The 2026 World Cup isn’t just about finding the tournament winner, as there is match betting, over/under goals, player goalscorer, cards, corners and a whole lot more to consider.
A beefed-up 48-team tournament provides even more betting opportunities and we are here to offer a beginner-friendly guide to the most popular World Cup betting markets.
Outright World Cup Betting Markets
There are a number of outright bets to consider at the World Cup. The outright tournament winner market is the most obvious one, but there are also to reach the final, group winner, stage of elimination, to qualify from the group, to finish bottom of the group and many more to look out for.
Stage of elimination offers bettors a choice of when each team will leave the tournament. From group stage, to the semi-finals each round is covered.
Punters can also get involved in the highest-scoring team, lowest-scoring team, continent of the winner, the tournament-winning group and a whole host of other outright markets.
Wagers on these markets are often placed at the start of the World Cup, but can also be considered as the tournament goes on, for example at the end of the group stage.
It’s not just a case of picking the best team, or the greatest manager, the ease of draw should be the overriding consideration when looking for outright bets, with each-way betting often holding excellent value.
Injuries and squad depth can also play a part when it comes to making outright selections, but working out the draw, and which side is stronger, or weaker, should be at the forefront of the punting mind.
Match Result and Qualification Markets
It’s important for punters to understand the difference between to win and to qualify markets.
Match betting, or to win the match, will cover a three-way market – win, draw, win.
One of those outcomes will be the final result of each of the group-stage games, but that changes in the knockout rounds of the competition.
From there, the to win market, will effectively become a bet on the outcome of the contest in 90 minutes.
For example, a wager on France to beat England in the 90 minute market would be a loser if the contest finishes 1-1, even if Les Bleus then win the knockout game in extra-time or on penalties.
To cover any method of victory for the team you wish to back, bets should be placed on the to qualify market, as the bet will be a winner if the team backed wins after 90 minutes, during extra time or even via penalties.
Other match markets to consider are correct score, which is where punters can pick the exact final scoreline, draw not bet which returns stakes if the contest is level after 90 minutes, and double chance, which covers a combination of two outcomes on the match betting market.
Goals Markets: Over/Under, BTTS and Team Goals
There are many considerations for this World Cup with as many as three teams able to progress from each group. That’s likely to lead to many cagey contests in the opening rounds and the tournament may not fully open up until teams have to chase a result in the final group-stage matches and knockout rounds.
Goals markets are extremely popular in football betting. Over/under, both teams to score, first team to score and total team goals will all be available to punters at the World Cup.
Bettors should consider the playing style of teams, the group-stage standings and likely approach when placing bets on goals to be scored.
Punters can also back no goalscorer in any match at the World Cup. That’s a bet on a 0-0 correct score, but with the insurance against an own goal, which wouldn’t count as the first strike on the no goalscorer market.
Player Betting Markets
There is a plethora of player markets available for punters at the World Cup and it’s not just any time or first goal scorer.
Shots and shots on target provide an increasingly popular punting opportunity, while bettors can also back players to assist.
It’s not just attacking markets either. Players can be supported to be shown a card, or booked first in the match and you can also bet on the number of fouls a player commits or receives.
It’s key to consider how much game time a player is likely to get, the position they will occupy and how well the team will perform when considering these markets.
Specials, Cards, Corners and Bet Builders
The advantage punters have at the World Cup is that they can be selective and specific when it comes to betting.
Bettors can home in on angles like total cards, total corners, bet builders and take advantage of many price boosts which will be offered throughout the tournament.
Punters can consider that there may be more cards or corners in an intense knockout fixture than a final group-stage contest where both teams may have already qualified.
Stay disciplined by using your angle and knowledge to pick off value prices in specific markets.
Which World Cup Betting Market Is Best?
Match markets and in-play betting give a good thrill to punters tuning into the World Cup action. There is excitement and quick return potential from successful wagers in these markets.
In terms of value, outright markets are the best place to play. Take the time to work out any potential draw bias as the tournament progresses and look for ways to side with the teams and players who may benefit from easier progression in the tournament.
France may be the best team, but if they have to play England, Spain, Germany and Brazil to reach the final, it may be better to look away from the difficult draws.
There is no single best market for every bettor and the great thing about the World Cup is that it offers something for every punter.