World Cup 2026 betting tips: Spain to win World Cup final, Mbappe to score first vs England
Read on for a breakdown of the best bets from the World Cup final and the third-place playoff nobody wanted to see - courtesy of Sports News Blitz’s heartbroken punting laureate - The Bookie Basher.
Slow starts at the World Cup: Are they a real concern?
Spain arrived at the 2026 World Cup as one of the favourites, so a goalless draw with debutants Cape Verde in their opening game came as a surprise.
It was a result that set off alarm bells, but Spain have now reached the World Cup final for the first time since they lifted the trophy in 2010.
A slow start can quickly change how a team is viewed, but history suggests an early stumble is not always the warning sign it appears to be.
England player ratings as Argentina end World Cup dream with semi-final comeback
England's World Cup dream came to a heartbreaking end as Argentina came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory in the semi-finals.
Thomas Tuchel's side looked on course for the final after leading until the closing minutes of normal time, but the holders produced a late turnaround to book their place in another World Cup final.
England impressed for long spells, pressing aggressively and limiting Argentina's attacking threat before the momentum swung in Argentina's favour late in the game.
World Cup 2026 analysis: Preview, predictions and more ahead of the semi-finals
Following the action-packed quarter-final between Argentina and Switzerland, the FIFA World Cup semi-final line-up has been set in stone, with four footballing giants one victory away from the final.
From tactical masterclasses to individual brilliance, the semi-finals promise two of the biggest contests of the tournament, writes Sports News Blitz’s Juliette White.
Football Games To Play Before The World Cup Is Out
With the World Cup only coming around once every four years, it’s a period in time to savour. Once the group games are over, the wait between fixtures in the knockout stages can feel painfully long. Thankfully, there’s a raft of ways to keep that football buzz going, with one of them being to play some football-themed games.
Video games remain the obvious go-to, but plenty of football fans are also exploring football-themed casino games to fill the gaps between matches. With many football and World Cup-themed titles out there, it won’t take long for a player to settle on their favourite online slots game to play throughout the tournament.
World Cup 2026, Wimbledon, UFC 329, Tour de France – Your guide to the ultimate sports weekend
This weekend, fans will be glued to their screens as numerous sports collide, from World Cup 2026 and Wimbledon to the UFC and Tour de France.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Stan Cheeseman offers a guide to the ultimate sporting extravaganza.
World Cup 2026 quarter-finals betting tips: Jude Bellingham to shine for England again and more
After conquering Mexico’s Azteca fortress, all eyes are now on Miami and England’s quarter-final date with Norway.
Read on for a breakdown of the best bets from the quarter-finals - including the big one on Saturday, July 11 - courtesy of Sports News Blitz’s punting laureate, The Bookie Basher.
From Portugal to Belgium: Spain World Cup Odds in the Quarter-finals
The World Cup quarter-finals are rarely one-dimensional, and Spain vs Belgium is no different.
Spain has seen its way to the quarters through discipline and, more recently, a certain amount of luck, while Belgium has found its attacking edge at just the right time.
It's these contrasting themes that make this particular tie so compelling, as one of the most disciplined teams in the world meets an opponent seemingly primed to strike when the game opens up.
How World Cup football has changed: Then vs now
Football's greatest tournament has come a long way since Uruguay lifted the first World Cup trophy in 1930.
The competition has grown from 13 nations to 48, the way the game is played has been transformed tactically, and even how fans engage, from football betting markets optimised for mobile users to live data feeds on their phones, has shifted beyond recognition.
World Cup 2026 analysis: A thrilling Round of 16 wraps up as nations cement their place in the last eight
As the number of teams remaining in the World Cup knockout stages is halved once again, eight nations, some familiar and some new faces such as Norway, have secured their spots in the quarter-finals.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Stanley Cheeseman looks at the key moments, summarising the quality, controversy and late drama throughout the recent match-ups.
World Cup 2026 analysis: Looking at England’s magnificent Mexico win and five of England’s most iconic World Cup victories
Thomas Tuchel’s England reached new heights as they beat Mexico 3-2 on Monday to set up a quarter-final tie against Norway.
Despite being the far better team on paper, many had suggested England would struggle to win against a Mexico side co-hosting the World Cup and playing in their iconic Azteca Stadium, with its extreme conditions and unrelenting atmosphere.
Jude Bellingham put England 2-0 up after a brace in two minutes, but Julian Quinones pulled one back before half-time to give the Mexicans hope.
