The 2026 World Cup is complete. Spain are world champions, beating Argentina 1-0 after extra time at MetLife Stadium on 19 July, with Ferran Torres scoring the only goal in the 106th minute. The United States co-hosted, and the USMNT topped Group D before their run ended in the Round of 16 against Belgium. This page recaps how the tournament played out for US bettors, round by round, and scores the pre-match picks we published during the tournament against what actually happened.
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Outright markets for the next tournament in 2030 will open in due course. You must be 21 or older to bet on sports in most US states.
Best US Sports Betting Sites
The sportsbooks below are established, state-licensed US operators with strong soccer coverage, useful again for the next tournament and for the leagues running now. Always verify that a sportsbook is licensed in your state before signing up, and check the sportsbook directly for how to bet on the World Cup, the latest features and payment methods.
FanDuel
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FanDuel is a premier choice for US bettors, pairing an industry-best mobile app with reliable payouts and a deep Same Game Parlay builder that suited match-by-match World Cup wagering.
- Features diverse markets including results, totals, and player props.
- Industry-best app rated 4.9 out of 5 on iOS.
- Supports fast 24-hour PayPal withdrawals.
BetMGM
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BetMGM is an excellent platform for bettors targeting market variety, standing out with exceptional depth of 100 plus betting options per major match.
- Offers a deep menu of World Cup markets.
- Edit My Bet feature allows in-play adjustments.
- MGM Rewards points redeemable across 30 plus properties.
DraftKings
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DraftKings caters to fans who love live action, delivering sub-2 second odds updates and sharp soccer pricing.
- Best live betting infrastructure with rapid odds refresh.
- SGP plus enables cross-match parlays in one ticket.
- Sharpest pricing on 3-way soccer moneylines.
Caesars
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Caesars provides a beginner-friendly experience, making it the perfect sportsbook for casual bettors exploring World Cup action for the first time.
- Most beginner-friendly interface among major books.
- Flexible 12-leg Same Game Parlay builder.
- Caesars Rewards integration with luxury redemptions.
bet365
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bet365 is ideal for fans who value global soccer expertise, bringing deep tournament knowledge across 70 plus leagues and a signature early payout feature.
- Decades of international soccer betting experience.
- 2 Goals Ahead Early Payout on match markets.
- Watch and Bet live streaming integration.
Fanatics
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Fanatics is a strong choice for fans who want rewards with every wager, offering FanCash on every bet regardless of the outcome.
- Earns FanCash on every bet, win or lose.
- Redeem rewards for official team merchandise.
- Clean modern interface with growing soccer coverage.
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These sportsbooks are fully licensed US operators regulated by state gaming commissions. Availability varies by state, so always confirm that online sports betting is legal where you are located and that you are physically present in a legal state before signing up.
How the 2026 World Cup Finished
Spain won their second World Cup, beating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final, conceding only one goal across the whole tournament. The closing rounds delivered the first semifinal field in World Cup history made up entirely of FIFA’s top four ranked teams: France, Argentina, Spain and England.
| Stage | Result |
|---|---|
| Semifinal 1 (14 Jul, Arlington) | Spain 2-0 France (Oyarzabal, Pedro Porro) |
| Semifinal 2 (15 Jul, Atlanta) | Argentina 2-1 England (Lautaro Martinez late winner) |
| Third place (18 Jul, Miami) | England 6-4 France (Saka hat-trick; Mbappe scored twice) |
| Final (19 Jul, MetLife) | Spain 1-0 Argentina a.e.t. (Ferran Torres 106′) |
Kylian Mbappe won the Golden Boot with 10 goals, two clear of Lionel Messi, after a double in the third-place playoff, and in doing so became the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer and the first player to win the Golden Boot twice.
