World Cup 2026 betting tips: Harry Kane to score first; Morocco to sink Scotland

World Cup 2026 betting tips: Harry Kane to score first; Morocco to sink Scotland

Now then now then. What a time to be alive. 

The World Cup is up and running and it’s hard to explain the joys of watching Haiti vs Scotland in your pants at 2am to non-football fans.

Also, someone in the pub the other day asked me to name three Qatar players? “Not a problem,” I replied. “Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Noel Gallagher.”

Read on for a breakdown of the best bets from this week’s World Cup 2026 group games – including England’s opener against Croatia on Wednesday night - courtesy of Sports News Blitz’s punting laureate, The Bookie Basher.

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South Africa continues recent trend of a truly poor team kicking off the World Cup
Soccer, Soccer news, FIFA World Cup news, World Cup 2026 news Sports News Blitz writer Soccer, Soccer news, FIFA World Cup news, World Cup 2026 news Sports News Blitz writer

South Africa continues recent trend of a truly poor team kicking off the World Cup

The World Cup is officially underway, and well, where do we start with that opener? 

Mexico welcomed South Africa to Mexico City in a repeat of the 2010 curtain-raiser, but this time around, there were no heroics from Bafana Bafana. 

Sixteen years ago, Siphiwe Tshabalala scored one of the most iconic goals in World Cup history, but this time around, the South Africans showed very little quality of any kind.

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The deals that set the price of football in 2026
Soccer, Soccer news, Soccer analysis, Transfer news, Liverpool news Sports News Blitz writer Soccer, Soccer news, Soccer analysis, Transfer news, Liverpool news Sports News Blitz writer

The deals that set the price of football in 2026

The 2026 transfer market is moving around Liverpool’s record spending, striker fees, Premier League timing, and verified deals.

Clubs can announce deals before the window opens, but the previous cycle’s record spending still shapes the confirmed high-fee market. 

Fees changed. Liverpool reset the board with Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, while Hugo Ekitiké, Benjamin Šeško, Victor Osimhen, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Viktor Gyökeres sit near the top of Transfermarkt’s current fee list.

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World Cup 2026 betting tips: Lionel Messi to lead Argentina to glory (again)

World Cup 2026 betting tips: Lionel Messi to lead Argentina to glory (again)

“USA! USA! USA!”

 The time for talking is almost over. All eyes will be on North America over the next month or so as the great and the good of the beautiful game gather for the World Cup and a tournament that will be shared between Canada, Mexico and the USA. 

There aren’t many bigger punting events than the World Cup so read on for a breakdown of the best outright bets from this summer’s tournament courtesy of Sports News Blitz’s punting laureate - The Bookie Basher.

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World Cup 2026 betting tips: Who gets the Golden Boot? And can Argentina retain their crown?

World Cup 2026 betting tips: Who gets the Golden Boot? And can Argentina retain their crown?

Everything is massive in America. Coffee arrives in buckets, and the supermarkets are so big you need Google Maps to navigate a path from the Meat & Fish aisle to the Frozen Foods section.

So naturally, the 2026 World Cup - which the USA is co-hosting - is the biggest ever. For the first time, 48 teams will compete over 39 days to find out who the best team in the world are.

Argentina are defending champions, but Spain are favourites with the bookies to lift the famous old trophy for the first time since 2010.

Here, for your bawdy enjoyment, is the definitive Golden Boot gambling guide courtesy of Sports News Blitz’s punting laureate - The Bookie Basher.

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World Cup 2026 news: Five records that could be broken at the FIFA World Cup
Soccer, Soccer news, FIFA World Cup news, World Cup 2026 news Sports News Blitz writer Soccer, Soccer news, FIFA World Cup news, World Cup 2026 news Sports News Blitz writer

World Cup 2026 news: Five records that could be broken at the FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup, the biggest festival in football, kicks off across the United States, Canada, and Mexico this week, and one thing is sure: old records will disappear, and new ones will emerge. 

