As the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group Stage continues with a second day of matches for eight teams on Monday, prediction markets are setting the stage for what is to come.
The USA’s dominance at the tournament is still the top local story. Tournament favorites and reigning European champions awoke during a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia after a shocking goalless draw in their opener, and today’s matches will see three of the top Golden Boot favorites return to action.
As the games increase in importance, and the Knockout draws nearer, here are our best picks in World Cup prediction markets today, Monday, June 22.
Argentina vs. Austria Prediction
Lionel Messi kick-started Argentina’s World Cup title defense with a hat-trick in a game against Algeria that his country controlled. This team doesn’t have elite speed on the wings, but it combines extremely well in its build-up and in the final third.
Austria got its first World Cup win in 36 years in a 3-1 opener against Jordan. The strength of this team is in the midfield, where its industry and physicality are able to shine, but the extreme ends of the pitch are far from the best in the tournament.
Argentina looked like a well-oiled machine against Algeria, and if they can make it past Austria’s midfield, they’ll have a solid chance of winning the match.
Trade Handle Argentina vs. Austria prediction: Argentina to win ($.76 at Kalshi)
Argentina vs. Austria: How to Watch
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET
TV: FOX, FOX One, Telemundo
Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
France vs. Iraq Prediction
France thoroughly outplayed a strong Senegal team in a 3-1 win behind Kylian Mbappe’s brace in its World Cup opener. The French have a squad that is overflowing with talent and creativity, but if there is a weakness, it is in the commitment to recovery from their four lead attacking players, who could leave the defense outnumbered in transition.
Iraq was embarrassed in a 4-1 loss to Norway in its opener, during which it was blatantly overwhelmed physically by the Scandinavians. While its players might try to get their ball to slow down the game, keeping up with France’s sheer physical ability will be a struggle.
This is shaping up to be one of the most lopsided matchups of the tournament, and we don’t have to spend much time thinking about this pick.
Trade Handle France vs. Iraq prediction: ($.90 at Kalshi)
France vs. Iraq: How to Watch
Kickoff: 5:00 p.m. ET
TV: FOX, FOX One, Telemundo
Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
Norway vs. Senegal Prediction
Erling Haaland was unstoppable in the opener, barely missing out on a hat-trick because the third of his would-be goals was ruled an own goal. Iraq didn’t put up much of a fight, but Norway was one of the top underdog choices entering this tournament for a reason.
Senegal has undeniable talent in its squad and has experienced winning together as a nation. They can be potent on the counter-attack and have an experienced defense that makes them tough to break down for teams devoid of individual brilliance.
The raw aggression of Haaland against the physicality of the Senegalese will be a fun matchup to watch, and while a draw feels likely, there’s a better way to approach this World Cup prediction market…
Trade Handle Norway vs. Senegal prediction: Norway not to win ($.55 at Kalshi)
Norway vs. Senegal: How to Watch
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET
TV: FOX, FOX One, Telemundo
Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
Jordan vs. Algeria Prediction
The Jordanians, making their first-ever World Cup appearance, were unprepared for the consistent attacks and aggression of Austria in a 3-1 opening-match loss. As many underdog teams do, they hope to sit back deep with a compact central line of defense and hit on the attack.
Algeria tried to take the game to Argentina, actually winning the battle of possession (52-48%), but they did very little with their opportunities. There was a noticeable lack of confidence in their ability to play through the lines, which often led to them recycling possession.
Neither team combined intent and capability in their opener, and that leaves us wondering if we could see a surprising result today.
Trade Handle Jordan vs. Algeria prediction: Algeria not to win ($.39 at Kalshi)
Jordan vs. Algeria: How to Watch
Kickoff: 11:00 p.m. ET
TV: FOX, FOX One, Telemundo
Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA