You want to go with everything you have. When you stutter, that timing becomes really difficult to make sure you don’t go early.”

The Attempt 

Brad Guzan said that timing is everything when it comes to keepers having to save penalty kicks.(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

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Ultimately, the vast majority of penalty kicks are determined by how the ball comes off the taker’s foot. Will the taker aim for the far posts? Will he or she aim for the middle of the net? Do you put some umph on the shot to power it past the goalkeeper or do you bounce it in?

Dempsey said that the best takers have to weigh everything and be able to make penalty kicks in form or fashion. 

“You have to mix up how you do your penalty kicks. You have to be willing to chip down the middle and not do the stutter step,” Dempsey said, adding, “If you’re going to be the most complete penalty taker, you have to have an array of ways in which you take it.”

And on the keeper’s end, Guzan continued to emphasize the importance of timing, believing that the slightest difference in reaction time could determine if the ball goes in or is saved. 

“The timing then has to be so precise,” Guzan said. “Even then, if the ball is far enough in the corner, it becomes really difficult to save, knowing that you’ve got to be at full extension to get even the slightest fingertip to get it on the post or around the post.”

The Result

Kasper Schmeichel saved two of the five penalty attempts he faced in Denmark’s penalty shootout loss to Croatia in the 2018 World Cup.  (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

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Hours of preparation and studying are behind every penalty kick. Moments of intense thinking precede each try, too. 

All of those little things helped Dempsey make 16 penalty kicks on 21 attempts in his club and international career (excluding penalty kick shootouts). For Guzan, he saved 17 of the 71 penalty kicks he faced in his club and international career (also excluding penalty kick shootouts).

But all of that time and thinking might not matter in the end, at least on the goalkeeper’s side. 

“We had faced a penalty against Peru in the World Cup 2018. I kept overemphasizing the word over, ‘Don’t hit this over,’ all these kinds of things, emphasizing the word over,” said Schmeichel, who saved 26 of 99 penalty shots he faced over his career (excluding penalty kick shootouts). “Whether it made a difference, I don’t know.”

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Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal now know who they will face in the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32.

Portugal finished in second place in Group K after drawing with Colombia on Saturday. Portugal will face Croatia, the second-place finisher in Group L, on Thursday, July 2.  

Here is everything you need to know about Portugal’s round of 32 opponent:

Who Is Portugal’s Round Of 32 Opponent?

As the runner-up in Group L, Croatia will play Portugal in the round of 32. Croatia entered Saturday in third place in Group L, but defeated Ghana 2-1 to improve its standing. Croatia finished third at the 2022 World Cup, and second in 2018. 

COLOMBIA SITS ON TOP 🇨🇴 Colombia wins Group K, Portugal and DR Congo leap into Round of 32 ️

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When Is Portugal vs. Croatia? 

Portugal will face Croatia on Thursday, July 2, at 7:00 p.m. ET at Toronto Stadium. Croatian fans flooded Toronto stadium for its second match at the 2026 World Cup against Panama. 

Who Is Croatia’s Best Player?

Luka Modrić is certainly Croatia’s most famous player. The 40-year-old delivered a vintage performance against Ghana, assisting Nikola Vlasic’s match-winning goal against Ghana. 

Martin Baturina might have usurped Modrić as Croatia’s current best player. Baturina scored a banger from outside the box against England, and has been a consistent force on the ball throughout this tournament. 

Croatia’s Martin Baturina scores equalizer against England | 2026 FIFA World Cup™

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The United States men’s national team now knows its path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and it’s not going to be easy — far from it.

Although the U.S. won Group D by winning two group-stage matches for the first time since 1930, it is expected to play just one team ranked lower than it in the FIFA Men’s World Rankings through the knockout stage due to some surprises on the final days of group play.

Additionally, the United States is already a long-shot to win the World Cup even after its strong start to the tournament with +3500 odds, the ninth-best odds in the field. Still, the Americans’ performance in the group stage has dared their fans — and themselves — to dream.

Here’s everything you need to know about the United States’ path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final:

How USA’s Path Was Decided

(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

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This simulation of the United States’ path to the World Cup final assumes two things:

1. That the U.S. defies expectations and wins every game of the knockout stage, through the final.
2. That the team with the highest FIFA ranking in every other matchup wins as expected, starting with the round of 32.

This creates the hardest — and maybe most realistic — path for the U.S. to make the final.

Round Of 32

(Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

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Date: July 1
Location: San Francisco Bay Area Stadium

• Opponent: Bosnia and Herzegovina
• FIFA Rank: 61
• Record: 1W-1D-1L
• Tournament odds: +250000 (4th-worst)

Round Of 16

 (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

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Date: July 6
Location: Seattle Stadium

• Projected opponent: Belgium
• FIFA Rank: 10
• Record: 1W-2D-0L
• Tournament odds: +4500 (12th-best)

Quarterfinals

(Photo by Patrick Smith – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Date: July 10
Location: Los Angeles Stadium

• Projected opponent: Spain
• FIFA Rank: 3
• Record: 2W-1D-0L
• Tournament odds: +550 (3rd-best)

Semifinals

(Photo by Lui Siu Wai/Xinhua via Getty Images)

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Date: July 15
Location: Dallas Stadium

• Projected opponent: France
• FIFA Rank: 1
• Record: 3W-0D-0L
• Tournament odds: +360 (Best)

Final

(Photo by Tullio Puglia – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Date: July 19
Location: New York New Jersey Stadium

• Projected opponent: Argentina
• FIFA Rank: 2
• Record: 3W-0D-0L
• Tournament odds: +500 (2nd-best)

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