How Our Pre-Match Picks Performed
A predictions page is only worth as much as its honesty after the fact, so here is a straight scorecard of the tips we published during the tournament, wins and losses alike.
| Published Tip | Outcome |
|---|---|
| USMNT to top Group D | Landed. USA won the group. |
| Norway as pre-tournament dark horse | Landed. Norway beat Brazil in the Round of 16. |
| France to reach the final | Lost. France lost 2-0 to Spain in the semifinal. |
| Argentina to win the tournament (+400) | Lost. Argentina lost the final 1-0 to Spain. |
| Mbappe to win the Golden Boot | Landed. Mbappe finished top scorer on 10. |
| England vs Argentina, both teams to score | Landed. Argentina won 2-1, both sides scored. |
The tournament picks were a mixed book. The group-stage and dark-horse reads landed, and two of the four semifinal-stage tips came in, but the two headline outright plays, France to reach the final and Argentina to win it, both lost to a Spain side that proved the story of the tournament. The lesson US bettors can carry to 2030 is the one the knockouts kept repeating: in single-elimination ties, outright and to-reach-the-final markets carry real risk even on the strongest names.
Group Stage Recap
The group stage set the knockout bracket. These are the sections that mattered most to US bettors, starting with the USMNT’s Group D. Match times are listed in ET, and all betting picks use American odds. For a full breakdown of each group, see our World Cup group predictions.
Group D: USA Won the Group
The USMNT delivered on home soil, winning Group D after a commanding 4-1 opening win over Paraguay and a result against Australia. A 3-2 loss to Turkiye on the final matchday did not matter, as top spot was already secured. Turkiye were eliminated, Australia advanced as runners-up, and Paraguay went through as a best third-placed team. The qualification markets that offered better value than outright bets paid off.
| Match | Date & Time (ET) | Venue | Result | Pre-Match Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA vs Paraguay | June 12, 9:00 PM ET | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles | USA won 4-1 | USA Win (landed) |
| USA vs Australia | June 19, 3:00 PM ET | Lumen Field, Seattle | USA advanced as group winners | Under 2.5 Goals |
| Türkiye vs USA | June 25, 10:00 PM ET | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles | Türkiye won 3-2 (USA already through) | BTTS Yes (landed) |
These group stage results confirmed a final Group D order of USA 1st, Australia 2nd, Paraguay 3rd (advanced), and Türkiye eliminated, setting up a knockout path that ran through Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32.
Group I: France Won, Norway Through
France topped Group I but were beaten 4-1 by Norway on the final matchday, with Erling Haaland to the fore. France, Norway and Senegal all advanced, and the pre-tournament dark-horse call on Norway paid off in full when they knocked out Brazil in the Round of 16.
| Match | Date & Time (ET) | Venue | Result | Pre-Match Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| France vs Senegal | June 16, 3:00 PM ET | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey | France won 3-1 | France Win (landed) |
| Norway vs France | June 26, 3:00 PM ET | Gillette Stadium, Boston | Norway won 4-1 | BTTS Yes (landed) |
Group C: Brazil and Morocco Advanced
Brazil won Group C on goal difference after a 1-1 draw with Morocco, and both carried their form into the knockouts, with Morocco eliminating the Netherlands on penalties and reaching the quarterfinals, and Brazil edging Japan before their run ended against Norway.
| Match | Date & Time (ET) | Venue | Result | Pre-Match Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil vs Morocco | June 13, 6:00 PM ET | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey | 1-1 draw (Brazil won group on GD) | Brazil Win |
Group L: England Won the Group
England topped Group L, with Croatia advancing as runners-up and Ghana going through as a best third-placed team. England went on to reach the semifinals, beating Mexico and Norway in the knockouts before losing to Argentina.
| Match | Date & Time (ET) | Venue | Result | Pre-Match Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England vs Croatia | June 17, 4:00 PM ET | AT&T Stadium, Arlington TX | England won the group; both advanced | England Win |
Group J: Argentina Won the Group
Argentina entered as defending champions and won Group J, with Austria and Algeria also advancing after a dramatic 3-3 draw on the final matchday. They reached the final, coming through extra time in both the Round of 16 and the quarterfinal along the way.
| Match | Date & Time (ET) | Venue | Result | Pre-Match Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina vs Austria | June 22, 1:00 PM ET | AT&T Stadium, Arlington TX | Argentina won 2-0 | Argentina Win and Under 3.5 (landed) |
Knockout Recap by Round
The expanded format sent 32 teams into the knockouts, adding a Round of 32 before the traditional Round of 16 and creating more elimination matches, and more betting opportunities, than any previous World Cup. The volatility showed at once, with Germany and the Netherlands both going out on penalties in the Round of 32.
