Denmark, one of the in-form European sides, was thrown out of the World Cup after losing to Australia in Group D, while France fell to Tunisia in another Qatar 2022 shock.
The unpredictable is now a norm at this World Cup, with many pre-tournament favorites lacking strength and inspiration against opponents regarded as inferior. On Thursday, it's time for 2018 finalists Croatia and third-placed Belgium to battle in Group F, while Germany desperately needs to win vs. Costa Rica to progress from Group E.
Here are our best bets ahead of Thursday's World Cup matches (odds via PointsBet and FanDuel Sportsbook; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale).
Thursday's World Cup Matches and Odds
(odds via FanDuel)
- Group E: Japan (+750) vs. Spain (-270)
- Group E: Costa Rica (+1900) vs. Germany (-1000)
- Group F: Croatia (+165) vs. Belgium (+165)
- Group F: Canada (+270) vs. Morocco (+105)
Thursday's World Cup Best Bets
- Moneyline: Morocco (+105 via FanDuel)
- Spread: Spain -1 vs. Japan (+110 via FanDuel)
- Total: Japan vs. Spain Over 2.5 (-135 via PointsBet)
- Upset: Costa Rica to tie or win vs. Germany (+700 via PointsBet)
- Prop bet: Dani Olmo to have two or more shots on target (+225 via PointsBet)
- Parlay: Japan vs. Spain: Over 3.5 Goals, Over 8.5 Corners and at least a goal in both halves (+473 via FanDuel)