The 2026 FIFA World Cup is finally here! Before you enjoy the action, let’s dive into the top World Cup expert picks for today’s matches. We’ll dish out a few World Cup predictions for Sunday, June 14th. Check out these World Cup best bets for some of the top players and games on the schedule. Plus, we’ll examine some of the key World Cup odds to keep an eye on. 

Best FIFA World Cup Picks Today 6/14

Netherlands vs. Japan – Both Teams To Score (-130 on BetMGM Sportsbook)

Today’s World Cup expert picks feature a marquee matchup between the Netherlands and Japan. Let’s back both teams to score, no matter who wins, for our World Cup predictions. This should be a tight, high-quality game that either team can realistically win. Instead of worrying about the final result, let’s just hope both squads find the back of the net. 

The Netherlands boast multiple offensive playmakers who can create scoring chances. Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo, and Tijani Reijnders anchor a dangerous Dutch attack that can push the pace and find pockets in the box. Japan’s defense will likely have issues containing all three, especially with Donyell Malen bringing another threat to the attack. 

A key tactic for the Netherlands is having the wing-backs push up the field to send in crosses and ignite the offense. While that adds more scoring upside, it also leaves the Dutch vulnerable on the defensive end. Japan will have opportunities to attack in transition and grab a goal. It’s own use of wing-backs Ritsu Doan and Keito Nakamura is set up to exploit the space left open by Netherlands playing high. 

 

Top World Cup Player Props Today

Piero Hincapie (Ecuador) – 3+ Tackles (-115 on DraftKings Sportsbook)

Let’s keep the World Cup best bets going with a player prop. Our World Cup expert picks bring us to Ecuador defender Piero Hincapie. Today’s matchup against Ivory Coast will likely be defensive-minded and lower-scoring. Both teams will want to avoid a loss to stay in favorable standing to qualify. With that in mind, expect the defenses to be locked in. 

For Ecuador’s back line, Hincapie will play a key role defensively. Ivory Coast has multiple dangerous forwards who can get behind the midfield and threaten in the attack. Hincapie will be asked to step up and shut down those scoring opportunities. Plus, his experience playing for Arsenal at the club level will be valuable to match up with Ivory Coast’s speedy attackers. Let’s back him to have 3+ tackles in this game. 

Best Underdog Picks For Today’s Matches

Alexander Isak (Sweden) – Higher Than 2.5 Shots Attempted

Our World Cup expert picks also feature a selection on Underdog Fantasy. Let’s roll with Sweden forward Alexander Isak to have higher than 2.5 shots attempted against Tunisia. The Swedish attack features Isak and Viktor Gyokeres as the focal points who can both put stress on the defense. 

Sweden will make it a point to feed the strikers, who can create plenty of scoring chances. Isak, in particular, has the attacking quality and active movement to find space inside. That will be key in this matchup. Isak can be a volume shooter when given the opportunities, and Sweden is expected to own possession for the majority of this match. 

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: 

  • Germany vs. Curacao
    • Deniz Undav -160
    • Kai Havertz -160
    • Nick Woltemade -145
    • Florian Wirtz -130
  • Netherlands vs. Japan
    • Memphis Depay +180
    • Brian Bobbey +190
    • Donyell Malen +205
    • Cody Gakpo +230
  • Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador
    • Enner Valencia +225
    • Kevin Rodriguez +280
    • Jeremy Arevalo +320
  • Sweden vs. Tunisia
    • Viktor Gyokeres +165
    • Alexander Isak +180
    • Gustaf Nilsson +260
 

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 on the trends can help us cash World Cup predictions as the tournament progresses as well. 

Saturday’s games were all on the lower-scoring side. There were 2 total goals or fewer scored in all four matches. That means the under is now 6-2 over the first eight World Cup matches so far. 

We also saw multiple favorites fail to get victories. Brazil and Morocco played to a 1-1 draw, despite the former being expected to win. Meanwhile, Qatar scored a late stoppage-time goal against Switzerland to surprisingly draw even with Switzerland. Then we had Turkey lose, 2-0, to Australia.