World Cup Betting Tips

Breel Embolo always performs on the international stage for Switzerland and has been impressive again at this World Cup with three goal contributions across his three starts.

He’s taken seven shots across those three games (2.39 per 90), finding the target on three occasions (1.02 per 90). He’s on penalties for Switzerland and will cause problems for the Algeria backline, aided by Johan Manzambi, who has also been impressive for Murat Yakin’s side.

Embolo has scored 25 goals across 89 caps for Switzerland, with four of those goals coming across six starts during qualifying. He found the target nine times across those games, working out to an average of 1.66 shots on target per 90.

Riyad Mahrez is still a really important figure in this Algeria side and scored twice against Austria last time out to set up this tie.

He’s had at least one shot in every game, finding the target against Jordan to go alongside the two goals he scored against Austria. He is on free kicks and penalties for Algeria, which can offer him an extra route to the target if he is limited from open play.

Mahrez has scored 40 goals across 97 caps for Algeria, which is a really consistent record at international level. He scored three goals across just four starts during AFCON earlier this year; all three of his efforts on target during that campaign ended up in the back of the net.

Did you know Xhaka has only committed one foul at the World Cup so far? 

It’s actually not one of his main attributes, despite the assumption that the Sunderland midfielder is always reckless. He has, however, won four fouls across his three starts at the World Cup (1.33 per 90).

Xhaka averaged 1.54 fouls won per 90 for Switzerland during the qualifying campaign, showing that winning fouls is actually a consistent part of his game when lining up for his nation.

Xhaka also maintained an average of 1.27 fouls won per 90 during the 25/26 Premier League season for Sunderland, a tally that was notably higher than his fouls committed average (0.71 per 90).

Algeria do have real attacking talent that can hurt a Swiss side that I haven’t been too impressed with so far. They haven’t really convinced me in any of their games so far, despite winning two matches, and I think they are struggling slightly with the weather conditions.

Algeria drew two saves from Alexander Schlager in their most recent game against Austria, and also forced six saves from Jordan’s keeper as they came away 2-1 winners in that clash.

They didn’t trouble Argentina in their opening game, but they have grown into the tournament and should be able to test Gregor Kobel, who has already been called into action on 11 occasions across his three matches (3.67 per 90) with a save percentage of 78.6%. 

Both of these sides will see this as a pretty favourable draw, especially seeing as the winner of this tie will face either Colombia or Ghana for a spot in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

There are no easy games at the World Cup, but this is certainly the weakest portion of the draw and a chance for an unlikely side to emerge as an underdog. I think both sides set up to try and win the game rather than sit back and hope for penalties.

Both sides have seen 2+ goals in all three of their group games, with Algeria seeing 3+ goals in all three of their matches and notably failing to keep a clean sheet in any of those games. Switzerland are also without a shutout, conceding to the likes of Bosnia and Qatar across their group stage matches.

Marwan Attia was rested in Egypt's final group stage match against Iran, only featuring for the second half, but he looks set to reclaim his starting place here following Mohanad Lasheen's suspension.

Lasheen had featured in every available minute for Egypt at the World Cup so far, but he picked up his second yellow of the tournament against Iran, which means he will miss out against Australia.

Attia will have a massive role here in the double pivot, looking to win the ball back high up the field to cut out opposing counter attacks.

The 27-year-old was booked in two of his five AFCON starts, as well as picking up four yellow cards from eight of Egypt’s qualifying appearances.

Mo Salah is always the player whom opponents keep an eye on, and he continues to be a difficult player to contain. Alessandro Circati could be in for a testing match, with Egypt likely to dominate proceedings.

The centre-back was carded against the USA in Australia's toughest matchup during the group stages, and he is likely to have his hands full again here.

Circati picked up six yellow cards from 31 appearances playing for Parma in Serie A this season, which shows how he likes to be aggressive and engage in duels.

Egypt are averaging 14.0 fouls drawn per game at the World Cup, with a large proportion of those infringements concentrated on their attacking players.

