FIFA World Cup Best Bets: Expert Picks for June 22
June 22 brings four World Cup group-stage matches with several different betting paths to consider. Argentina vs. Austria has the ingredients for one of the day’s most entertaining matchups, while France vs. Iraq gives bettors a clear favorite-versus-underdog setup with plenty of margin questions.
Norway vs. Senegal could play a major role in the group race, especially with elite finishing talent involved. Jordan vs. Algeria rounds out the card with two teams under pressure and little room for a cautious approach.
The following odds come courtesy of BetOnline.
| Match | Bet | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina vs Austria | Over 2.5 Goals | (-108) |
| France vs Iraq | France -2.5 | (-133) |
| Norway vs. Senegal | Erling Haaland Anytime Goalscorer | (-120) |
| Jordan vs Algeria | Both Teams to Score — Yes | (+107) |
Argentina vs Austria Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals (-108)
Argentina enters this match with momentum after a comfortable 3-0 victory over Algeria. While the scoreline suggests a dominant defensive display, this Argentina squad remains built around its world-class attack led by Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez.
Messi has extra motivation entering this contest. The Argentine superstar sits just one goal away from surpassing Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. If he finds the back of the net, he also becomes just the third player ever to score in six consecutive World Cup matches.
Austria also arrives after scoring three goals in its tournament opener, but the performance raised several defensive concerns. Ralph Rangnick’s side defeated Jordan 3-1, though the result flattered them somewhat. Austria benefited from a second-half own goal and an injury-time penalty, while Jordan consistently found opportunities to attack in transition.
Rangnick publicly expressed disappointment with how open his team looked defensively after conceding an equalizer. Those issues become significantly more dangerous against a team featuring Messi, Álvarez, and one of the deepest attacking units in the tournament.
The tactical matchup is another reason to like goals.
Austria’s identity under Rangnick revolves around relentless pressing and high-energy football. While that approach creates chances offensively, it often turns matches into end-to-end affairs. Against elite opponents, aggressive pressing can leave large spaces behind the defensive line.
Argentina is perfectly equipped to exploit those gaps.
The Over also benefits from Austria’s ability to contribute offensively. They already demonstrated attacking quality against Jordan and should find moments against an Argentina defense that isn’t completely invulnerable.
With both teams already producing three-goal performances in their opening matches and a tactical setup that favors transition opportunities, this game profiles as one of the stronger Over spots of the group stage.
France vs Iraq Prediction: France -2.5 (-133)
Four of France’s last six victories have featured four or more goals, while Les Bleus have scored at least three times in six of their previous nine international matches. Multi-goal victories have become the norm rather than the exception.
Whether it’s 3-0, 4-0, or another comfortable margin, France consistently creates separation against teams outside the world’s elite tier.
One of the best examples came during a 4-0 qualifying victory over Ukraine, where France dismantled an organized defensive setup through patience, pace, and overwhelming attacking quality. Iraq faces a similar challenge here, but with even less talent available to contain France’s front line.
The game state should also work in France’s favor.
Iraq understands that a second straight defeat could leave its World Cup hopes hanging by a thread. Sitting back and hoping for a scoreless draw is unlikely to be enough. At some stage, Iraq may need to take risks and commit players forward.
That creates exactly the type of match France wants.
Once opponents begin chasing the game, France becomes even more dangerous. The speed and creativity throughout the attack allow Les Bleus to punish teams in transition, and every additional gap in the defensive structure increases the likelihood of another goal.
If France scores first, Iraq’s situation becomes even more difficult. The further behind they fall, the more aggressive they must become. Against one of the most talented attacking squads in the tournament, that approach often leads to goals piling up quickly.
France already demonstrated against Senegal that it can turn a competitive game into a blowout in a matter of minutes. Against an Iraq side facing immense pressure and likely forced into a more open tactical approach, another comfortable victory is the most likely outcome.
Norway vs. Senegal Pick: Erling Haaland Anytime Goalscorer (-120)
Norway vs. Senegal looks like a crucial World Cup group stage match, with both teams likely battling for the second qualifying spot. In a game where Norway needs its best attacking players to deliver, Erling Haaland stands out as the best prop target on the board.
Haaland enters this matchup in ridiculous form for his country. He has scored in 11 straight matches for Norway, showing the kind of consistency that makes him so dangerous in the anytime goalscorer market. His overall international record is even more impressive, with 57 goals in 51 matches all time.
Norway also has no injuries to report, which gives this pick another boost. They’re expected to field the same lineup that recently scored four goals against Iraq, and Haaland was right in the middle of that performance with two goals. That continuity matters, especially for a striker who depends on service and chemistry in the final third.
Senegal is a tough opponent and should make this a competitive match. However, Norway’s attack runs through Haaland, and in a game with major group-stage implications, he should be heavily involved around the box. Whether it comes from open play, a set piece, or a penalty, Haaland has multiple paths to cash this wager.
At -120 odds, this is a fair price for one of the world’s most reliable finishers. His current scoring streak, elite international goal rate, and Norway’s clean injury report make him the top Norway vs. Senegal pick.
Jordan vs Algeria Prediction: Both Teams to Score — Yes (+107)
Jordan and Algeria are both sitting near the bottom of the group, which should create a more aggressive game script than the odds might suggest. Neither side can afford to settle for a passive performance, so I expect both teams to push for all three points and leave space behind in the process.
Jordan has enough attacking quality to cause problems, especially through Musa Al-Taamari. He gives Jordan pace, direct running, and the ability to create chances in transition. Ali Olwan is another important piece in the final third, and his movement around the box makes him a clear candidate to get involved if Jordan finds space against Algeria’s back line.
Algeria has the stronger squad on paper and plenty of individual talent in attack. Riyad Mahrez remains the creative leader, capable of unlocking defenses with his crossing, passing, and set-piece delivery. Mohamed Amoura adds speed and finishing ability up front, while Amine Gouiri gives Algeria another technical option who can link play and attack the penalty area.
The key angle here is motivation. With both teams needing a result, this matchup should open up as the game progresses. Jordan is unlikely to sit deep for 90 minutes, while Algeria has the attacking depth to create chances but can also be vulnerable if it commits too many players forward.
That makes the Both Teams to Score market more appealing than picking a side. Algeria may have the edge to win the match, but Jordan’s urgency and counterattacking threat give them a realistic path to scoring.
A 1-1, 2-1, or 2-2 type of result fits the profile of this matchup. Both teams need to fight for the victory, and that should lead to chances at both ends.
Betting on the World Cup on June 22, 2026
June 22’s matches should tell us plenty about which teams are building real momentum and which ones are already fighting to stay alive. France has a chance to make another statement, Argentina faces an opponent capable of creating chaos, and Norway vs. Senegal could be one of the day’s most important results.
Jordan vs. Algeria adds a desperation angle, with both sides needing a positive response. For bettors, that mix of pressure, attacking talent, and tactical contrast makes this set of games worth digging into carefully.