The hype for the 2026 World Cup is building and, at Squawka, it’s almost reached fever pitch! With just a week to go until the tournament begins, we asked some of our writers to provide their World Cup tips ahead of the first game.
Our writers thought long and hard, analysing the markets and prices and they’ve each picked their favourite bets for the tournament ahead. Who fancies Bruno Fernandes to continue his Premier League form? Which writer thinks Portugal are underrated in the market? And who is backing Lamine Yamal to have a standout summer?
Let’s take a look at each writers selection and see who knows their stuff!
Harry’s World Cup tip – England to be knocked out in the quarter-finals
‘It’s tough to predict routes to the final now given how many third-placed teams go through, but all signs do point to England suffering another quarter-final exit. If the Three Lions win their group there’s a chance they could get winnable ties in both the last-32 and last-16 — though it will depend on other groups going in their favour. But the quarter-finals will surely see them face one of the big boys, and that’s usually where England falter. Football’s unlikely to come home this summer, completing the 60 years of hurt.‘ – Harry Edwards
Back Harry’s tip of England to be knocked out in the quarter-finals at 4/1 with Coral
Jack’s World Cup tip – Straight Forecast: England/Croatia
‘England head into Group L as clear favourites and, while opponents will test them at points, they possess more than enough quality, experience, and firepower to finish top. The real interest might be the scrap for second place. Croatia are getting on a bit – how long have we been saying that? – but you’d be daft to write them off. They play with streetwise cunning, make themselves hard to beat, and tend to find a way when it matters. I expect England to top the group, with Croatia following suit.’ – Jack Kitson
Back Jack’s tip of Group L Straight Forecast England/Croatia at 13/10 with Paddy Power
Andy’s World Cup tip – Top Asian Team: South Korea
‘South Korea look an outstanding each-way bet at 4/1 with BoyleSports to finish as the top Asian side this summer. Drawn in a wide-open Group A alongside Mexico, South Africa and Czechia, Son Heung-min’s side can realistically top their group and ease into the knockouts. Crucially, Japan face a far tougher Group F assignment against the Netherlands and Sweden – genuine European heavyweights who could derail them early. A serious injury to star man Kaoru Mitoma has also rocked Japan, significantly weakening their attacking threat. South Korea, by contrast, should cruise through their group and enjoy a more favourable knockout route, making them outstanding value to outperform their Asian rivals.’ – Andy Francis
Back Andy’s tip of Top Asian team: South Korea at 4/1 with BOYLE Sports
Ben’s World Cup tip – Most Assists: Bruno Fernandes
‘The heartbeat for Portugal this summer, Bruno Fernandes arrives at the World Cup off the back of a record-breaking Premier League season. He delivered 21 league assists from a whopping 136 chances created – the most in the division. He will shoulder the responsibility of supplying the ammunition for the Portugal frontline, and if his teammates can tuck away the chances he creates, then Fernandes at 10/1 to register the most assists at the World Cup looks a steal.’ – Ben McAleer
Back Ben’s tip of Most assists: Bruno Fernandes at 10/1 with bet365
Luke’s World Cup tip – Golden Ball winner – Lamine Yamal
‘Spain are the tournament favourites, and as well as the market having Yamal among the leading contenders for the prize, he is exactly the type of player FIFA voters love: spectacular, creative, constantly involved, and likely to produce highlight-reel moments this summer. If Spain win the World Cup, then the 18-year-old superstar has almost the perfect profile for a Golden Ball winner.‘ – Luke Hamilton
Back Luke’s tip of Golden Ball winner: Lamine Yamal at 17/2 with Unibet
Dean’s World Cup tip – Portugal to reach the quarter-finals
‘With a favourable draw that sees them take on Uzbekistan and DR Congo, I can’t see anything other than Portugal topping Group K. From there, they should have a fairly clear run through to the final eight as they will likely take on a third-placed team and then the winner of a relatively weak looking Group B. I’d back them to go further but can’t ignore the value available here.’ – Dean Smith
Back Dean’s tip of Portugal to reach the quarter-finals at 5/4 with Ladbrokes
Anton’s World Cup tip – Top Belgium goalscorer: Romelu Lukaku
‘Romelu Lukaku has a phenomenal record for his national side with 90 goals in 125 appearances. The forward has endured an injury-disrupted campaign with Napoli, but is now fit and scored against Croatia in a friendly at the start of June. Other bookmakers such as bet365, have Lukaku priced at just 8/15 to be top scorer for Belgium so take the eye-watering 5/2 that is on offer with Coral.‘ – Anton Eadson
Back Anton’s tip of Top Belgium goalscorer: Romelu Lukaku at 5/2 with Coral
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