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.
Cape Verde? Sounds like a former Hollywood wild child who was once nominated for an Oscar before their career sank into the abyss due to heavy alcohol and prescription drug use.
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.
Three Lions favoured to make it two wins from two
Tommy Tuchel’s chase for an honorary knighthood is very much up and running after that magnificent 4-2 win over Croatia.
If the first-half display was a bit tentative, that second-half performance was the best I have seen England in years.
The show moves to Boston now for Tuesday’s clash against Ghana.
The Black Stars also started with a win, but it wasn’t pretty – their opener against Panama looked all set for a stalemate until Caleb Yirenkyi popped up in the 95th minute to secure all three points.
Declan Rice picked up a minor niggle during that win in Dallas, but the hope is he will be fit enough to boss England’s midfield again.
Tuchel’s biggest decision might be what to do in central defence: stick with John Stones and Ezri Konsa or twist by bringing back Marc Guéhi?
England are piping-hot favourites to win this Group L game, with most bookies chalking them up around the 2/9 mark.
Harry Kane reminded the footballing world what he could do by bagging a brace last time out and those goals drew him level with Gary Lineker as England’s all-time leading scorer at World Cup finals on 10 goals.
Kane’s qualities aside, England boast attacking midfield depth to rival anyone.
The Three Lions scored with four of their 11 shots on target on matchday one and should continue to play on the front foot here.
A 3-1 win is priced up at 12/1 and looks tempting under the circumstances.
In the bookings market, Ghana defender Gideon Mensah could be worth nibbling at 3/1 to pick up a yellow card.
The Auxerre man was booked eight times in 26 starts last season domestically and could face a torrid evening in Boston if England go for the jugular again.
Suggested bet: England to win 3-1 at 12/1 (bet365)
Suggested bet: Gideon Mensah to be booked at 3/1 (Hills)
READ MORE: World Cup 2026 analysis: Why Thomas Tuchel’s England squad suddenly makes sense
Scotland need a result against Samba Boys
Scotland’s defeat to Morocco was damaging and now everything hinges on their final Group C clash against Brazil.
The top eight third-placed teams will go through to the knockout stages and qualification is very much still in their own hands.
My hunch is Steve Clarke sets up defensively for this, knowing that a narrow loss could still be enough to make it through.
Brazil are top after two games but have not really been convincing.
While expectations were high for Carlo Ancelotti’s side going in, several established stars have come under fire from fans, with both Casemiro and Raphinha among those criticised for their performances after two matches.
On what could be a nervous night in Miami, Brazil to win and under 2.5 goals at 9/4 could be the play.
Suggested bet: Brazil to win and under 2.5 goals at 9/4 (General)
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