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 Monday, June 15th. 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 6/15

Spain vs. Cape Verde – Parlay: Spain to Win Shutout & Spain Over 1.5 Goals (-150 on BetMGM Sportsbook) 

Today’s World Cup expert picks feature Spain’s opening match against Cape Verde. The Spanish side is a massive favorite to win, and it should do so comfortably. If we parlay Spain to shut out Cape Verde by scoring over 1.5 goals, the odds are good enough to back. 

Spain should control possession for the large majority of this game. The midfield is arguably the best in the world, as Pedri and Rodri dictate the flow with creative and skillful passes. Cape Verde will likely be overwhelmed and overmatched while defending for nearly the whole match.

The result isn’t in doubt; it’s just a matter of how many goals Spain puts in and whether it can hold Cape Verde scoreless. The underdogs may defend decently well for the first half, but it’ll only be a matter of time until Spain breaks through for multiple goals. Plus, Cape Verde’s only chance at scoring is in transition or with a fluke header on a corner – neither of which is really all that likely against Spain’s strong defense as well.

 

 

 

Other World Cup Expert Picks: 

Top World Cup Player Props Today

Mehdi Taremi (Iran) – 3+ Shots (-120 on DraftKings Sportsbook)

Let’s keep the World Cup best bets going with a player prop. Our World Cup expert picks feature Iran forward Mehdi Taremi to have 3+ shots against New Zealand on Monday night. Taremi is the focal point and main playmaker for Iran’s attack. His creativity and movement in the box will be tough for New Zealand’s defense to contain. 

Look for Taremi to send in plenty of shots as Iran looks to get the victory and a crucial three points. He will be active in the attacking zone, and his teammates should be feeding him the ball throughout. A single goal can win the game, and Taremi is the best bet to do it. We’re just counting on his shots for this pick, though. 

 

 

 

Best Underdog Picks For Today’s Matches

Thibaut Courtois (Belgium) – Higher Than 1.5 Saves 

Our World Cup expert picks also feature a selection on Underdog Fantasy. Let’s roll with Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to have at least 2 saves against Egypt. Although his squad should win this match, the veteran goalie could be busy at times. Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush are both dangerous attackers and real threats to score for Egypt. 

Belgium’s defense can be vulnerable as well. The fullbacks like to push up the field and join the attack, leaving transition opportunities for Salah and Marmoush to get loose on the opposite end. Courtois could be asked to step up and make some key saves, which is something he’s no stranger to in World Cup play. 

Courtois made at least two saves in all three group stage matches in the 2022 World Cup. He also had 2+ saves in 6 of 7 matches during the 2018 tournament. The 34-year-old’s experience will be valuable to keep Salah and the Egyptian attack quiet. 

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: 

  • Spain vs. Cape Verde
    • Mikel Oyarzabal -190
    • Borja Iglesias -150
    • Ferran Torres -115
    • Lamine Yamal -105
  • Belgium vs. Egypt
    • Romelu Lukaku +115
    • Charles de Ketelaere +250
    • Kevin De Bruyne +255
    • Mohamed Salah +285
  • Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay 
    • Darwin Nunez +145
    • Federico Vinas +145
    • Rodrigo Aguirre +150
    • Giorgian De Arrascaeta +215
  • Iran vs. New Zealand
    • Mehdi Taremi +200
    • Chris Wood +260
    • Dennis Eckert +295
    • Mohammed Mohebi +295

 

 

 

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

Sunday saw some higher-scoring games. Germany and Curacao combined for 8 total goals, with the Germans putting in seven of their own. The Netherlands and Japan both scored two goals apiece, as that match sailed over the total. Plus, Sweden defeated Tunisia with a 5-1 victory. That means totals in the World Cup so far are now 7-5 to the under, still slightly favoring that bet. 

Meanwhile, both teams to score has been a profitable pick. We’ve now seen that cash in 8 of the 12 World Cup matches thus far. It also hit in 3 of the 4 matches on Sunday. Even in comfortable wins for Germany, Sweden, and the United States, their opponents were able to find the net.