Aziz Behich was introduced for his first start of the World Cup against Paraguay last time out, which saw Jordan Bos shift over to the opposite flank. It is the opposite side to the one he naturally prefers, but Bos was the standout performer against Paraguay and came closest to scoring for his side.

He had three shots with two hitting the target, and he was constantly looking to cut inside onto his stronger foot which opened up the angles for shots. 

Bos had an average of 1.61 shots per 90 for Feyenoord this season, which shows that he has an eye for goal, despite being listed as a wingback.

Once again, Mo Salah has been the standout player for Egypt in an international competition, and he has contributed directly to three out of five goals for his side at the World Cup so far.

Salah provided the assist for Emam Ashour in round one against Belgium, before finding the net himself and opening his account against New Zealand in the following game. 

The 34-year-old assisted Mahmoud Trezeguet soon after to help Egypt secure a massive three points. Salah has been operating in a more central role at this World Cup, given the freedom to roam around and pick up pockets of space, rather than being glued to the touchline.

That has massively increased his threat in the final third, and he will also be the designated penalty taker for Egypt here.

With six fouls drawn at the World Cup so far, no Australia player has been more adept at getting free-kicks than Aiden O'Neill.

Australia have only been fouled 24 times as a team in the competition so far, and O'Neill has accounted for exactly one quarter of those infringements.

He is a key player in the heart of midfield, crucial for alleviating pressure on his side and allowing them to establish themselves in possession.

Egypt can often be quite aggressive in their press in midfield, and they racked up 15 infringements against Belgium in round one. With this game being a knockout tie, tensions will be higher than usual, which makes fouls a target.

Omar Marmoush was rested against Iran in the final group game for Egypt, but the Man City man looks set to return to the starting lineup against Australia here to lead the line.

He is one of the most promising attacking talents in this Egypt squad, and this matchup looks a very favourable one for him, given that the Socceroos conceded 47 shots across their three group stage games. 

Marmoush is a livewire in the final third - he had five shots against Belgium in round one, before adding another three to his tally against New Zealand, so he has every reason to be looking forward to this matchup.

Australia deserve credit for being clinical on the break when chances did fall to them, and it finished 2-0.

Egypt have been one of the more entertaining sides to watch at the World Cup so far, and BTTS landed in all three of their group stages.

Unlike their approach at AFCON, the Pharaohs have played with a lot more attacking intent, and their games have been quite open at times, with chances available at both ends.

Australia are likely to sit deep here, but they have shown they can cause real problems on the break. With that being said, it will take a massive effort to keep the Egyptian front line at bay, given the quality they have.

Marmoush has already drawn seven fouls at this World Cup, averaging 3.0 fouls drawn per 90.

Harry Souttar will have the tough task of trying to contain the 27-year-old, and that looks like a bit of a mismatch. Souttar is a very physical presence, but he doesn’t quite have the agility to deal with this rapid Egyptian attack. 

The centre-back has committed four fouls at the World Cup already, with three of those coming against the USA in round two.

Souttar looked quite rusty in that one, which comes as no surprise given he missed the vast majority of the 25/26 season through injury. He started just two Championship games before the tournament.

Australia finished second in Group D with four points and have now been dealt a tough draw against Egypt here.

The Pharaohs had an encouraging group stage campaign during which they went unbeaten - Egypt took a point from Belgium in round one in what was a notable upset, before beating New Zealand 3-1.

They then held on to a point against Iran, meaning they finished second in Group G, only behind Belgium on goal difference. 

Egypt have the stronger side, and they will fancy their chances of making it past Australia, who were slightly fortunate to make it to the knockouts.

They secured a massive three points against Turkey in round one, but it was far from convincing - they conceded 30 shots, forcing Patrick Beach into eight crucial saves.

This one feels pretty straightforward on paper. I hate to doubt Cape Verde, but I just can't see them keeping this run of form going.