Despite Jarell Quansah’s red card, when Harry Kane scored a penalty in the second half to make it 3-1 England looked safe, until Raul Jimenez converted from the penalty spot.
World Cup 2026 analysis: Five talking points from England vs Mexico
Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane dragged England through to the next stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 once more as Thomas Tuchel’s side defeated the daunting Mexico 3-2 in a display of total grit and determination.
The Three Lions have earned themselves a quarter-final match-up against a confident Norway, led by Erling Haaland in his debut World Cup.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Stanley Cheeseman looks at five talking points from the Round of 16 clash at the infamous Azteca Stadium that saw England advance through the tournament when the odds were, arguably, against them.
Is the World Cup helping to drive a new era for sports games?
When the World Cup is on, it does something remarkable: it turns the entire planet into football fans. But in 2026, the tournament’s influence stretches far beyond the terraces and TV screens.
From console titles to mobile apps and slots, sports games of all kinds are experiencing a surge in popularity, and the World Cup is driving the charge.
World Cup 2026 betting tips: England to march past Mexico, Gordon to provide tonic; USA to beat Belgium
“Now look some of you lads on fifty grand a week. These fellas, they get a pocket full of pesetas and a funny hat.”
This remains one of my favourite cinematic lines, uttered by the inimitable Mike Bassett: England Manager as he laid into the Three Lions during a crunch clash with Mexico.
It’s England vs Mexico for real in the wee small hours of Monday morning, in a fascinating clash that reeks of drama.
Read on for a breakdown of the best bets from the last 16 of World Cup 2026 – including the big one at the Azteca – courtesy of Sports News Blitz’s punting laureate - The Bookie Basher.
World Cup 2026: England vs DR Congo Round of 32 preview - Statement victory needed for Three Lions
England topped Group L of the World Cup 2026 following the 2-0 victory over Panama on Saturday, June 27, ensuring they would be favourably placed as a third-placed team in the first knockout round.
In facing DR Congo, England are presented with another opportunity to prove themselves as a force to be reckoned with, if they can defeat their respective lesser opposition resoundingly.
Sports News Blitz’s Johnny Jones looks ahead to England’s knockout showdown, and how the Three Lions can address supporters’ concerns.
World Cup 2026: Why England need to make a statement against Panama
After early signs of promise in their first game versus Croatia, England were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw against Ghana on Tuesday, June 23.
They meet Panama on Saturday, June 25, in a game where they can’t do anything else but win.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Jacob Hibbert looks at why Thomas Tuchel’s team have to get it right.
World Cup 2026 analysis: Thomas Tuchel's selection gamble backfires as England stumble against Ghana
England were handed a reality check in their second World Cup match, labouring to a frustrating goalless draw against world number 65 Ghana.
Expectations were high following a statement victory over Croatia, where England displayed the attacking fluidity and creativity supporters have long craved at major tournaments. However, this performance against the Black Stars felt like a return to the familiar frustrations that have haunted England for years.
Sports News Blitz writer Johnny Jones examines England's frustrating draw with Ghana and the growing questions surrounding Thomas Tuchel's squad selections.
Four World Cup stars putting themselves in the summer transfer shop window
The 2026 World Cup has featured long-range screamers and red cards aplenty, and while some teams might have been eliminated after just two games, others have made their mark in impressive fashion.
At the heart of those nations are a select few stars who are thriving under pressure and putting in performances which are making people take notice.
For some, that might lead to a move to a new club once the tournament concludes - but who are the individuals who have put themselves in the shop window for a potential summer transfer?
World Cup 2026 analysis: Why Lionel Messi's World Cup record almost didn't happen
Lionel Messi's brace against Austria this past Tuesday saw him break the all-time World Cup scoring record.
Germany's Miroslav Klose, who previously held the record with 17 World Cup goals, has now been surpassed after Messi scored his 17th and 18th goals in the competition, making him the tournament's all-time leading scorer.
However, the record only tells part of the story. The night itself was far messier for Messi than the final scoreline suggests. Unlike Argentina's previous match against Algeria, he found far fewer opportunities and had to work much harder for his goals.
World Cup 2026 betting tips: England vs Ghana prediction as Scotland face crucial Brazil showdown
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is in full swing and we have seen some terrific football so far as well as several mad results. Over £13 million was matched on Spain on the Betfair Exchange last week, who somehow couldn’t find a way past tournament debutants Cape Verde.
Read on for a breakdown of the best bets from this week’s group games – including England’s second Group L match against Ghana – courtesy of Sports News Blitz’s punting laureate, The Bookie Basher.