How the New Knockout Format Worked
The expanded structure sent 32 teams into the knockouts instead of 16, creating a Round of 32 before the traditional Round of 16 and increasing the number of elimination matches. The Round of 32 ran from June 28 to July 3, 2026, featuring the 12 group winners, 12 runners-up and the eight best third-placed teams. The Round of 16 followed from July 4 to July 7, the quarterfinals from July 9 to July 11, and the semifinals on July 14 and July 15.
Round of 32 (28 June to 3 July)
| Match | Fixture | Result |
|---|---|---|
|
Match 73 |
South Africa vs Canada |
Canada won 1-0 |
|
Match 74 |
Germany vs Paraguay |
Paraguay won 4-3 on penalties |
|
Match 75 |
Netherlands vs Morocco |
Morocco won 3-2 on penalties |
|
Match 76 |
Brazil vs Japan |
Brazil won 2-1 |
|
Match 77 |
France vs Sweden |
France won 3-0 |
|
Match 78 |
Ivory Coast vs Norway |
Norway won 2-1 |
|
Match 79 |
Mexico vs Ecuador |
Mexico won 2-0 |
|
Match 80 |
England vs DR Congo |
England won 2-1 |
|
Match 81 |
USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina |
USA won 2-0 (advanced to R16) |
|
Match 82 |
Belgium vs Senegal |
Belgium won 3-2 (a.e.t.) |
|
Match 83 |
Portugal vs Croatia |
Portugal won 2-1 |
|
Match 84 |
Spain vs Austria |
Spain won 3-0 |
|
Match 85 |
Switzerland vs Algeria |
Switzerland won 2-1 |
|
Match 86 |
Argentina vs Cape Verde |
Argentina won 3-2 (a.e.t.) |
|
Match 87 |
Colombia vs Ghana |
Colombia won 1-0 |
|
Match 88 |
Australia vs Egypt |
Egypt won 4-2 on penalties |
The Round of 32 delivered on its billing immediately, with Germany and the Netherlands both eliminated on penalties by Paraguay and Morocco. Canada opened the round with a 1-0 win over South Africa, and the USA came through against Bosnia and Herzegovina to reach the Round of 16, one of three co-hosts to make the last 32.
Round of 16 (4 to 7 July)
| Match | Fixture | Result |
|---|---|---|
|
Match 89 |
Paraguay vs France |
France won 1-0 |
|
Match 90 |
Canada vs Morocco |
Morocco won 3-0 |
|
Match 91 |
Brazil vs Norway |
Norway won 2-1 |
|
Match 92 |
Mexico vs England |
England won 3-2 |
|
Match 93 |
Portugal vs Spain |
Spain won 1-0 |
|
Match 94 |
USA vs Belgium |
Belgium won 4-1 (USA eliminated) |
|
Match 95 |
Argentina vs Egypt |
Argentina won 3-2 (a.e.t.) |
|
Match 96 |
Colombia vs Switzerland |
Switzerland won 4-3 on penalties |
The Round of 16 produced the tournament’s biggest shock, Brazil knocked out by Norway, and ended both co-host runs still standing, with the USA beaten 4-1 by Belgium and Mexico edged 3-2 by England. Spain squeezed past Portugal on a late Mikel Merino strike, and Argentina came from two down against Egypt to win in extra time.
Quarterfinals (9 to 11 July)
| Match | Fixture | Result |
|---|---|---|
|
QF1 |
France vs Morocco |
France won 2-0 |
|
QF2 |
Spain vs Belgium |
Spain won 2-1 |
|
QF3 |
England vs Norway |
England won 2-1 (a.e.t.) |
|
QF4 |
Argentina vs Switzerland |
Argentina won 3-1 (a.e.t.) |
For the first time in World Cup history, all four of FIFA’s top-ranked sides reached the semifinals. France eased past Morocco, Spain’s Merino struck late again against Belgium, England needed extra time and a Bellingham brace to end Norway’s run and Haaland’s tournament, and a late Julian Alvarez goal broke down a ten-man Switzerland to send Argentina through. Match numbering such as Match 81 and Match 94 follows the official tournament bracket structure used for the 2026 World Cup knockout stage.
