Soccer Betting Basics
Soccer (football) betting works differently from American sports. Here are the key bet types you need to know for the World Cup:
**Three-Way Moneyline (1X2)** Unlike American sports, soccer has THREE outcomes: Home Win (1), Draw (X), and Away Win (2). In group stage matches, draws are common — about 25% of World Cup group games end level.
**Asian Handicap** Similar to point spreads but with half-goal lines. Example: Argentina -1.5 means they must win by 2+ goals. This eliminates the draw option.
**Over/Under (Totals)** Bet on total goals in a match. World Cup group stage averages ~2.5 goals per game. The standard line is usually Over/Under 2.5 goals.
**Both Teams to Score (BTTS)** A simple yes/no bet on whether both teams will score at least one goal.
World Cup Futures & Outrights
**Outright Winner** Bet on which team will win the entire tournament. These bets offer the highest payouts but are hardest to predict. Argentina (+350) and France (+400) are early favorites.
**Group Winner** Bet on which team tops each group. With the new 48-team format (12 groups of 4), the top 2 from each group advance, plus the 8 best third-place teams.
**Top Scorer (Golden Boot)** Bet on which player scores the most goals. Kylian Mbappé (+600) and Erling Haaland (+800) lead the market.
**To Reach Final / Semi-Final** Lower-risk futures that pay out if your team reaches a specific stage.
**Pro Tip:** Place futures bets early for the best odds. Lines tighten as the tournament approaches.
Props & Special Markets
**Player Props** - Anytime goalscorer: Player scores at least one goal in a match - Player assists, shots on target, cards received - Player of the tournament
**Match Props** - Correct score (e.g., 2-1 at +700) - Half-time/full-time result - First/last goalscorer - Number of corners, cards, penalties
**Tournament Props** - Total goals in the tournament - Will any team score 10+ in a match? - Highest-scoring group - Any red cards in the final?
**Live Betting** World Cup matches are perfect for live betting. Watch the flow of the game and bet on next goal, corners, and adjusted lines.
Getting Started: Step-by-Step
**Step 1: Sign up at multiple sportsbooks** Claim welcome bonuses from DraftKings (code: ODDSCN), FanDuel (ODDSCN200), and BetMGM (ODDSCN1500). That's $1,900+ in potential bonuses.
**Step 2: Learn the 48-team format** 12 groups of 4 teams. Top 2 advance automatically, plus 8 best third-place teams (32 teams advance to knockout). This means even "weaker" teams have a realistic path.
**Step 3: Focus on value** Don't just bet favorites. Group stage upsets happen regularly. Saudi Arabia beat Argentina in 2022! Look for undervalued underdogs.
**Step 4: Line shop** Compare odds across books. Even small differences matter over 64 matches. Use our match pages to find the best lines.
**Step 5: Manage your bankroll** Set a World Cup budget. With 64 matches over 39 days, pace yourself. Don't bet every match — be selective.
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