World Cup Best Bets - July 1 - Round of 32

France swept Norway aside in a 4-1 win in their final group game as they made it three consecutive victories. After beating Senegal 3-1 and Iraq 3-0, France knew it was a straight shootout for top spot against Norway, and they roared to a convincing win. Admittedly, Norway did rest their first team, but this win was one that allowed France to keep the momentum heading into the knockout stages. Kylian Mbappe has scored a brace in two of his last three World Cup games, and he is my pick to continue to score goals for the French. 

Mexico have been outstanding at the World Cup, storming to three consecutive wins with clean sheets in each outing. Their 2-0 win over South Africa in their opener saw Mexico juggle the pressure of helping to open the competition in a game they deservedly won. They then beat South Korea in a battling 1-0 win before easily beating Czechia in a 3-0 win. While Mexico will not likely go particularly deep at the tournament, I back them to make it four successive wins at the World Cup as they eliminate Ecuador. 

England are yet to taste defeat at the World Cup in 2026, although they have struggled on the pitch. Creating chances against teams that sit deeper is proving an issue for the side, with their 0-0 draw with Ghana in game two particularly poor. Wins over Croatia (4-2) and Panama (2-0) have shown England can score goals, but they have swayed between scoring goals and failing to find the back of the net. Jude Bellingham has been impressive at the World Cup, scoring goals in two of England's three games. With the side looking for someone to ignite them, I am backing Bellingham to find the target once more.