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West Ham suffer Premier League relegation despite final day win over Leeds
Football
Mon May 25, 2026 · 1d ago

Tom Carnduff
Image of the letter X with a black colouring.@TomCarnduff
Tom is a football journalist who is also key to our social media and AV content, and host of Sporting Life's This Week's Acca podcast. He produces regular football tips including a Friday Bundesliga column.
West Ham suffered relegation to the Sky Bet Championship on the Premier League's final day despite a 3-0 victory over Leeds.

Tottenham's 1-0 win against Everton ensured their survival at the expense of the Hammers, who will play in England's second tier for the first time since 2012.

João Palhinha's strike late in the first-half was enough for the crucial three points. Spurs knew that a draw would be enough given their vastly superior goal difference in the Premier League table.

Jarrod Bowen, Valentín Castellanos and Callum Wilson were all on the scoresheet as West Ham made the most of Leeds' own situation in which they had nothing to play for.


But they knew they'd need a favour from the Toffees which never arrived - with the timing of the Spurs goal meaning West Ham's survival never felt likely.

Having shown signs of life under Nuno Espírito Santo's guidance, three consecutive defeats leading into final day perhaps should have secured their fate at a much earlier stage.

For Spurs, it's a scare they'll want to ensure never happens again.

The Europa League holders were dragged into an unlikely relegation battle after Thomas Frank took over from Ange Postecoglou, with Igor Tudor also proving to be a poor appointment on an interim basis.

Roberto De Zerbi retained their top-flight status and will be hoping that they can return to the European battle next season.

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International Friendly tips: England vs New Zealand predictions, best bets and preview
Football
Sat June 06, 2026 · 44 min ago

Jimmy 'The Punt' Cantrill
Jimmy is a football journalist specialising in tipping, including the lower leagues. With a clear preference for trixies and big prices, he provides expert insight in his weekly column, Jimmy's Punt.
Football betting tips: International Friendly
2.5pts England to win and under 3.5 goals at 10/11 (General)

Sky Bet odds | Paddy Power |


Kick-off: 21:00 BST, Saturday
TV: ITV1
Live odds, form and stats
England’s penultimate game before the 2026 World Cup sees them play New Zealand at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, before they take on Costa Rica on Wednesday in their final fixture.

This clash with the All Whites kicks-off at 4pm local time - 9pm in the UK - and it will give us valuable insight into how the Three Lions are going to fare in the Sunshine State heat.

If England top Group L at the finals, they’ll play their round-of-32 clash in Atlanta, round-of-16 game in Mexico City, Miami for the quarters, back to Atlanta for the semis before returning to Miami for the third place play-off. Sorry, I mean the final in New York.

Presuming England top the group that is, and go on to win all of their knockout games, but the point is it’ll be hot in the majority of those knock-out Stadia.

So, getting acclimatised to the heat seems a sensible move from Thomas Tuchel ahead of the tournament and it is expected to be around 34 degrees when Saturday’s game kicks-off.

Thomas Tuchel
This will be the first look at the national team since a disappointing couple of friendlies in March.

A heavily rotated Three Lions side drew 1-1 with a heavily rotated Uruguay side, conceding a 94th minute penalty. Then, a slightly stronger eleven lost 1-0 to Japan.

As with any friendly, not much stock can be put into those results.

Harry Kane didn’t feature at all and Jude Bellingham didn’t start either game. James Trafford and James Garner were handed their first senior caps and Phil Foden and Cole Palmer featured in both games but neither are in the World Cup squad.

How much experimenting Tuchel does in terms of team selection for this clash remains to be seen but his XI is expected to be comparatively stronger for Saturday's match then those March line-ups.

The Three Lions have a clean bill of health but will be without Arsenal quartet Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke following their involvement in the Champions League final.

ENGLAND breezed through qualification without conceding a goal in eight games and six of those matches saw the Three Lions WIN AND UNDER 3.5 GOALS click.

At 10/11, it is an angle which appeals here.

England
New Zealand will be the lowest ranked nation competing at the World Cup according to FIFA’s rankings (85th). And they only have a pool of around 60 professional players to pick from.

Much of their hopes for the summer hinge on record appearance maker and top goalscorer Chris Wood.

Although the Nottingham Forest forward is expected to start on Saturday, he has only started 14 Premier League games and one international qualifier this term.

The All Whites' confidence ahead of the finals was knocked in the 4-0 defeat to Haiti in Florida on Wednesday. Haiti are ranked 81st in the world.

At 1/10 generally in the 1x2, there’s a chance England rack up a similar scoreline but ultimately I think the heat is going to have a huge impact on the tempo of the game.

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Free World Cup betting guide: Tips, predictions and best bets for every team plus outrights
Football
Sun June 07, 2026 · 3h ago

Sporting Life Football
Our all new World Cup 2026 betting guide - packed with tips, stats and analysis - is now available for FREE. Click the links below to read each of the 12 group previews, four outright articles and to download our free wall chart and sweepstake kit.