How the Semifinals Played Out
The semifinals pitted the tournament’s four strongest sides against each other on US soil. Spain beat France in Arlington on 14 July, and Argentina beat England in Atlanta on 15 July, setting up a Spain vs Argentina final at MetLife Stadium on 19 July, with England taking third place in Miami.
Spain 2-0 France, AT&T Stadium, Arlington
France vs Spain was, in effect, the market’s two best teams meeting a round early. France arrived as the form side of the tournament, unbeaten and with the most productive attack, led by Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappe alongside Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise. Spain countered with the tournament’s meanest defense and a possession game built around Lamine Yamal and Pedri, and having beaten France in each of their last two meetings, at Euro 2024 and in 2025, they made it three: goals from Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro sent Spain through 2-0. The contrast of styles turned on Spain’s control of tempo starving France of the ball, and the pre-match read that favored France to advance did not survive contact with Spain’s defense.
Argentina 2-1 England, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
England vs Argentina was a heavyweight meeting of the tournament’s second favorites and its defending champions. England had reached the semifinals on squad depth and the goals of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who scored in every knockout round; Argentina, roared on by Lionel Messi in what was expected to be his final World Cup, relied on late individual brilliance, needing extra time in both the Round of 16 and the quarterfinal. Both sides scored, as the pre-match both-teams-to-score read anticipated, but it was a late Lautaro Martinez winner that settled it 2-1 for Argentina and sent the holders to the final.
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How Our Closing-Stage Tips Landed
The picks below were published before the semifinals, when every match was win-or-go-home. Here is how each one landed once the closing stages were played, based on team strength, the semifinal draw, and the market at the time.
Tip 1 France to reach the final — Lost
France arrived as the form side of the tournament, unbeaten and without conceding across their three knockout matches, and with Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappe in form they were favored to come through against Spain. In the event, Spain won the semifinal 2-0 and France did not reach the final.
Result France to reach the final — lost (Spain won the semifinal 2-0).
Tip 2 Mbappe to win the Golden Boot — Landed
Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi went into the closing stages level at the top of the scoring chart, with England’s Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham close behind. Mbappe pulled clear with a double in the third-place playoff to finish on 10 goals, two ahead of Messi.
Result Kylian Mbappe to win the Golden Boot — landed (10 goals).
Tip 3 England vs Argentina Both Teams to Score — Landed
The second semifinal paired England’s attacking depth against an Argentina side that had scored in every knockout round through late individual brilliance, a profile that pointed to goals at both ends. Argentina won 2-1 with both sides finding the net.
Result England vs Argentina Both Teams to Score — landed (Argentina won 2-1).
Tip 4 Argentina to win the tournament (+400) — Lost
Defending champions Argentina relied on knockout composure, coming through extra time in both the Round of 16 and the quarterfinal, and reached the final roared on by Lionel Messi. They fell at the last, beaten 1-0 by Spain after extra time.
Result Argentina to win the World Cup (+400) — lost (Spain won the final 1-0 a.e.t.).
USA at the 2026 World Cup: A Round of 16 Run on Home Soil
The USMNT played World Cup matches on home soil for the first time since 1994. They topped Group D, won their Round of 32 tie 2-0 against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Levi’s Stadium, then went out in the Round of 16 with a 4-1 defeat to Belgium. The run was driven by Christian Pulisic and a young, largely European-based core, and matching the 1994 side’s Round of 16 finish on home soil was solid progress, even as the Belgium defeat exposed the gap to the tournament’s elite.
