Spain open against Cape Verde as Belgium face Egypt and Uruguay meet Saudi Arabia. See World Cup 2026 odds, tips and best bets.
Spain open against Cape Verde as Belgium face Egypt and Uruguay meet Saudi Arabia. See World Cup 2026 odds, tips and best bets.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues with Spain, Belgium and Uruguay all opening their campaigns, while Iran and New Zealand meet in a game that could be vital to the Group G qualification picture.
Spain are heavy favourites against Cape Verde, Belgium face a dangerous Egypt side led by Mohamed Salah, Uruguay start their Group H run against Saudi Arabia, and New Zealand will need Chris Wood to be clinical if they are going to trouble Iran.
Here are our top World Cup 2026 betting tips for Spain vs Cape Verde, Belgium vs Egypt, Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay and Iran vs New Zealand, with odds from the best soccer bookmakers in United States.
Group H: Monday, June 15 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Spain start their World Cup campaign as one of the shortest favourites on the board, priced at -1000 to beat Cape Verde, with the draw at +850 and the outsiders at +2000.
The head-to-head price is too short to play, so the value comes through the goalscorer market. Spain should control the ball for long periods, and that gives Pedri a chance to arrive in the right pockets rather than simply sit deep and recycle possession.
Cape Verde will likely defend in numbers, but that can still create chances for midfield runners when Spain start moving the ball quickly around the box. Pedri is not always a high-volume scorer, but his timing, touch and ability to drift into shooting positions make him interesting at a bigger price.
Pedri anytime goalscorer at +350 is the play. Spain should have enough territory and final-third pressure to give him a few looks, and this is the kind of matchup where a midfielder can cash if Cape Verde spend too long pinned back.
Group G: Monday, June 15 – Seattle Stadium, Seattle
Belgium open Group G as favourites against Egypt, with the Red Devils at -166.67, the draw at +290 and Egypt at +450.
This is not a straightforward opener for Belgium. They have the stronger squad and more attacking depth, but Egypt have enough experience and counter-attacking threat to keep this competitive, especially if Salah gets isolated against defenders in space.
Belgium should still have the quality to edge it. Their wide players can stretch Egypt, while the midfield should see enough of the ball to create chances over 90 minutes. The concern is whether they keep a clean sheet against an Egyptian side that can punish one loose transition.
That makes Belgium 2-1 correct score at +750 the best angle. It gives Belgium the win, but also respects Egypt’s ability to land a punch and make the favourites work until late.
Group H: Monday, June 15 – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens
Uruguay are clear favourites against Saudi Arabia, priced at -208.33, while the draw is +320 and Saudi Arabia are +580.
Uruguay have the stronger squad on paper, but this has the feel of a tricky tournament opener. Saudi Arabia are not always easy to play through, and they have shown before that they can turn big-stage games into awkward, emotional contests.
The draw appeals at the price because Uruguay may need time to settle into the tournament. Saudi Arabia can sit deep, compete hard in midfield and try to frustrate the favourites for long spells, which is exactly the sort of pattern that can keep an underdog alive.
At +320, the draw is worth a look. Uruguay may still be the better side, but Saudi Arabia have enough defensive structure and tournament grit to turn this into a cagey opener.
Group G: Monday, June 15 – Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood
Iran are favourites against New Zealand, sitting at -109.89 in the head-to-head market, with the draw at +220 and New Zealand at +350.
Iran’s defensive organisation makes them a tough opponent, but New Zealand have one obvious route into the match: get service into Chris Wood. He remains their biggest goal threat, and if New Zealand are going to take anything from this game, he is the player most likely to be involved.
New Zealand do not need to dominate possession for this bet to be live. A set piece, early cross or loose ball in the area is enough for Wood to become dangerous, and Iran will have to defend him properly for the full 90 minutes.
Chris Wood anytime goalscorer at +300 is the pick. It is a big price for the clear focal point of New Zealand’s attack, especially in a match where they may lean heavily on direct service and dead-ball chances.