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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A Review of the World Cup 2026 Favourites and Outsiders
The World Cup 2026 kicks off on 11 June, with the US, Canada and Mexico jointly hosting the event. Holders Argentina will be looking to retain the trophy but they are certainly not the bookmakers’ favourites.
Spain, France, England and Brazil are all ahead of Argentina in terms of odds of winning the World Cup this time around, with star Lionel Messi arguably past his peak at 38 years old.
Here are the teams who are going into the tournament as favourites…
World Cup 2026 analysis: Can Thomas Tuchel’s England finally bring football home?
England's preparations for the upcoming World Cup have finished, and Thomas Tuchel has the toughest decision of his life to make on May 30 when he picks his final squad for the World Cup.
World Cup 2026: Five strikers looking to lead the line for their country
In the build-up to the 2026 World Cup hosted across North America, nations are assessing their options as to who will lead the front line for their country, some for the first time.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Stan Cheeseman identifies five players striving to highlight themselves as the starting man for the duration of their country’s tenure in the competition, commencing 11th June 2026.
Who could be in England’s starting XI for the 2026 World Cup?
With the opening game of the World Cup under five months away, debate around England’s starting XI is already heating up.
Thomas Tuchel will definitely be looking to find his best combination, but with standout performers across the Premier League and Europe, picking an XI may be his toughest challenge yet.
In this article, Sports News Blitz’s Charlotte Allsop predicts who Tuchel could field in the 2026 World Cup.
Fatigue fears for Chelsea as England’s World Cup hopes rest on former Blues boss Thomas Tuchel
By beating ES Tunis 3-0 in their final FIFA Club World Cup Group stage game, Chelsea qualified for the Round of 16, where they will face Spanish side, Benfica.
With the competition only set to get more difficult as the rounds progress, there are concerns over the fitness and wellbeing of the players.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s deputy content editor Nicole Powell explores the mounting fixture pressure after a former footballer voiced concern over Chelsea’s intense schedule - a challenge that could also affect England’s World Cup ambitions, given the strong link between club and country.
England news: Thomas Tuchel targets World Cup glory after taking reins for Three Lions
Thomas Tuchel admitted ‘the target is to win the World Cup’ after officially taking the reins as England manager in a role that starts on January 1, 2025.
Sports News Blitz takes a detailed look at former Chelsea, PSG and Bayern Munich boss Tuchel's incredible career so far.