Group previews
Group A: Mexico; South Africa; South Korea; Czechia
Group B: Canada; Bosnia; Qatar; Switzerland
Group C: Brazil; Morocco; Haiti; Scotland
Group D: USA; Paraguay; Australia; Turkiye
Group E: Germany; Curacao; Ivory Coast; Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands; Japan; Sweden; Tunisia
Group G: Belgium; Egypt; Iran; New Zealand
Group H: Spain; Cape Verde; Saudi Arabia; Uruguay
Group I: France; Senegal; Iraq; Norway
Group J: Argentina; Algeria; Austria; Jordan
Group K: Portugal; DR Congo; Uzbekistan; Colombia
Group L: England; Croatia; Ghana; Panama
Outright previews
World Cup outright
Golden Boot
Golden Ball
Special bets
The biggest World Cup in history sees 48 teams go for glory in Mexico, Canada and the USA, with the action getting under way in Mexico City when co-hosts Mexico face South Africa on June 11. The final takes place at the New York-New Jersey Stadium more than a month later on July 19.

An increase from 32 to 48 teams means there are 12 rather than eight groups, and an extra round of 32 in the schedule.

In our most comprehensive betting guide yet we assess every team in every group before reaching a verdict. Outrights, the Golden Boot, Player of the Tournament and Special markets all covered too, with more than 50 BEST BETS advised in total.

More World Cup content from Sporting Life
FREE World Cup wallchart
FREE World Cup sweepstake kit
Fixtures, results and live scores
World Cup 2026: All you need to know
Safer gambling
We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.

If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.

Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.

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Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina predictions, tips, best bets and World Cup preview
Football
Fri June 12, 2026 · 4 min ago

Tom Carnduff
Image of the letter X with a black colouring.@TomCarnduff
Tom is a football journalist who is also key to our social media and AV content, and host of Sporting Life's This Week's Acca podcast. He produces regular football tips including a Friday Bundesliga column.
Football betting tips: World Cup
1.5pts Over 4.5 Bosnia and Herzegovina shots on target at 11/4 (bet365, BetVictor)

Sky Bet odds | Paddy Power | Betfair


Kick-off: 20:00 BST, Friday
TV: BBC One
Live odds, form and stats
For all the headline-grabbing of this tournament by the United States - most of it falling short of the requirements to be filed as a 'positive' - you'd be forgiven for forgetting that Canada is also a co-host.

That should change in the hours leading up to kick-off in Toronto on Friday night. It's only right they get their time in the global spotlight.

This could be one of just two occasions where a home Canadian crowd may well see a win at the tournament though. The second contest against Qatar in Vancouver puts them against arguably the worst team of the 48 while Switzerland should top Group B.

It's not that straightforward though. Bosnia and Herzegovina have proven to be an awkward side to play against and dumped Italy out of the play-offs to secure their place in North America.

WATCH: RANKING THE WORLD CUP HOME SHIRTS!

Ranking ALL 48 World Cup Home Kits! England, Brazil, Argentina, USA & More
They're a tricky team to get the better of. A direct approach coupled with a physical presence should be enough to see them progress to the knockout stages - picking up something here would set them well on their way.

That's because all three teams should beat Qatar and four points should be more than enough to secure a place as one of the eight best third-placed sides at least.

And tournament hosts don't always win their first game, especially if they're not a leading side on the international stage. Qatar were beaten by Ecuador in 2022 while South Africa were held by Mexico in 2010. Russia may have put in a five-star performance in 2018 but they were facing Saudi Arabia.

I'm also not completely convinced on how suited high intensity football is in tournaments. Jesse Marsch's side haven't totally inspired in some of their previous friendlies, finishing third in the 2025 edition of the CONCACAF Nations League and being beaten semi-finalists in the 2024 Copa America.

Group B preview
CLICK THE IMAGE to read our full Group B preview
I wouldn't be surprised if they took an early lead though given the home crowd and the occasion. That's one of a few reasons why I'm interested in the 11/4 on OVER 4.5 BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA SHOTS ON TARGET.

The game state may well dictate that they need to attack more as they aim to find a way back into it but even if it doesn't, they've demonstrated their attacking intent on more than one occasion.

Sergej Barbarez's men ranked 14th of 54 in European qualifying for average shots per game, while their 5.3 on target put them 19th in this category.

In the play-offs, they had a huge ten over 90 minutes against Italy with four against Wales. It's tricky to focus too much on Canada's opponents' showings in what were non-competitive contests.

Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina's style could cause some issues for other teams
High turnovers are likely to be a feature for both sides and there may be an occasion or two where a centre-back is caught out in possession. One of those in Bosnia's favour presents a shooting opportunity in a great position.

I'd also expect them to have the better of the aerial battle between the two sides, particularly if they can win set-pieces and corners to try and capitalise on it.

Ultimately, this is a tournament like no other and we'll see a few surprise results. Unless one of these two sides runs away with it on the scoreline, it's unlikely to fall into that category.

And in a game I just can't call, I'll side with the away side having their chances on goal.

