The 2026 FIFA World Cup is well underway, and with the tournament taking place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the excitement for American sports fans is at an all-time high. For many, that excitement will spill over into the sportsbook. Now that the knockout stages are underway, it’s the most exciting time to bet.
Millions of casual fans are expected to place their first-ever bet during this tournament. If you’re one of them, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. Understanding the markets themselves, along with the sport, is crucial to having a fun betting experience. Here are three beginner-friendly bet types to consider.
To win in 90 minutes
A World Cup knockout classic. This one differs from standard win or lose bets due to the time constraints. If a World Cup knockout game ends in a draw, it will move onto extra-time, another two halves of 15 minutes each, before a penalty shootout.
With a ‘win in 90 minutes bet’ you wager on what the result will be at the end of regulation time, essentially betting on whether the game will go into extra time or not. Knockout games go into extra time all the time, so there’s genuine betting value to be found here, making it more valuable than an average bet on the winning team.
If you want to get started on betting on the World Cup, you can use bet365 bonus codes on Goal.com to get a headstart.
Over/Under Goal Totals
Over/under betting is one of the most straightforward options available at any sportsbook. The oddsmaker sets a total, always at a half-number to avoid a push, and you bet whether the final goal tally will fall above or below it.
For example, if Canada vs has a total of 2.5, a 2-1 final score would cash an “over” bet at exactly three goals scored. It’s a clean, simple format that removes the need to predict a winner.
That said, doing a little homework helps. Checking how prolific a team is in the attack, or how shaky their defense has been, can point you toward value. Higher totals, like over 4.5, carry longer odds and bigger payouts, but they require more goals to land.
Winner Double Chance
Double chance betting lets you cover two of three possible outcomes with a single wager, which cuts your risk significantly compared to a straight moneyline pick. Many US sportsbooks also extend this concept to outright tournament winner markets.
Rather than betting on one nation to lift the trophy, a double chance outright allows you to back two separate countries. If either team wins the World Cup, your bet pays out. You might back Spain or France, for instance, knowing that your ticket is still alive even if one of those squads gets bounced in the quarterfinals.
The tradeoff is reduced odds compared to a single-team pick. But for first-time bettors looking to stay in the action longer without overcommitting, it’s a practical way to spread your risk.