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, it will be one of the biggest tournaments in FIFA history.

This year's tournament structure has been revamped, with teams participating from 32 to 48, and the number of matches will automatically increase from 64 to 104. 

This summer could bring the breaking of numerous records, from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's last World Cup preparations to Kylian Mbappe breaking Miroslav Klose's record for goals scored. 

Here, Sports News Blitz’s Varun Sarwate takes a look at five records that could be broken at the FIFA World Cup 2026. 

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Opening Matches That Could Shape the 2026 World Cup Odds Conversation
Soccer, Soccer news, FIFA World Cup news, World Cup 2026 news, Betting news Sports News Blitz writer Soccer, Soccer news, FIFA World Cup news, World Cup 2026 news, Betting news Sports News Blitz writer

Opening Matches That Could Shape the 2026 World Cup Odds Conversation

The World Cup is a tournament where the unexpected is expected. Dark horses disrupt the proceedings. New players stake their claims for elite status, and controversies fuel debate. 

The build-up has featured strong opinions by supporters across the world.

However, once that first whistle blows on the opening game of soccer’s largest showcase, those discussions and opinions count for very little. 

The first matchups are going to set the tone for the tournament. There are several fixtures that offer their share of intrigue well before the knockout stages come into view. 

Here are some that soccer fans across the globe won’t want to miss.

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FIFA World Cup 2026: Five goalkeepers to watch at the 2026 tournament
Soccer, Soccer news, FIFA World Cup news, World Cup 2026 news Sports News Blitz writer Soccer, Soccer news, FIFA World Cup news, World Cup 2026 news Sports News Blitz writer

FIFA World Cup 2026: Five goalkeepers to watch at the 2026 tournament

A world-class goalkeeper can be the difference between an early exit and a deep tournament run. 

From experienced veterans to exciting newcomers, the 2026 World Cup features a fascinating mix of talent between the posts. 

Here, Sports News Blitz writer Shuei Ishii looks at five goalkeepers who could make headlines on football's biggest stage.

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World Cup 2026 news: Reviewing Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man England squad as big names miss out

World Cup 2026 news: Reviewing Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man England squad as big names miss out

England manager Thomas Tuchel has revealed his 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup – and it has certainly been met with a lot of opinions and controversy.

With some big names not making the final cut for FIFA’s showpiece in the US, Mexico and Canada, Sports News Blitz writer Dejan Johal is here with a review of Tuchel’s squad.

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Soccer analysis: Japan’s World Cup dream - Why the Samurai Blue are the ultimate dark horses
Soccer, Soccer analysis, Soccer opinion, FIFA World Cup news Sports News Blitz writer Soccer, Soccer analysis, Soccer opinion, FIFA World Cup news Sports News Blitz writer

Soccer analysis: Japan’s World Cup dream - Why the Samurai Blue are the ultimate dark horses

For decades, Japan have been viewed as an emerging football nation: competitive, technically gifted and tidy on the ball. 

But they have also been perceived as ultimately lacking the physical power, ego mindset and conviction to truly challenge the traditional powers.

However, heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Samurai Blue may be closer than ever to breaking that narrative, writes Sports News Blitz’s Shuei Ishii.

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World Cup 2026: 10 players to watch in Group F - Cody Gakpo, Kaishu Sano and more
Soccer, Soccer news, FIFA World Cup news, World Cup 2026 news Sports News Blitz writer Soccer, Soccer news, FIFA World Cup news, World Cup 2026 news Sports News Blitz writer

World Cup 2026: 10 players to watch in Group F - Cody Gakpo, Kaishu Sano and more

The first Group F match of the 2026 World Cup is set to start in two weeks, and here are some players to keep your eyes peeled for.

Group F features four talented nations, including Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia, each with players capable of changing games on football's biggest stage.

While household names such as Victor Gyökeres, Virgil van Dijk and Frankie De Jong will attract most of the attention, a number of underrated players could prove just as influential.