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Jake Osgathorpe's 2026 World Cup tips and predictions: Group stage round two
Football
Fri June 19, 2026 · 1h ago

Jake Osgathorpe
Image of the letter X with a black colouring.@JAKEOZZ
Jake is our deputy football editor, involved in the planning and delivery of content across our business. His own column, Jake's Predictions, is a profitable, weekly look at every round of Premier League fixtures.
Jake's World Cup 2026 Predictions: Staked 37pts | Returned 41.75pts | P/L +4.75pts | ROI 13%

Football betting tips: World Cup
USA vs Australia - Friday 20:00

2pts USA 15+ total shots at evens (BetVictor, BOYLESports)

Scotland vs Morocco - Friday 23:00

1pt Andy Robertson to commit 2+ fouls at 13/5 (BetVictor)

Brazil vs Haiti - Saturday 01:30

1pt Carlens Arcus to be carded at 10/3 (bet365)

Türkiye vs Paraguay - Saturday 05:00

1pt A sending off in the match at 9/2 (William Hill)

0.25pt Both teams red card at 60/1 (William Hill)

Netherlands vs Sweden - Saturday 18:00

2pts Both teams to score at 10/11 (Betfred)

0.75pts Alexander Isak to score anytime at 5/2 (Sky Bet)

0.75pts Viktor Gyökeres to score anytime at 5/2 (Sky Bet)

Germany vs Côte d'Ivoire - Saturday 21:00

2.5pts Germany to commit 12+ fouls at 11/10 (Sky Bet, Paddy Power, Betfair)

1pts Germany to commit 14+ fouls at 11/4 (Paddy Power, Betfair)

0.5pts Germany to commit 16+ fouls at 13/2 (Paddy Power, Betfair)

Ecuador vs Curaçao - Sunday 01:00

2pts Joel Ordóñez 1+ total shot at 20/23 (BOYLESports)

0.5pts Joel Ordóñez 2+ total shot at 17/4 (Coral, Ladbrokes)

Spain vs Saudi Arabia - Sunday 17:00

1.5pts Lamine Yamal 1+ assist at 19/10 (BetVictor)

0.5pt Lamine Yamal 2+ assists at 14/1 (BetVictor)

Belgium vs Iran - Sunday 20:00

0.75pt Ramin Rezaeian to be carded at 4/1 (bet365)

0.75pt Milad Mohammadi to be carded at 9/2 (Sky Bet)

Uruguay vs Cape Verde - Sunday 23:00

1pt Maxi Araujo 3+ shots created at 23/10 (Paddy Power, Betfair)

0.25pts Maxi Araujo 5+ shots created at 16/1 (Paddy Power, Betfair)

*tips to be added throughout the round of fixtures

Sky Bet odds | Paddy Power | Betfair

USA vs Australia
BBC One - Friday, 20:00 BST
Venue: Seattle Stadium, Seattle
Live odds, form and stats
The Group D openers were very much a case of nailing one game and failing on the other. The USA certainly looked impressive as they dismantled Paraguay and secured us some nice profit, while Australia did what they usually do at World Cup's and cause upsets, they beat Türkiye when we were on the Europeans.

It was a vintage contain and counter approach from the Socceroos that saw them concede the most shots (30) of any team in the opening round of group games, and have the second lowest possession (28.4%). Interestingly the four sides bottom of the possession standings in the first games all avoided defeat, though the Aussies were the only ones to win.

The USA sat fifth for most possession, but they did a lot with the ball and they did it at speed, going through the gears against a poor Paraguay side, and to be fair to Mauricio Pochettino's men, that display was arguably the best we've seen so far. The bookies make them 8/13 to win this second game.

poch
That price is fair enough, but I think there is huge value in backing USA 15+ TOTAL SHOTS here at even money. Poch's men fired 16 in their opener and in their most recent two friendlies against Senegal and Germany, while across their last 11 internationals have averaged 13.5 shots per game.

Their tails will be up after the opening win, and as hosts are unlikely to take their foot off the gas should they get ahead, especially playing in Seattle which is one of the most loudest and most raucous stadia in America. Australia faced 30 shots as they sat back against Türkiye, and a similar approach is expected here, with the beauty about this bet that any game state is in our favour.

Should the USA go in front they'll keep peppering Australia's goal and the Aussies will have to open it to try and equalise, while if the Socceroos go in front then they'll retreat even further to frustrate the US who will get into plenty of shooting positions.

Score prediction: USA 3-1 Australia (Sky Bet odds: 12/1)

Odds correct at 16:25 BST (17/06/26)

Scotland vs Morocco
ITV1 - Friday, 23:00 BST
Venue: Boston Stadium, Foxborough
Live odds, form and stats
Scotland scraped past Haiti in an unimpressive performance, but three points was all that mattered ahead of games against Morocco and Brazil - who shared the spoils in their opener. A win for the Scots would all-but guarantee progression, but the Moroccans looked extremely sharp against the group favourites.

It will be hot in Foxborough, 27 degrees, which is unlikely to suit Scotland and their low-block approach here, and it could well turn this game into another niggly, foul-heavy contest, just like against Haiti. That game saw a combined 44 fouls.

Looking at the match-ups, the price that caught the eye was the 13/5 about ANDY ROBERTSON TO COMMIT 2+ FOULS.

