⚽ World Cup Predictions: Best Bets & Prop Picks for Sunday, June 14

We have another full-on slate for World Cup action ahead, and my World Cup predictions for Sunday highlight a favorite play from each of the four games, spanning markets in fouls, BTTS, totals, three-way lines, and goal-scorers.

After starting out with a 4-1 mark (or 5-0 depending on where you wager!) on Thursday, I'm back to bring that momentum forward. Our opener between Germany and Curacao should be a goal festival - possibly matching all three other games combined. Buckle up for the opening matches from Group E and Group F action.

⚽ World Cup predictions today: June 14

See all of our experts' World Cup picks based on the latest World Cup odds and favorites 

Total wagered: 2.25 units | Max profit: 3.12 units

💰 Best World Cup prediction today

Leandro Bacuna Over 1.5 fouls committed (+120) vs. Germany

Germany is going to dominate today's opener versus Curacao; there's no question about that. The only chance the underdog will have to keep things under control is to attempt to disrupt Germany's midfield play, and part of that might include purposeful (or not) persistent fouling.

So I'm looking at one of the Bacuna brothers for my best prop of the day. Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala are tactical geniuses, and their short, rapid passes will need to be addressed. Leandro Bacuna is an old-school combative midfielder, and he won't shy away from tactical fouls.

Kickoff time: 1 p.m. ET
Germany vs. Curacao odds: Germany (-3500) | Draw (+1600) | Curacao (+2800)
How to watch: FOX / Telemundo / Peacock

🔥 More World Cup predictions for Sunday

Netherlands vs. Japan: both teams to score - no (+100)

This was arguably the hardest game to parse on the entire slate. Both sides are dealing with some very substantial injuries that simply can't be overlooked. Japan are missing Karou Mitoma and Wataru Endo, who are maybe their best players on the offensive side of the game; the Netherlands are without Jurrien Timber and Xavier Simons.

The Japanese side is missing two of their most prolific offensive players, but their defense is intact. Over the last 19 games, spanning WCQ and friendlies, they've conceded only three goals, including 1-0 shutouts of Scotland and England in March.

While the Netherlands backline does cause me some concern, whether either team can actually be relied on to produce much offense in what looks like a cagey, hard-fought group opener has me siding with the plus-money side of this prop.

Kickoff time: 4 p.m. ET
Netherlands vs. Japan odds: Netherlands (+105) | Draw (+235) | Japan (+255)
How to watch: FOX / Telemundo / Peacock

Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador Under 1.5 goals (+130) and Draw (+185)

I love both of these, plus money props for the game, and I'll break them down together because they work hand in hand, and if we get lucky, we can cash both! The logic that plays into the Under 1.5 at plus-money also plays into the draw.

An important game for both teams, with the outcome that could earn them the second spot in the group; neither will be eager to make a push that could be capitalized on. Ecuador is grounded in an excellent defense that allowed just five goals across 18 WCQ games, including blanking Argentina and Brazil.

Ivory Coast didn't concede in their entire CONMEBOL qualification campaign, and while Ecuador is a step up from most of that competition, I don't expect the defensive shape that produced that result to shift suddenly in such an important game.

A 0-0 draw is the dream, but even a 1-0 win for either side or a 1-1 draw leaves us up money on the game.

Kickoff time: 7 p.m. ET
Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador odds: Ivory Coast (+225) | Draw (+185) | Ecuador (+160)
How to watch: FS1 / Telemundo / Peacock

Viktor Gyokeres anytime goal-scorer (+150)

Sweden will get its chances against a Tunisian side that just allowed five in their last friendly, and Gyokeres is primed to take advantage. Fresh off a decent season with Arsenal, helping guide the Gunners to their first title in 22 years, he was instrumental in guiding Sweden through the playoffs to earn their berth.

Graham Potter was signed after Sweden was abysmal in qualifying, but his management style funnels chances to Gyokeres, and he has scored in all three games with the new manager at the helm. This price at FanDuel is much better than others in the industry, which have him at +130. There's a second benefit to placing it there: they have a "sub on, play on" type rule like bet365, which means even if Gyokeres fails to score, if the player subbed on for him finds the back of the net, you still cash. 

Kickoff time: 10 p.m. ET
Sweden vs. Tunisia  odds: Sweden (-105 ) | Draw (+240) | Tunisia (+320)
How to watch: FS1 / Telemundo / Peacock