Here, Sports News Blitz’s Shuei Ishii looks at 10 players from Group F whose recent club and international performances suggest they are worth keeping a close eye on throughout the tournament.

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Shocking hires: The Premier League's worst appointments this season and what's gone wrong
Soccer, Soccer analysis, Soccer opinion, Premier League news Sports News Blitz writer Soccer, Soccer analysis, Soccer opinion, Premier League news Sports News Blitz writer

Shocking hires: The Premier League's worst appointments this season and what's gone wrong

It has been a season of managerial chaos in the Premier League.

Trigger-happy owners, panic appointments, and spectacular misfires have defined the 2025/26 campaign. Here is a look at the worst of the lot.

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Serie A news: AC Milan’s season leaves more questions than answers
Soccer, Soccer news, Serie A news, AC Milan news Luca Salmasi Soccer, Soccer news, Serie A news, AC Milan news Luca Salmasi

Serie A news: AC Milan’s season leaves more questions than answers

AC Milan barely made it to the finish line on the last day of the Serie A season, losing their final match against Cagliari and missing out on Champions League qualification. The campaign was meant to be Massimo Allegri’s comeback story, but it turned into a difficult slog for many reasons.

Here, Sports News Blitz writer and AC Milan fan Luca Salmasi takes a look at five key takeaways from the club’s latest poor season.

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Players who scored in both the semi-final and final of the same World Cup
Soccer, Soccer news, FIFA World Cup news Sports News Blitz writer Soccer, Soccer news, FIFA World Cup news Sports News Blitz writer

Players who scored in both the semi-final and final of the same World Cup

Few achievements in international football are as rare as scoring in both a World Cup semi-final and the final itself. To do so requires not only individual brilliance but the consistency to deliver it across the two biggest occasions in the sport, with a country's hopes resting on every touch.

Browsing the current World Cup winner odds ahead of the 2026 tournament, it is a reminder of just how much weight is attached to performances at this level. Across the entire history of the tournament, only a handful of players have managed to score in both knockout rounds in the same year. Here are the players who achieved it.

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Champions League final: PSG vs Arsenal betting tips - Can Mikel Arteta achieve what Arsene Wenger never could?

Champions League final: PSG vs Arsenal betting tips - Can Mikel Arteta achieve what Arsene Wenger never could?

Mikel Arteta is already an 18-karat Arsenal legend after leading Arsenal to their first Premier League title in 22 years.

But this weekend, he gets the opportunity to do something even Arsene Wenger was unable to do during his legendary spell in north London - win the Champions League. 

Read on for a breakdown of the best bets from the Champions League final on Saturday, May 30, from Sports News Blitz’s punting laureate - The Bookie Basher.

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Unai Emery's Unique Achievement: How the Spanish Coach Managed to Win the Europa League Five Times

Unai Emery's Unique Achievement: How the Spanish Coach Managed to Win the Europa League Five Times

Discover how Unai Emery became the most successful Europa League coach in history, winning the tournament five times through tactical discipline and elite match management

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Manchester United's Long-Awaited Return to the Champions League After a Brilliant Season

Manchester United's Long-Awaited Return to the Champions League After a Brilliant Season

Manchester United secured a Champions League return after finishing third in the Premier League. Discover how the team transformed under Michael Carrick and what awaits the Red Devils next season.

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Premier League news: Five key factors that helped Daniel Farke and Leeds United avoid relegation
Soccer, Soccer news, Premier League news, Leeds Utd news Charlie Fawcett Soccer, Soccer news, Premier League news, Leeds Utd news Charlie Fawcett

Premier League news: Five key factors that helped Daniel Farke and Leeds United avoid relegation

As the 2025/26 season comes to a close, Leeds United can look back on it as one of their most successful campaigns this side of the millennium.

Here, Sports News Blitz writer Charlie Fawcett examines how a phenomenal season was masterminded.

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