The Scotland captain made two fouls against Haiti, but will be up against Morocco's extremely talented right hand side who just so happen to be excellent foul drawers.

Brahim Díaz and Achraf Hakimi are the main creators for Morocco, and both are rapid as well as being technically sound. They were fouled three and five times respectively against Brazil, with the pair responsible for over half of Morocco's fouls won, and are likely to cause Robertson plenty off issues in a game that should see wave after wave of Morocco pressure.

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Image of the letter X with a black colouring.@JAKEOZZ
Jake is our deputy football editor, involved in the planning and delivery of content across our business. His own column, Jake's Predictions, is a profitable, weekly look at every round of Premier League fixtures.
Jake's World Cup 2026 Predictions: Staked 37pts | Returned 41.75pts | P/L +4.75pts | ROI 13%

Football betting tips: World Cup
Belgium vs Iran - Sunday 20:00

0.75pt Ramin Rezaeian to be carded at 4/1 (bet365)

0.75pt Milad Mohammadi to be carded at 9/2 (Sky Bet)

Uruguay vs Cape Verde - Sunday 23:00

1pt Maxi Araujo 3+ shots created at 23/10 (Paddy Power, Betfair)

0.25pts Maxi Araujo 5+ shots created at 16/1 (Paddy Power, Betfair)

*tips to be added throughout the round of fixtures

Sky Bet odds | Paddy Power | Betfair

Spain vs Saudi Arabia
BBC One - Sunday, 17:00 BST
Venue: Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta
Live odds, form and stats
Spain were below par against Cape Verde, being especially passive in the first half an hour. Having said that, they finished the first half well, and in total took 13 shots and created the half's only big chance. They won't be as slow to start here, and I expect we will see a real reaction from La Furia Roja to that opening result.

Saudi Arabia look an ideal opponent too, as they weren't great in the 1-1 draw with Uruguay, getting peppered (27 shots conceded) and scoring via a set-piece.

A fast start will likely be enhanced by the return of LAMINE YAMAL to the starting line-up after his late cameo against Cape Verde, and the 19/10 about him to register 1+ ASSIST seems big.

The young phenomenon provided four assists at Euro 2024 and has been providing goals for fun ever since. He set up 21 goals in 24/25 and 17 last season, averaging 0.39 expected assists (xA) over the past two campaigns.

Lamine Yamal
He only played in two of Spain's World Cup qualifiers but registered three assists, and he really is the man to make this team tick. Against a Saudi defence that is not very good at all, he could have a field day here and help his side get back on track. The fact he'll be on set-pieces can't hurt either.

All the stars have been out over the last few days too - Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland - so it's only right Yamal announces himself at this World Cup, so given the level of opponent, the fact this game is in a climate controlled stadium and the recent high-scoring nature of games, we'll also chance YAMAL 2+ ASSISTS at 14/1.

This landed as recently as four starts ago for Yamal, landing twice in 26 league starts and once for Spain in two WCQ.

Score prediction: Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia (Sky Bet odds: 13/2)

Odds correct at 15:40 BST (19/06/26)

Belgium vs Iran
BBC One - Sunday, 20:00 BST
Venue: Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood
Live odds, form and stats
Somehow we didn't end up with a winner in Belgium's opener, despite our man Mohamed Hany hacking down Jérémy Doku twice - the first was a horrific foul.

To make matters worst, Doku switched wings half way through the first half and drew a card from the Egypt left-back. The angle was correct, the referee didn't play ball, so we will be going back in with Iran right-back RAMIN REZAEIAN TO BE CARDED at 4/1.

Rezaeian, who is no spring chicken at 36-years-old, was booked once in three World Cup Qualifiers and also picked up a card in warm-up game for the tournament, but Doku is the real reason for this bet, with his foul-drawing ability simply elite. He won five against Egypt.

Jérémy Doku was fouled five times by Egypt
Jérémy Doku was fouled five times by Egypt
The Manchester City winger gets fed the ball at every opportunity, and given the state of the group, Belgium have to win here. Factor in the tiredness Iran players will feel through having to travel to the US on the same day, hindering their preparations, and it could be a long 90 minutes for Rezaeian.

The referee here is a cracking appointment on paper. Dario Herrera is a card-crazy ref. He's overseen 19 games in 2026 showing 97 yellows and 12 reds, with three multiple red card games in there, for a card per game average of 5.7, while in 2025 he averaged 6.02 cards per game. Hopefully he brings that level here.

Given Doku switched wings against Egypt, it could be worth covering Iran's left-back MILAD MOHAMMADI TO BE CARDED too at 9/2. He picked up three yellows and a red in qualifying and will be up against Leandro Trossard for the most part, who is also a handful, as well as potentially Doku for spells throughout.

Score prediction: Belgium 2-0 Iran (Sky Bet odds: 11/2)

Odds correct at 15:40 BST (19/06/26)

Uruguay vs Cape Verde
BBC One - Sunday, 23:00 BST
Venue: Miami Stadium, Miami Gardens
Live odds, form and stats
Group H is finely poised after the opening round of fixtures with the two group favourites only managing draws against the minnows, though both games were extremely one-sided. Uruguay won the shot count 27-7 against Saudi Arabia while Cape Verde lost it 27-6. More of the same can be expected in matchday two with the favourites switching minnows.