The Pre-Semifinal Outright Market: How the Last Four Were Priced
For the record, this is how the four semifinalists were priced in the outright market going into the last four, before Spain and Argentina came through to the final. These are historical pre-semifinal prices, not current odds, and they are a reminder of how the market read the closing stages: France headed the market, yet it was Spain, priced at +350, who went on to win the tournament.
| Team | Pre-semifinal odds (American) | Key Strength | How they finished |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | +150 | Squad depth, most productive attack | Fourth place (lost semifinal to Spain, then third-place playoff) |
| Spain | +350 | Possession dominance, meanest defense | Champions |
| Argentina | +400 | Winning experience, knockout composure | Runners-up |
| England | +450 | Tactical flexibility, young core | Third place |
The market had France at the head going into the semifinals on the back of a clean-sheet knockout run, with Spain the value side on the tournament’s meanest defense. Spain justified that read, winning from +350 while the shorter-priced France went out in the last four, exactly the single-elimination risk the pick scorecard above underlines.
How to Read American Odds
US sportsbooks primarily use American moneyline odds, which show how much you win on a 100 dollar stake or how much you must stake to win 100 dollars. A negative number such as -150 marks the favorite and shows the stake needed to win 100 dollars. A positive number such as +250 marks the underdog and shows the profit on a 100 dollar bet. The larger the positive number, the longer the odds and the bigger the potential payout. To find profit on positive odds, divide the odds by 100 and multiply by your stake: a 10 dollar bet at +450 returns 45 dollars profit plus your stake. For converting between formats, use our odds converter.
Responsible Gambling
Betting should enhance the way you follow a tournament, not create financial stress. Set a budget before you bet, use the deposit and time limits every major sportsbook offers, avoid chasing losses, and stick to consistent unit sizes. If betting stops being fun or you are staking more than you intended, free and confidential help is available.
Gamble Responsibly
Sports betting should enhance the way you follow a tournament, not create financial stress. Set a budget before you bet, use the deposit and time limits every major sportsbook offers, avoid chasing losses, and stick to consistent unit sizes.
If betting stops being fun or you are staking more than you intended, reach out for support.
National Problem Gambling Helpline 1-800-522-4700 (24/7 confidential support)
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Self-Exclusion Programs Every legal US sportsbook offers voluntary self-exclusion, typically for one to five years
You must be 21 or older to bet on sports in most US states (18 or older in DC, Kentucky, New Hampshire and Wyoming). All recommended sportsbooks verify age and identity before allowing betting. Underage gambling is illegal.
World Cup 2026 Recap Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Spain. They beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final at MetLife Stadium on 19 July 2026, with Ferran Torres scoring the winner in the 106th minute. It was Spain’s second World Cup title, and they conceded only one goal in the entire tournament.
How far did the USA go at the 2026 World Cup?
The USMNT won Group D and came through their Round of 32 tie against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Levi’s Stadium, before their run ended in the Round of 16 with a 4-1 defeat to Belgium. Matching the 1994 side’s Round of 16 finish on home soil was solid progress for a young squad.
Who won the Golden Boot?
Kylian Mbappe, with 10 goals, two clear of Lionel Messi. He became the first player to win the World Cup Golden Boot twice and the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.
Where can I bet on soccer in the US?
Through licensed online sportsbooks available in your state. Confirm any sportsbook is licensed where you are and that you are physically located in a legal betting state before registering. FanDuel, BetMGM, DraftKings, Caesars, bet365 and Fanatics all operate under state gaming commission oversight.
What was the Round of 32 in the 2026 World Cup?
It was a new knockout round introduced in the expanded 48-team format, in which 32 teams advanced from the group stage instead of 16. It ran from 28 June to 3 July 2026 and produced early upsets, with Germany and the Netherlands both eliminated on penalties.
What are American odds and how do I read them?
American odds show how much you win on a 100 dollar stake or how much you must stake to win 100 dollars. A negative number such as -150 marks the favorite and shows the stake needed to win 100 dollars. A positive number such as +250 marks the underdog and shows the profit on a 100 dollar bet. This format is standard across US sportsbooks.
Are World Cup betting winnings taxable in the US?
Gambling winnings are generally treated as taxable income and must be reported to the IRS. Sportsbooks may issue tax forms for larger payouts, and rules vary by state. Verify with a qualified tax adviser for your situation.
When is the next World Cup?
The 2030 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted across Spain, Portugal and Morocco with three centenary matches in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay. Outright markets will open well in advance, and our predictions will return as they do.