The group stage of the World Cup is drawing to a close with high quality matches and betting opportunities in four matches

I did very well in soccer yesterday. I had three games and went 2-1 on the day. Looking back on it I probably should have taken a full unit on the one bet I was most confident in — both teams scoring in the Canada game. Today, there is a big World Cup card as they try to get the last game in the group stage. Let’s bet on these games.

Ecuador vs. Germany

Ecuador need to win if they want to advance. Germany has already sealed its place in the next round. What do you do when one team is deadlocked and the other needs a win to stay alive? Germany is the best team, but most teams tend to rest their players when they are already taking care of business. Ecuador still haven’t scored a goal in this World Cup, losing their first match 1-0, and their second match tied 0-0. I think Ecuador will probably take their chances, but there is a good chance to cash in on their full team under 0.5 goals at +149. Despite Germany resting their best players, they have allowed just four shots on goal in two games. I’ll take the gun.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DOD NOT @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

Japan vs. Sweden

This is the most important game of the day. It has a big impact on the next round, but it also has two better teams against each other. If Japan wins or draws, they advance. A win and a loss to the Netherlands means they also won Group F. A loss means they will have to hope to go in as the third-placed team. For Sweden, a win means they will get past Japan and into the next round. A loss almost eliminates them, and a draw gives them the same fate as Sweden. I think this will be a very strategic and careful game for both teams. I gave the under 2.5 for a lot on the line.

Team USA celebrates a goal against Paraguay in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. (Photos by Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn)

Turkey vs. United States

If you’ve been living under a rock, you probably don’t know that the United States has advanced to the next round. It is the first time since 1930 that they went 2-0 in the World Cup. This game means nothing to them, except pride. Turkey has lost both matches they played 1-0 against Paraguay and 2-0 against Australia. America has beaten both of these teams with ease. One reason Turkey has a chance in this game is that the United States has already said it will rest a lot of key guys for the next game. I think the backups can still beat Turkey. I gave the United States a -115. I like both teams to score, but at -170 it’s too expensive for me.

Australia vs. Paraguay

Nestory Irankunda of Australia reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between the US and Australia at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, Wash., on June 19, 2026. (Jared C. Tilton/FIFA via Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS PROGRAM

This is a very similar match between Japan and Sweden. A win for Australia gives them automatic qualification to the Round of 32. Paraguay will have the same fate with a win. A draw would give Australia second place and advance as they have a better goal difference than Paraguay. So, basically, Paraguay needs to win. Australia can win or draw and advance. I think a draw is the most likely option at +130, but Paraguay are likely to take more chances in this game. That might open them up to some exposure. Give me Australia to win at +340. To be very clear, this is a total shot based on value instead of me being sure they will win.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE GAMES FOXNEWS.COM

For more information on sports betting and games, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024