Cape Verde fought and defended valiantly against Spain but their approach of sit in and hold in invites wave after wave of pressure and opens up a potential value angle. It means Uruguay will likely get a lot of corners, they won 14 against Saudi while Cape Verde conceded 11 to Spain, and take a lot of shots once again, so for the first time in this tournament I'm going to venture into Sky Bet, Paddy Power and Betfair's new market - Player Chances Created.

This is settled on what Opta define as a chance created, so effectively a pass or cross that leads to a shot, and there looks a lot of juice in the prices of Uruguay's MAXI ARAUJO for this clash.

Maxi Araujo celebrates for Uruguay
Maxi Araujo celebrates for Uruguay
Araujo, typically a left-back or left-wing-back for Sporting Lisbon, is deployed as an out-and-out winger for his nation, which in turn increases the number of chances he can create from open play. The kicker, he takes the in-swinging set-pieces, which is a huge avenue to creating chances.

Against Saudi Arabia he took four corners, and over the 81 minutes he was on the pitch created a whopping five chances for his teammates, so against a similar level of opponent, the 23/10 available for him TO CREATE 3+ CHANCES looks huge.

The beauty about this bet is that the bookies offering it apply the Super Sub promo to the market too, which is phenomenal for backing a forward player, with another forward likely to come on. Against Saudi Arabia it was Brian Rodríguez who came on for Araujo and created a further chance, so it also makes sense to back a repeat of the first game with ARAUJO 5+ CHANCES CREATED a whopping 16/1.

All in all, Uruguay will be expecting a reaction to their draw with Saudi, and won't take their foot off the gas if they get ahead. Factor in that this game will be played in 32-33 degree heat and it suits the ball dominant side, with it extremely hard work for Cape Verde to defend and keep concentration for so long in such heat. They could tire late on which means the super sub element could help clear the high line.

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Morocco beat Netherlands on penalties to reach World Cup last 16
Football
Tue June 30, 2026 · 6h ago

Joe Townsend
Image of the letter X with a black colouring.@JoesterT
Joe is our football editor, responsible for Sporting Life's output across multiple platforms, including This Week's Acca. As well as forming part of that team, he writes regular match previews across a variety of competitions.
Morocco fought back to beat the Netherlands on penalties and reach the last 16 for the second World Cup in succession.

Despite dominating the match they looked set for an early exit when Cody Gakpo scored on the counter attack 18 minutes from time.

But Issa Diop powerfully headed home deep into stoppage time before Morocco won a dramatic shootout 3-2.

The Netherlands missed three penalties, with Morocco missing two themselves.

Ultimately Yassine Bounou's save from Crysencio Summerville gave Ismail Saibari the opportunity to fire home and clinch a round-of-16 tie against Canada on Saturday.

[miri-01]

Jake Osgathorpe's 2026 World Cup tips and predictions: Round of 32
Football
Tue June 30, 2026 · 11h ago

Jake Osgathorpe
Image of the letter X with a black colouring.@JAKEOZZ
Jake is our deputy football editor, involved in the planning and delivery of content across our business. His own column, Jake's Predictions, is a profitable, weekly look at every round of Premier League fixtures.
Jake's World Cup 2026 Predictions: Staked 104.50pts | Returned 123.99pts | P/L +19.49pts | ROI 18.7%

***correct as of 10:30 BST (30/6/26)

Football betting tips: World Cup
Mexico vs Ecuador - Wednesday 02:00

1.25pts Ecuador to qualify at 6/4 (Sky Bet, Betfair, Paddy Power)

0.5pt Ecuador win to nil at 5/1 (Sky Bet)

England vs DR Congo - Wednesday 17:00

1.5pts Marc Guehi to win 2+ fouls at 11/8 (Betfred)

1pt Ezri Konsa to commit 2+ fouls at 12/5 (BetVictor)

1pt Marcus Rashford 1+ shot on target from outside the box at 9/4 (bet365)

Belgium vs Senegal - Wednesday 21:00

1pt Ismaïla Sarr to score anytime at 10/3 (General)

USA vs Bosnia - Thursday 01:00

2.5pts USA -1 Handicap at 11/10 (General)

0.75pt USA -2 Handicap at 14/5 (General)

0.25pt USA -3 Handicap at 7/1 (General)

***tips to be added throughout the round

Sky Bet odds | Paddy Power | Betfair


ITV1 - Wednesday, 02:00 BST
Venue: Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City
Live odds, form and stats
Mexico, three wins from three at the World Cup, have drawn arguably the toughest third placed opponent possible in Ecuador.

You have to feel for the co-hosts. Or not. After all, they did get an absolute cakewalk of a group. It may well turn out after the tournament finishes that Group A was the worst group of all in terms of quality, and that definitely has to come into the thinking for this game.

