2026 World Cup Picks & Predictions: Monday (6/22)
The World Cup group stage continues on Monday, and every match from here on out is crucial, with teams battling for knockout-stage qualification. There are another four games on the docket on Monday, and I have a bet in each contest. Let's dive into my top 2026 World Cup picks for Monday, June 22nd.
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Monday's Best 2026 World Cup Picks & Predictions
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Argentina (-190) vs. Austria (+600), DRAW (+320) | O/U 2.5 (-110/-115)
Defending champions Argentina (1-0-0) thrashed Algeria 3-0 in their 2026 World Cup debut, courtesy of a Lionel Messi hat trick. They'll take on Austria (1-0-0), who picked up a 3-1 victory over Jordan last week. Kick-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX.
This will be Argentina's toughest group stage match, and I'm going to take a chance on fading them against an Austria squad that has been in great form. I'll back Austria +1 to start off Monday's action.
In its qualifying matches and friendlies leading up to the World Cup, Austria covered the +1.0 line at a perfect 9-0-1 rate. They're 8-1-1 during the stretch. Specifically, it's the defense that stands out to me.
In its last seven competitive matches, Austria has only conceded four goals. Obviously, Argentina poses a different threat offensively, but with how well Austria has been playing, we have to take a flier. I think they keep this one close, either losing by one goal or drawing.
Bet: Austria +1 (-105)
France (-1200) vs. Iraq (+3000), DRAW (+1100) | O/U 3.5 (-115/-110)
Tournament favorites France (+400) were propelled by a couple of Kylian Mbappé strikes in their 3-1 victory over Senegal to start the World Cup. Up next on the schedule is Iraq (0-0-1), which dropped its first match 4-1 to Norway. This contest kicks off at 5:00 p.m. ET from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA.
Iraq is still searching for its first World Cup point, as they're now 0-0-4 all-time between their 2026 and 1986 efforts. Neither I nor a vast majority of the sports betting market anticipate the "Lions of Mesopotamia" achieving that feat on Monday night. There's not really a great way to play the side in this game, so I'm looking at the total and taking the under.
Iraq has gone under this line in 14 of its last 15 matches. Ten of those 15 contests have had two or fewer combined goals, and Iraq has conceded one or fewer goals on 12 occasions.
I don't see Iraq scoring in this match. If they can hunker down and at least limit this potent French offense, we'll have a chance to cash the under. I'll say this game ends 3-0 in France’s favor. Give me the under.
Bet: Under 3.5 Goals (-110)
Norway (+130) vs. Senegal (+205), DRAW (+255) | O/U 2.5 (-115/-110)
In its first World Cup match in 28 years, Norway (1-0-0) hammered Iraq 4-1 to begin its campaign. They'll take on Senegal (0-0-1) on Monday in a pivotal Group I showdown. Kick-off is set for 8:00 p.m. ET from MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.
I'll be on the over in this primetime matchup. Both teams possess offensive firepower, especially Norway, which saw Erling Haaland net two goals in his World Cup debut.
Including their 4-1 victory last week, "The Vikings" have now seen at least three goals in seven of their last 10 matches. They've also conceded at least one goal in three consecutive games and in seven of their last eight outings.
Meanwhile, Senegal has scored at least three combined goals in four of its last six matches. They've scored twice in four of their last five competitions.
Sadio Mané, the nation's all-time scoring leader (55 international goals), was held scoreless against France. I don't think that'll be the case on Monday. Look for this speedy squad to score at least one goal and help pull their weight in getting the final score over the number. A 2-1 score in Norway’s favor is my prediction.
Bet: Over 2.5 Goals (-110)
Jordan (+500) vs. Algeria (-180), DRAW (+330) | O/U 2.5 (-115/-110)
Neither Jordan (0-0-1) nor Algeria (0-0-1) got their World Cup journeys off to a good start, each losing its opening match. The duo will square off on Monday at 11:00 p.m. ET from Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA.
I'll back Algeria to break into the win column on Monday night. Give me Algeira -1 on the alt spread. With Austria on the horizon and Argentina in the rearview, this may be Algeria's best chance to secure a victory in the 2026 World Cup. I think they'll take advantage of the opportunity.
Ultimately, I really have no trust in Jordan. They are winless across their last six matches, going 0-2-4 during the stretch. They've conceded multiple goals in all six of those matches. Considering Jordan can't keep the ball out of its net, I think there's a good chance Algeria stretches out a multi-goal victory. I'll predict 2-0 in Algeria’s favor.
Bet: Algeria -1 (-110)