FIFA World Cup 2026 odds & best bets for Group E/F

The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues with another busy group-stage slate, headlined by Germany opening against Curaçao and the Netherlands facing Japan in one of the more interesting early tournament matchups.

Germany are heavy favourites in Houston, the Netherlands and Japan look set for an open contest in Dallas, Ivory Coast meet Ecuador in a tight Group E clash, and Sweden start their campaign against Tunisia in Monterrey.

Here are our top World Cup 2026 betting tips for Germany vs Curaçao, Netherlands vs Japan, Ivory Coast vs Ecuador and Sweden vs Tunisia, with odds from the best soccer bookmakers.

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Germany vs Curaçao

Group E: Sunday, June 14 – Houston Stadium, Houston
Germany open their World Cup campaign as one of the shortest favourites of the group stage, priced at -2000 to beat Curaçao, with the draw at +1200 and the outsiders at +2500.

The Germans should dominate possession and territory, but the correct-score market looks more appealing than taking the tiny head-to-head price. Curaçao are massive outsiders, yet tournament openers can still get messy when the favourite is expected to win comfortably.

A Germany 3-1 win at +1300 is the value play. It gives Germany credit for their clear attacking edge, but also leaves room for Curaçao to find one moment from a set piece, counter or late consolation if the match opens up.

Netherlands vs Japan

Group F: Sunday, June 14 – Dallas Stadium, Dallas
The Netherlands are narrow favourites against Japan, with the Dutch at -102.04, the draw at +260 and Japan at +260.

This has the look of one of the better attacking games on the card. The Netherlands have the quality to create chances through wide areas and midfield runners, while Japan are sharp enough in transition to make the Dutch defend more than they would like.

Rather than picking a winner in a tricky head-to-head market, over 3.5 goals at +245 is the more exciting angle. If either side scores early, this match has the pace and technical quality to turn into an end-to-end contest.

Ivory Coast vs Ecuador

Group E: Sunday, June 14 – Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia
Ivory Coast and Ecuador meet in a match that could have a huge say in the shape of Group E, with Ivory Coast at +225, the draw at +185 and Ecuador at +145.

The market has Ecuador as favourites, but Ivory Coast have enough attacking talent to make this uncomfortable. Both teams should view this as a winnable game, especially with Germany expected to be the strongest side in the group.

Both teams to score at +110 looks the best play. Ecuador should have chances through their pace and directness, but Ivory Coast are dangerous enough in transition and from attacking set pieces to find a goal of their own.

Sweden vs Tunisia

Group F: Sunday, June 14 – Estadio Monterrey, Monterrey
Sweden start as favourites against Tunisia, priced at -117.65 in the head-to-head market, with the draw at +245 and Tunisia at +325.

Sweden should have enough structure and final-third quality to edge this, but Tunisia are not an easy side to put away. They are usually competitive, physical and hard to break down, which makes a narrow Sweden win more appealing than taking the favourites at a short price.

The correct-score pick is Sweden 2-1 at +750. Sweden can control the bigger moments, but Tunisia have enough counter-attacking threat to make this a little nervy before the favourites get the job done.

World Cup 2026 top betting picks

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