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 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.
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.
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.
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.
FIFA World Cup 2026 explained: Format, host cities and key dates
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest football tournament in history, featuring more teams, matches, and three host nations for the first time ever, writes Sports News Blitz’s Darshan Kaur Gill.
The 23rd edition of the tournament will be held from June 11 to July 19 - jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
2026 World Cup Betting Odds: Who Are the Favourites and How Does the Market Look?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11, and with 48 teams competing across the United States, Canada, and Mexico for the first time in the tournament's expanded format, the betting markets are already generating serious attention.
Whether you are a seasoned sports bettor or simply curious about how the odds reflect each nation's chances, the current pricing tells a compelling story about where the smart money is sitting - and where the value might be hiding.
Interest in World Cup betting has surged in recent months as the draw was confirmed and sportsbooks began releasing their full outright markets. This piece breaks down the current odds, analyses the leading contenders, and looks at some of the longer-priced nations that the market may be underestimating.
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…
Soccer opinion: Changes Italy must make after yet another World Cup qualification failure
Italy’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup is monumental; as a country with such a successful history in the competition, it doesn’t feel right that it won’t be heading to North America this summer, especially for a nation that was often a regular participant.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Luca Salmasi takes a look at the changes Italy must make to return to the next World Cup and restore their status amongst the elites of international football.
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.
Soccer analysis: Can Thomas Tuchel’s England win FIFA World Cup 2026 without Harry Kane?
It was a disappointing international window for Thomas Tuchel and his England side after the Three Lions suffered a 1-0 loss to Japan on Tuesday. That defeat followed a 1-1 draw with Uruguay and further exposed some blatant cracks.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Matthew Morgan examines the potential weaknesses this England squad may have to face.
World Cup 2026 predictions: The top five contenders to lift the trophy this summer
With less than 75 days until the 2026 World Cup kicks off, excitement is building as the world’s top nations prepare to play for football’s ultimate prize.
The United States of America, Canada and Mexico are set to host the 23rd edition of the tournament, promising a summer of fierce competition and unforgettable moments.
With the final play-off spots for the World Cup being decided between March 31 and April 1, the tournament line-up is nearly complete.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Ruben Picardo Ashworth looks at five nations who stand out as the strongest contenders to lift the trophy this summer.
FIFA World Cup 2026 news: What England’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay told us about potential call-ups
England drew 1-1 with Uruguay at Wembley Stadium on Friday night, with the hosts fielding a heavily rotated team in London. Players such as Dominic Solanke, Fikayo Tomori, Noni Madueke, and Djed Spence featured for Thomas Tuchel’s side but are unlikely to start for England this summer and could be in danger of missing out altogether.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Elliot Ward takes a closer look at which players have a realistic chance of securing their place on the plane to America.
Football news: Italy under immense pressure ahead of World Cup play-offs
Italy face the World Cup play-offs this week for a third consecutive time and are looking to finally qualify for their first World Cup since 2014.
While the Azzurri have had mixed fortunes over the last 12 years, including winning Euro 2020 against England at Wembley, the World Cup has continued to be the missing piece of the puzzle.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Luca Salmasi reports on the mixed fortunes for Italy ahead of their World Cup play-off later this week.
Every time a host nation has won the World Cup
Only six nations have ever lifted the World Cup on home soil.
The last time it happened was in 1998. With three host nations competing at the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, those looking to bet on the World Cup will want to know whether home advantage still matters.
Here's the full story of every time a country turned home support into a World Cup win.
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.