Mexico have two things in their favour against any normal opponent when playing at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City - their incredible home support and an altitude advantage. One of those is completely negated by drawing Ecuador as an opponent as the Ecuadorians grew up and play their home games at a higher altitude than Mexico City.

Raul Jimenez will lead from the front for Mexico
For me, Mexico's home field advantage should be discounted because of that and I don't think it has, with the Mexicans 5/4 to win in 90 minutes. That seems ludicrously short to me and suggests these two sides are at a similar level.

I don't agree with that at all. The best pieces of form from these two sides belong to ECUADOR. Not only did they finish second in the extremely tough South American World Cup qualifying campaign, but only last time out did they beat Germany - a side in the top six in the betting to win the tournament before a ball was kicked.

Mexico meanwhile, while boasting a tremendous record at the Azteca, have stat-padded against average CONCACAF sides in recent years, with that federation showing it's limits beyond the co-hosts at this tournament already. All of the other three qualifiers (Panama, Curaçao and Haiti) finished bottom of their group and pointless.

Enner Valencia and Ecuador celebrate
Enner Valencia and Ecuador celebrate
The Mexicans can only beat what is in front of them, but so often their opponents have been nowhere near the level of side to challenge them like Ecuador can and will in this game, and I think the South Americans have been really disrespected in the markets here, with their price TO QUALIFY a must-bet for me.

I was hot on them pre-tournament mainly due to their possible capabilities in a knockout setting given how tough they are to beat, and if anything their group stage performances have added more confidence to my belief the could make a run at this tournament.

They were the better team in defeat to Côte d'Ivoire, conceding a very late winner, absolutely thumped Curaçao and somehow ran into an all-time goalkeeping performance before coming up clutch in a must-win game against a full-strength Germany and deservedly winning.

Mexico meanwhile got to play an old and slow Czechia, a terrible South Africa and a South Korea side who are now at the beginning of a national enquiry as to why they are so bad. I want to chance the outsiders here who I think are the better team.

Given the likely tight nature of this game, I also want to chance ECUADOR WIN TO NIL at 5/1. Against poor opponents Mexico only managed to average 1.24 xGF per game - with home-field advantage.

Ecuador are built on defensive foundations and have shown as much at this tournament already by conceding just 0.89 xGA per game, but I have enjoyed what I've seen from them going forward, enough to think they can get this over the line in 90 minutes.

Score prediction: Mexico 0-1 Ecuador (Sky Bet odds: 7/1)

Odds correct at 21:30 BST (29/06/26)

England vs DR Congo
BBC One - Wednesday, 17:00 BST
Venue: Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta
Live odds, form and stats
Thomas Tuchel will be hoping that his team and coaching staff learned a lot from their goalless draw with Ghana in the group stage, as it's very likely that DR Congo will operate in a similar manner here. It won't be a pretty watch for England fans that's for sure - it will be another grind.

But, the positives are the experiences the Three Lions had in that second game, and also the fact that this game will be played in a climate controlled stadium. The only other time England have played in an air-conned stadium at this tournament was against Croatia, and that went rather well didn't it.

Hopefully with the elements not effecting things we see a higher level of intensity for a longer period of time from Tuchel's side, but they will be well aware of the threat DR Congo pose on the break.

Thomas Tuchel
That's the battle I want to focus on here with the tried and trusted England win and Under 3.5 goals a tad short now at 4/5. England's centre-backs EZRI KONSA and MARC GUEHI have been heavily involved in fouls at this tournament so far, and that should continue here.

Konsa has been committing a lot of fouls, most of them soft fouls that have slowed a counter attack, but he has looked a tad vulnerable at times, especially against Ghana and Panama given England were committing men forwards and leaving him exposed. It will be the same here, so KONSA 2+ FOULS COMMITTED appeals at 12/5.

He's made six at the tournament so far (2.0 per 90), with five coming in the last two group games. Interestingly Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu have been excellent at drawing fouls for DR Congo to help get their team up the pitch, the pair combining for 14 fouls won in three group games (4.67 per game), meaning Konsa could be in for another tough afternoon.

There is 9/5 available with Sky Bet for the 2+ fouls selection and that includes Super Sub and the bonus of the bet running into Extra Time, which, in a game that could be very tight and could head all of the way to penalties, makes great appeal for those who can get on with Sky Bet.

Konsa's defensive partner GUEHI has been winning the fouls at this tournament and looks a cracking price TO WIN 2+ FOULS here at 11/8. The Manchester City defender has been excellent at slowing counter-attacks down by getting his body between the ball and the man and literally falling over, with referees giving that as a foul 99 times out of 100.

He won seven fouls against Ghana and a further two against Panama, while both Wissa and Bakambu can be clumsy, meaning Guehi can use his nous to win a few easy fouls off them as DR Congo look to spring.

Finally, we'll also throw a dart at MARCUS RASHFORD 1+ SHOT ON TARGET FROM OUTSIDE THE BOX at 9/4.

Marcus Rashford
With DR Congo likely to sit deep, England could be forced into a lot of efforts from distance and Rashford looks a good candidate for one - let's hope he finds the net.