They conceded 2.10xG to Spain, with Spain managing 27 shots and 7 on target. Uruguay racked up 2.32xG, but only two shots on target. They are clearly getting a little lucky, even if their goalkeeper and defence have been playing really well.

With the form Messi is in right now, I just can't see them keeping a clean sheet, and once that first goal goes in and they need to take more risks, I can see Argentina getting even more chances.

Alexis MacAllister is another player to target in the final third here, expecting Cape Verde to sit deep.

The Liverpool midfielder isn’t exactly renowned for his contributions in the final third, as he scored just five goals in 55 domestic appearances this season for the Reds.

However, he did land this selection in round one against Algeria, as one of his two efforts forced a save from the opposing goalkeeper. That also led to Messi scoring the rebound, so Mac Allister might be encouraged to let fly more often here. 

The 27-year-old scored twice in his 13 appearances for Argentina during their World Cup qualifying matches, finishing with an average of 1.12 shots per 90 in that time.

Kevin Pina wrote himself into Cape Verde's history books by scoring their first-ever World Cup goal, and it was a memorable one.

Pina found the back of the net from a long-range free-kick against Uruguay. The Krasnodar midfielder plays in a defensive midfield position for his national side, but that doesn't stop him from getting forward to join attacks when they do counter. 

Pina has shown no hesitation in trying his luck from range whenever the space opens up in front of him. Because of that, he has registered a shot in every single World Cup match so far, including against Spain in the opening game.

Chances will be few and far between against Argentina, so they might have to rely on speculative efforts from range.

Nahuel Molina was one of several regular starters benched against Jordan, as Scaloni opted for rotation with top spot already secured.

However, the Argentina manager should revert to his usual eleven here, which means Molina to come in at left back. 

Not only is Cabral a target for cards, but he has been adept at drawing contact so far. He was fouled twice against Spain before accounting for five of Uruguay's 11 fouls.

With Cape Verde sitting deep, Molina should be able to push forward and find duels with Cabral here, which makes this foul price stand out.

Sidny Lopes Cabral has been an interesting player for Cape Verde so far. He committed the only foul for his side in the opening game against Spain, and that was enough to earn him a booking after just 16 minutes.

The fullback again only needed one foul to find his way into the referee's notebook against Uruguay, which meant he was suspended for the final group game against Saudi Arabia. 

The Benfica man should return to the starting eleven here, and this will be his toughest matchup yet. Cabral has shown a tendency to fly recklessly into challenges so far, and he will have plenty of defensive work to get through against the World Cup title holders.

Lautaro Martinez finally opened his goalscoring account at the World Cup last time out, as he scored against Jordan to end the group stages on a high. He has been chosen by Scaloni as the man to lead the line, and he should be full of confidence against Cape Verde. 

Lautaro offers more than just a threat in the box - he presses relentlessly from the front, giving opposing defenders no time on the ball, which allows Argentina to win the ball back quickly.

The Inter Milan skipper can at times be a bit aggressive in his challenges, and he has committed a foul in all three matches at the World Cup. That includes landing this selection against both Austria and Algeria.

When opponents adopt a low block and sit deep, Enzo Fernandez is given a much greater license to push forward from midfield and arrive in advanced positions.

He had an impressive domestic season for Chelsea, bagging 15 goals in 54 appearances across all competitions, which shows how he can cause problems when arriving late in the box. He was pushed forward into an advanced midfield role at times for the Blues, which explains why he had his most prolific season to date in terms of goals scored.  

Messi has accounted for a large portion of Argentina’s shots so far, but Enzo Fernandez recorded two efforts against Austria in his last start.

Lionel Messi has been quite simply extraordinary at this World Cup - he scored a hat-trick against Algeria in round one before adding a brace against Austria.

He still managed to find the back of the net against Jordan in the final group stage game, despite only featuring off the bench. As it stands, no player has scored more goals than him at the 2026 World Cup, but Kylian Mbappe is currently level, after he scored a brace against Sweden.

Messi will want to create a bit of daylight here as he aims to win the Golden Boot, so expect the 39-year-old to be heavily involved in the final third once again.

