The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues into the semifinal round! France takes on Spain with a World Cup Final bid on the line. Before you enjoy the action, let’s dive into the top World Cup expert picks for today’s match. We’ll dish out a few World Cup predictions for France vs. Spain on Tuesday, July 14th. Check out these World Cup best bets for some of the top players. Plus, we’ll examine some of the key World Cup odds to keep an eye on. 

Best FIFA World Cup Picks for France vs. Spain Today, 7/14

Both Teams To Score (-145 on BetMGM Sportsbook)

Today’s World Cup expert picks feature the semifinal matchup between France and Spain. It’s an interesting game to handicap. On the one hand, both defenses have been exceptional, with only 3 combined goals allowed in the tournament. However, there’s also plenty of scoring upside on both sides as they’ve combined for 27 goals in this World Cup so far. 

Let’s count on both attacks having some success to lead our World Cup predictions. France has scored multiple goals in 5 of 6 matches during the tournament, while averaging 2.7 goals per game. Spain’s defense has been stalwart, but the French offense is too good to be kept quiet. Kylian Mbappe is playing at an elite level, while Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise also regularly create scoring chances. 

On the other side, Spain’s attack features plenty of firepower itself. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are real difference-makers who can get through the French defense. Striker Mikel Oyarzabal has been a scoring machine, and Mikel Merino offers upside for goals off the bench. 

Spain is also exceptional at keeping possession in the attacking third. Creative, quick passes catch defenders off balance as the Spaniards exploit holes in the back. France’s defense has been very solid in this tournament, but it hasn’t dealt with an attack like Spain’s yet. The French conceded against both Norway and Senegal in group play, representing the toughest offenses they’ve faced. 

Over 2.5 Total Goals (-110 on BetMGM Sportsbook)

Let’s also take the over 2.5 total goals for our World Cup expert picks. As laid out above, both Spain and France should score as the attacks set the tone. We’ll also likely get one or both squads scoring multiple goals. This game has the potential to turn into a back-and-forth shootout. 

If Spain wants to win, it’ll likely have to score multiple goals to stay ahead or keep pace with France. We should see an urgency from the Spaniards to score in the first half and keep their foot on the gas pedal. France is also capable of scoring 3-4 goals in any game, and the attack isn’t slowing down. That should keep the match on the higher-scoring side. 

Recent meetings between these squads point to goals as well. France and Spain combined for 9 goals in regulation in the Nations League semifinal last summer, with Spain taking the 5-4 victory. They also faced off in the Euro 2024 semifinals, with Spain winning 2-1. Plus, each of the last 3 head-to-head meetings has seen both teams score and 3+ goals. 

 

 

 

Top World Cup Player Props Today

Pedro Porro (Spain) – 3+ Tackles (-145 on BetMGM Sportsbook)

Let’s keep the World Cup best bets going with a player prop. Our World Cup expert picks feature Spain’s Pedro Porro to have 3+ tackles against France today. The right-back will play a key role in the Spanish defense as it tries to hold Kylian Mbappe and the French attackers in check. 

France’s potent attack has been on full display in this tournament. The offense features multiple playmakers up top who can blow past defenders and set each other up for scoring chances. France loves to attack on the wings with Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, and Desire Doué cutting inside after flying down either side.

Spain knows this and will need its defense to be sound, particularly on the left and right edges. Mbappe and Doué will likely attack down France’s left wing, putting Pedro Porro in a prime spot to defend the right side of Spain’s defense. Plus, Bradley Barcola has proven to be a difference-maker with his speed on that edge as a sub. 

France’s style of play usually results in plenty of tackle opportunities for opposing defenders. Across 6 matches so far, 14 different opposing players have recorded 3+ tackles against France. That includes at least 2 players with 3+ tackles in 5 of the 6 games. Plus, 7 of those 14 have been left or right backs. 

Porro’s defending chops haven’t been needed much in this World Cup as Spain has dominated possession in most matches. However, the upside has been there at times. Porro recorded 4 tackles against Portugal in the Round of 16 and 3 tackles against Saudi Arabia in the group stage. The Spanish right-back only had 2 tackles in the quarterfinal win over Belgium, but that total could’ve been higher if not for his 4 fouls. 

Best Underdog Picks For Today’s Matches

Mike Maignan (France) – Higher Than 2.5 Saves

Our World Cup expert picks also feature a selection on Underdog Fantasy. Let’s roll with France’s Mike Maignan to make at least 3 saves against Spain today. The French goalkeeper could be busy with Spain holding plenty of possession and likely sending in a ton of shots. 

This is a trend we’ve seen throughout this World Cup. There have been 5+ saves made by opposing keepers in 5 of the 6 matches against Spain so far. The only outlier was Uruguay’s keeper, as Spain uncharacteristically had only one shot on goal and 6 total shots. In their other 5 matches, the Spaniards are averaging 20.8 total shots and 7.8 attempts on goal per game. 

Maignan should have enough save opportunities to finish higher than 2.5 in this matchup. Spain may pepper him with shots as the attack tries to outscore France, especially while likely holding most of the possession. The French keeper made 3 saves against both Sweden and Norway earlier in the tournament. He’s also allowed only 2 goals across 6 matches, with 4 clean sheets as well. 

 

 

 

Most Likely Goal Scorers Today

Now that we’ve broken down the top World Cup expert picks, let’s focus on which players are most likely to score goals. Below is a list of the top anytime goalscorer World Cup odds for today’s matches. The odds are via DraftKings Sportsbook: 

  • Kylian Mbappe -105
  • Mikel Oyarzabal +160
  • Borja Iglesias +205
  • Ousmane Dembele +220
  • Lamine Yamal +225
  • Jean-Philippe Mateta +235
  • Marcus Thuram +235

World Cup Betting Trends To Know 

Before you lock in those World Cup expert picks, let’s talk betting trends. The World Cup odds and recent history can tell us a lot about how a match may go. Keeping up with the trends can also help us cash in on World Cup predictions as the tournament progresses. 

Saturday’s quarterfinal matches featured plenty of drama and exciting action. England edged out Norway with a 2-1 victory in extra time. Argentina also survived in extra time against Switzerland with a 3-1 win. Both games hit the over and ended in draws during regular time. Plus, the “both teams to score” prop cashed in both matches. 

That means the over is now 18-10 in the knockout rounds and 56-44 in the World Cup overall. Meanwhile, “both teams to score” is also 56-44 in the tournament and 16-12 in the knockout stage. 

We also have some trends backing favorites. The pre-game betting favorites are now 18-2-8 on the 3-way moneyline in the knockout rounds. Plus, favorites to advance are 23-5 in the knockout stage so far. There have been only 2 outright upsets past the group stage. That was Norway defeating Brazil and Belgium beating the United States, both in the Round of 16.