So far at the World Cup, in 115 minutes he's taken six shots with two coming from range, hitting the target with one, but the added interest here is that there is a chance Rashford could be on direct free-kicks.

Reece James, who is out injured, took one in the first game, Declan Rice and Harry Kane have both taken ones too but interestingly Rashford got the nod against Panama while Kane was on the pitch and only just missed the target. That possibility is an added bonus though, with Rashford's open-play threat the main reason for this bet.

Score prediction: England 1-0 DR Congo (Sky Bet odds: 9/2)

Odds correct at 20:30 BST (30/06/26)

Belgium vs Senegal
ITV1 - Wednesday, 21:00 BST
Venue: Seattle Stadium, Seattle
Live odds, form and stats
While Belgium finished top of Group G and Senegal finishing as the lowest ranked third-placed team to qualify, context is needed in both cases.

The Red Devils were in a very easy group and made very hard work of things, failing to beat both Egypt and Iran and taking top spot thanks to a thumping win over the lowest-ranked team in the tournament New Zealand.

Senegal meanwhile were put in a group with a genuine powerhouse in France as well as an extremely capable Norway, and their performances in both games were eye-catching. I think the African side carry the best form of the two teams into this game and it is very surprising to see them as big outsiders to qualify.

Joe Townsend thinks the same which is good (I think), and has already tipped Senegal to progress so we'll take a different approach and back ISMAÏLA SARR TO SCORE ANYTIME at a huge 10/3.

Belgium are hopeless defensively, and Sarr is the main attacking threat for Senegal, with there even a chance he starts as the number nine as he did against Iraq.

That led to him grabbing a goal for us to take his tally to three for the tournament, with the Crystal Palace star averaging 4.39 shots, 1.83 shots on target and 0.77 xG per 90 - all figures that lead Senegal players.

He'll relish the space that Belgium will give him, and should be backed to find the net again for his country. It is worth noting that the top price is available with Sky Bet and bet365 - with both offering super sub and including extra time on the bet - so if possible take the bet with one of those firms as they are offering the best proposition.

Score prediction: Belgium 1-2 Senegal (Sky Bet odds: 10/1)

Odds correct at 21:00 BST (30/06/26)

USA vs Bosnia
ITV1 - Thursday, 01:00 BST
Venue: San Francisco Bay Arena, Santa Clara
Live odds, form and stats
USA have been impressive so far at this tournament, and it could be argued that after Paraguay knocked Germany out in the round of 32, their form in the group stage could be upgraded.

Not only do they have the bonus of home field advantage here but they have a rest advantage too after Mauricio Pochettino had the luxury of winning the group after matchday two and was able to rotate in matchday three.

Bosnia had no such luxury, and it has to be said, in all three group games they have tired in the final 20 minutes.

I think this could be a bit of paddling by the US, who will no doubt be champing at the bit to get back in the headlines at this tournament having sat and watched Canada reach the last 16 and their group opponents Paraguay take a huge scalp.

poch
Expect them to come flying out of the blocks, with their speed and intensity something Bosnia simply won't be able to cope with, so we'll take USA -1 HANDICAP at 11/10.

They have covered this handicap in both of their first two group games against Paraguay and Australia when results mattered, and I don't think Bosnia are as good as either of those teams.

The Europeans were thumped by eventual Group B winners Switzerland 4-1 and I suspect we see a similar display of dominance from the US here who will not take their foot off the gas - they will want to put on a show in San Francisco, so much so we'll back USA -2 HANDICAP and USA -3 HANDICAP as well at 14/5 and 7/1 respectively.

Things could get ugly if Pochettino's side get ahead early, as they could shred Bosnia once they start chasing the game, so all in all this game looks like one that could get out of hand.

I was tempted by Bosnia 3+ cards too here given how much they foul and how many fouls and cards the USA draw, but if things get out of hand the referee may well keep his cards in his pocket - as so many officials have done at this tournament.

[miri-01]

Mexico vs England predictions, tips, best bets and World Cup preview
Football
Sat July 03, 2026 · 2d ago
Sporting Life Football
Sporting Life Football
Football betting tips: World Cup
Joe Townsend

1.5pts Harry Kane to score anytime at 13/8 (BetVictor)

0.5pt Kane to score 2+ goals at 10/1 (bet365)

0.5pt Kane to score a hat-trick at 60/1 (Paddy Power)

1pt Declan Rice 1+ assists at 11/2 (bet365, Ladbrokes, Coral)

Jimmy 'The Punt'

1pt Nico O'Reilly to score anytime at 10/1 (Betfred)

0.5pt O'Reilly to score 2+ goals at 150/1 (BetVictor)

0.5pt O'Reilly to score a header at 30/1 (Betfred)

Tom Carnduff

No bets advised.

Sky Bet odds | Paddy Power | Betfair

England made hard work of DR Congo but most importantly, unlike Germany and the Netherlands, they are in the round of 16.

They head to Mexico City for the first time since Diego Maradona delivered the Hand of God and then scored the Goal of the Century to lead Argentina to a World Cup quarter-final victory in 1986.