Cape Verde have played out two goalless stalemates so far, and the other match finished 2-2 against Uruguay.

Their game plan will be to sit deep, but Argentina have way too much firepower, and it seems unlikely that any side will be able to keep them out. Argentina have already scored eight goals in their three matches. 

If Lionel Scaloni’s side find the back of the net early on, Cape Verde will have to be a bit more front-footed in their approach, which could open up space for Argentina.

The South American side simply have too much talent in the final third here, which makes goals a target.

Cape Verde have impressed everyone at this World Cup so far, and their ability to sit deep and frustrate opponents has yielded success up until this point.

They drew 0-0 with European champions Spain in their opening match, before also taking a point from Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. That earned Cape Verde second position in the group to qualify for the knockouts. 

However, this matchup against Argentina promises to be their biggest test yet, and there is a massive gulf in quality between the two sides on paper. The reigning world champions have won all three group games convincingly, and they have had an eleven-day rest since beating Jordan.

Cape Verde’s run has been admirable, but keeping Argentina at bay looks like too much of a challenge.

Luis Diaz has been one of Colombia’s most impactful players so far and was very unlucky not to find the target against Portugal last time out with four shots and the most touches of any player in the opposition box (seven).

Diaz has had 11 shots across his three starts at the World Cup (3.68 per 90), seeing three of those efforts find the target (1.00 per 90). He was crucial for Colombia during qualifying with seven goals across his 17 starts from 21 shots on target (1.28 per 90). 

Ghana will sit in a very deep block here and look to frustrate Colombia. The South American side have shown they aren’t afraid to take on efforts whenever the opportunity presents itself, with 15+ shots in all three games so far, clearing 20 shots in two of those matches.

Lucumi has committed four fouls across his three starts at the World Cup so far (1.33 per 90) and has also collected a yellow card during the tournament against DR Congo, which was a very similar game to the one Colombia can expect here.

Lucumi has committed a foul in all three of his games so far, committing two in Colombia’s opener against Uzbekistan. The centre back will have to deal with Jordan Ayew, who leads the line for Ghana and has always been very strong when it comes to winning fouls - drawing five across his three starts at the World Cup so far (2.00 per 90).

I’ve touched on how I think this game will unfold, with Ghana sitting deep and Colombia trying to break them down with a high shot count, which should lead to Ghana’s keeper being called into action on at least three occasions.

Colombia have had 15+ shots in all three of their games so far, managing 24 efforts against Portugal last time out. They’ve managed 4+ shots on target in all three of their games, clearing six shots on target against Portugal and DR Congo. What stands out from this shot volume is that Colombia will take aim from almost anywhere; their 20-shot haul against DR Congo only returned an xG of 0.98.

Ghana’s goalkeeper, Benjamin Asare, has been called into action eight times across his two starts at the World Cup after coming on in the opening game. This works out to an average of 3.20 saves per 90, with a save percentage of 80%.

When a side faces a deep block as stubborn as I expect Ghana’s to be here, the probing side usually end up with a decent corner count as the space tends to be in the wide areas and there are usually quite a few crosses.

Colombia have had 4+ corners in all three of their World Cup matches so far, managing 5+ corners in their last two matches against DR Congo and Portugal. Ghana allowed England to register nine corners when they held them to a 0-0 draw a few days ago, and I think Colombia can come away with just as healthy a corner count.

This selection lines up with how I think the game will pan out. Colombia have been shooting for fun at the World Cup, with 15+ shots in all three of their group games; they covered this shots on target line in two of their three group matches - falling just one shot on target short in their win over Uzbekistan.

Colombia averaged 5.34 shots on target per game during qualifying, so the trend of the South American side being willing to take on efforts from pretty much anywhere stretches far further back than the three group games, where they were really impressive at times. 

I also like this angle because it’s likely to take Colombia a while to find a way through this Ghana side. They didn’t break down DR Congo until the 76th minute, having 20 shots and nine shots on target in that game.