World Cup odds, best bets for Monday’s games with Messi, Mbappe, Haaland back at it
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Erling Haaland and Norway face a tough test against Senegal on Monday. Justin Setterfield / Getty Images
By Dan SantaromitaJune 22, 2026 Updated June 23, 2026 11:43 am EDTThe Athletic has live coverage of England vs Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The way the World Cup schedule is set up, we get the treat of Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé all playing on the same day. That trio combined for seven goals in their opening matches, more than living up to the hype. What will this group of stars have in store for an encore?
Here’s a look at Monday’s four matches, which include a very intriguing meeting between Norway and Senegal as well as games featuring Argentina and France.
Argentina vs. Austria (Group J)
Standings: Argentina (3 points, 1st), Austria (3 points, 2nd)
Time: 1 p.m. ET
TV: Fox (English), Telemundo (Spanish)
Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Messi waited until he was 38 to score a hat trick in a World Cup. After years of wondering whether he would ever win one with Argentina, is Messi playing with no pressure? That’s a scary thought.
In a tournament that has seen some of the favored teams have disappointing first matches (Spain, Portugal) or unimpressive first halves before clicking (France, England), Argentina didn’t take long to get going. Let’s not get carried away with a 3-0 win and a hat trick from Messi against Algeria, but there were no signs in that game that Argentina won’t once again be one of the top contenders.
Austria should represent stiffer opposition than Algeria, but La Albiceleste are still clear favorites. With three points in hand, Austria could be motivated to play defensively.
France vs. Iraq (Group I)
Standings: France (3 points, 2nd), Iraq (0 points, 4th)
Time: 5 p.m. ET
TV: Fox (English), Telemundo (Spanish)
Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
It’s no surprise that France is the biggest favorite of the day. With respect to Messi and Haaland, the French front three has arguably the three best attackers on the planet in Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise. Mbappé had two goals and arguably the goal of the tournament against Senegal, while Olise had one of the prettier assists to set up Mbappé’s first goal.
Iraq gave up four goals to Norway, so this one could get ugly. The French attack is different than the hulking size of Haaland, so it’s a different matchup to defend. The speed, athleticism and skill on the ball is a nightmare for any defense.
The Iraqis are still seeking a first World Cup point, but this is probably not the match to find it from. There have been some surprise results so far, but this would be right there with the Spain-Cape Verde draw, and might even top it.
Norway vs. Senegal (Group I)
Standings: Norway (3 points, 1st), Senegal (0 points, 3rd)
Time: 8 p.m. ET
TV: Fox (English), Telemundo (Spanish)
Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.
It’s fairly incredible that on a day featuring Argentina and France, the best match on paper features Norway and Senegal. While both national teams have had their moments on the international stage, they are both on the upswing.
Norway features one of the best players on the planet in Erling Haaland, and he showcased his ability with two goals against Iraq. However, there is a big jump in quality from Iraq to Senegal.
The African side showed well against France… for a half. Then France took it up a gear or two with two second-half goals in a 3-1 win. There’s not much reprieve for Senegal, which has what is almost certainly the toughest opening two matches of anyone at the World Cup (along with Iraq, which has the same two teams in opposite order).
Norway has Haaland and some other talented players, but probably doesn’t have the same top gear the French do. This game should be relatively even. The Norwegians are favored, but at plus money.
Jordan vs. Algeria (Group J)
Standings: Jordan (0 points, 3rd), Algeria (0 points, 4th)
Time: 11 p.m. ET
TV: FS1 (English), Telemundo (Spanish)
Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif.
It’s easy to write this match off. It has a late kickoff time. It’s between two lesser-known and less accomplished teams in the international game. Both also lost their opening matches. However, there’s a good chance this game could be wide open.
Realistically, both teams need to win and see each other as their best chance of a win in this group, especially for Jordan, which has Argentina next. Algeria might have a chance against Austria, but will be the underdog in that match.
Algeria is favored against the Chivalrous Ones, although a win or draw for Jordan is priced at +140, which is far from a long shot.
Best bets
Mike Hume: Lionel Messi any time goal, +100 (FanDuel)
Why stop now? Messi has to smell that he could capture the Golden Boot, and he’s got to keep the shots coming in order to keep pace with stiff competition from … like, everyone. It’s a bonkers race already. If I need to pick one player to find the back of the net in this match, I’m going with the GOAT.
Dan Santaromita: Jordan-Algeria both teams to score, +102 (FanDuel)
Both teams need a win, so I expect this to be an open match. Jordan looked solid on the counter against Austria, and Algeria has some good attacking talent.
Vik Chokshi: Norway-Senegal both teams to score, -140 (FanDuel)
This one is going to be fun to watch. Debated between this bet and the over, but ultimately landed on BTTS. Norway’s offense looked great in the team’s opener and Senegal needs some points. The match should be wide open, and both offenses should get a ton of shots.
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Betting records
| Units | Record | |
|---|---|---|
| Dan | 1.58 | 6-5 |
| Mike | -0.47 | 4-7 |
| Vik | -1.13 | 6-6 |
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