Despite the hype surrounding Mexico's advantage of high altitude, a home crowd, no travel and an imperious record of W70 D17 L2 in 89 competitive fixtures at the iconic Azteca Stadium, the Three Lions remain 4/6 favourites to qualify. Rightly so.

Unpicking Mexico's 'fortress' Aztecta
Only four players in Mexico's 26-man squad play in Europe's top five leagues. They dominated a weak group. And their record at the Azteca is overblown.

England are the first top-10 FIFA ranked team to visit the stadium since 2003, with the USA and Costa Rica the only teams to be ranked inside the top 20 when they arrived for a competitive fixture in Mexico City.

It will be tough, there is no disputing that. But make no mistake, should Thomas Tuchel's men be knocked out this will be a shock - and a huge failure.

Thomas Tuchel
In terms of things he can control, Tuchel's biggest headache ahead of this match is who starts at right-back.

His decision to leave Trent Alexander-Arnold out of his squad continues to rear its ugly head, with Ezri Konsa becoming the fifth different player in that role in England's four World Cup fixtures when he slid over to fill the position vacated by a substituted DECLAN RICE in the latter stages of against Congo.

The Arsenal midfielder-turned-emergency-right-back again limped off with back and hamstring pain after putting in an incredible shift, but Tuchel has continued to reassure us that it isn't a serious injury.

declan rice - stats
No matter what position Rice starts in against Mexico he will be vital both in terms of his all-round play and chance creation.

The 11/2 about him to provide 1+ ASSISTS looks too big for a player who drives forward in open play and takes most of England's set-pieces. At the time of writing no player to have played at least 250 minutes at the World Cup is averaging more than his 4.3 chances created per 90.

Elsewhere, it's not often that HARRY KANE is available to TO SCORE ANYTIME at 13/8.

The general 6/4 is plenty big enough too, with some of the firms offering that price also covering extra time as part of their terms.

Kane has scored five of England's eight goals, only failing to find the net in the goalless draw with Ghana, a match in which he blasted over arguably the best open-play chance he's had all tournament.

harry kane - stats
Call this wishful thinking on my part, I'm prepared to also have a small bet on KANE TO SCORE 2+ GOALS and A HAT-TRICK at 10/1 and 60/1.

He is in the form of his life and despite the supporter anxiety over England's last three performances, and the factors against them in Mexico City, this stage of the tournament should better suit the team Tuchel has built - one that is moulded around its captain's strengths.

Kane has scored 2+ goals in four of his last six competitive matches, ending the club season with back-to-back hat-tricks for Bayern Munich.

He has scored multiple goals 21 times this season, 22 if you include last summer's Club World Cup, with five of those hat-tricks.

On top of all of this, it has been a World Cup for goalscoring. After the opening 85 fixtures (three round-of-32 ties remain at the time of writing) a player has scored 2+ goals on a staggering 30 occasions, with three hat-tricks.

You'd think there would be a let-up in the knockout stage but there hasn't been, with four of the first 13 matches seeing a player score a brace.

Score prediction: Mexico 0-3 England

Jimmy 'The Punt'

I seem to have confined myself to some sort of NICO O’REILLY England preview purgatory.

Unable to admit defeat, brazenly assured I will be vindicated, I am sorry but for the umpteenth time this summer I’ll be rewording the usual spiel about how this marauding full-back is due a goal.

If you are new here, we’ve been backing England’s left-back TO SCORE ANYTIME, 2+ GOALS and TO SCORE A HEADER since the beginning of the 2026 World Cup.

The logic is watertight, and the statistics are reassuring, but the finishing has left a lot to be desired.

Nico O'Reilly
For club and country, O’Reilly plays as a midfielder with the ball and a defender without it. He’s massive too, which makes him a set-piece threat as well.

So, when I saw him at 6/1 to net in the Three Lions first game against Croatia I knew this was a stance I’d have to commit to all summer.

O’Reilly’s had at least one shot in every England game, 1.84 per 90, 0.31 shots on target per 90, 1.53 headed shots per 90 and an expected goals (xG) of 0.32 per 90.

For context, only Kane (5 goals) and Jude Bellingham (2 goals), have racked up greater xG totals for their nation.

The same trio are also tied at the top of England’s charts for ‘big chances missed’.

Don’t dwell on that little kick in the teeth, it simply shows O’Reilly is getting into the right positions. Now we just need him to put it in the back of the net, and soon.

Score prediction: Mexico 1-4 England

Tom Carnduff

There were a couple of angles I felt worth exploring for this one, although a few factors were behind my decision to NO BET the contest.

I strongly feel that England are a better side and as Joe has pointed out Mexico's record at the Azteca has been improved by their high quantity of games against far inferior opponents.

How the Three Lions cope with the physical element of the venue will be key to their chances of progression, but Tuchel will be happy with this tournament so far and the likelihood is he feels it's playing out as expected.

I was intrigued by England's potential for two or more cards yet I don't know who the referee is at the time of writing. I'm also not sure about going back in on my Anderson set-piece theory, although I wouldn't be surprised to see them run it this time out.

Given the amount of selections made by the other two, I'll sit this out.