Ladies and gentlemen, happy World Cup 2026 week!
The biggest tournament in sport gets underway on Thursday evening as Mexico host South Africa at the Estadio Azteca.
We will then be treated to a weekend packed full of exciting fixtures, with the USA, Canada, Brazil, Morocco, Scotland and many other teams in action.
It is going to be a spectacular summer of sporting drama, and here are our first World Cup betting picks for this year’s tournament.
This week’s tips all feature the latest football odds available on NetBet, and eligible customers should keep a close eye on our promotions page throughout the tournament – as plenty of great offers will be made available!
So, let’s get the World Cup 2026 show on the road…
*All odds are subject to change
Mexico vs South Africa: Anytime goalscorer – Raul Jimenez @ 2.20
Jimenez is Mexico’s main man up top, and is coming off a decent season with Fulham in which he scored nine Premier League goals. He has 45 international strikes in total, the most recent coming in last week’s 5-1 thrashing of Serbia. In front of a home crowd, we are backing Jimenez to light up the World Cup stage – especially when the price on offer is so good!
Canada vs Bosnia & Herzegovina: Total goals – Under 2.5 @ 1.65
Co-hosts Canada are unbeaten in eight matches, though that run does not feature many goal-filled victories. In fact, five of the games ended in a draw, including three 0-0s. And just one of those eight contests saw over 2.5 goals scored, while Bosnia & Herzegovina’s last five games had the same outcome. As a result, we could be in for a low-scoring thriller in Toronto.
USA vs Paraguay: Both teams to score – Yes @ 2.02
Recent matches involving the USA have been action-packed and goal-filled. Both teams scored in seven of the last eight games featuring Mauricio Pochettino’s side following home thrillers vs Belgium (2-5), Ghana (3-2) and Germany (1-2). While Paraguay matches have perhaps not been as fun, the South American nation scored at least one goal in six of the last seven contests. At slightly better than evens, the BTTS market could be a real source of value here, especially when you remember that the previous meeting between the pair back in November finished 2-1 in the USA’s favour.
Brazil vs Morocco: Double chance – Draw or Morocco win @ 2.18
Brazil are heavy favourites to beat Morocco, though rule out the African nation at your own peril. The Atlas Lions reached the 2022 World Cup semi-finals and won the recent AFCON tournament (albeit in controversial circumstances), while Brazil continuously flatter to deceive under Carlo Ancelotti’s rule. Morocco are unbeaten in their last 12 matches, and with talisman Achraf Hakimi back available, Mohamed Ouahbi’s side certainly possess the ability to spring a small surprise in the opening week of World Cup 2026.
Haiti vs Scotland: Anytime goalscorer – Lawrence Shankland @ 2.25
Shankland looks all set to be Scotland’s starting No9 after a great season with Hearts, in which he scored 20 goals from 34 matches across all competitions. The striker is also on a fine run of form on the international scene with four goals in his last three Scotland appearances, including a crucial strike vs Denmark in the qualifiers and a brace vs Curacao. Haiti’s defence will certainly be wary of the threat posed by Shankland – but may be powerless to stop him.
Turkey to beat Australia @ 1.73
Turkey are back on the World Cup stage for the first time since 2002 – and could be a real force. With young stars in Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiaz, as well as experienced heads such as Hakan Calhamoglu and Merih Demiral, the European nation have the tools to go deep into the tournament. Of course, Australia are no pushovers, but on paper this looks like being a fairly comfortable win for Turkey – who are on a run of seven victories in eight matches.
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