⚽ World Cup Predictions: Best Bets & Prop Picks for Tuesday, June 16

Two of the final four groups to not start their World Cup tournament get underway today, as France and Argentina open their tournament play (but not against each other). And my World Cup predictions for Tuesday break down all four games as we look to get back on track after a rocky day yesterday.

My World Cup predictions dig into each of the four games: France vs. Senegal, Iraq vs. Norway, Argentina vs. Algeria, and Austria vs. Jordan. From the late opener to the overnight action, we have you covered.

⚽ World Cup predictions today: June 16

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

Total wagered: 3 units | Max profit: 3.71 units

💰 Best World Cup prediction today

Martin Odegaard & Erling Haaland to be fouled 1+ each (-110)

My favorite bet of the day highlights two important cogs in a one-dimensional Norway team, Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland. Iraq will enter with a defensive mandate, aiming to disrupt Norway's rhythm.

Merchas Doski, Iraq's left back, will be operating in the space on the right where Odegaard will look to overlap. He committed numerous fouls in the WCQ games, and averages more than one a game in domestic play. The Arsenal captain also operates in tight spaces that can draw contact out of necessity. Haaland is even simpler: he's among the most physical focal points in the world, and defenders often have no other choice but to foul to stop him.

Of note: play this - and all player props - at a site like bet365, where the "sub on, play on" feature is present - that way if for some reason either of your players is subbed off, you can still cash your tickets if their replacement gets the job done.

Kickoff time: 6 p.m. ET
Iraq vs. Norway odds: Iraq (+1300) | Draw (+600) | Norway (-475)
How to watch: FOX / Telemundo / Peacock

🔥 More World Cup predictions for Tuesday

France Over 2.5 goals (+186)

The biggest concern here is that Deschamps, who has been regularly criticized for being too conservative, doesn't unleash his players early enough to hit this target. But make no mistake, the talent is there, and even with the conservative starts, this team has scored three or more in four of their last six (dating back to the end of their qualifying).

But I'm banking on France seeing what happened to Spain yesterday - a slow start that eventually devolved into a 0-0 draw - and deciding that they're going to step on it a little quicker out of the gate to make sure they avoid that outcome.

Senegal has been dinged for three goals a couple of times recently against top-tier opponents such as Morocco and the United States. France will join that list today.

France Over 6.5 corners (+120)

This is a value play over taking the 5.5 at -150, which is implied to hit 60% of the time, by taking the better value with an implied probability of 45.45%. Both outcomes fall within the average range for French corners.

Heavy possession numbers against teams that end up pinned in their own zones often result in corners piling up, and France's attack should make that a reality this afternoon. France generates corners in clusters.

Playing wide through Dembele and Olise against a side that will force crosses and wide deliveries that can be (and will need to be) defended away for corners. The concern is that Senegal's shape will allow those shots through.

Kickoff time: 3 p.m. ET
France vs. Senegal odds: France (-215) | Draw (+360) | Senegal (+600)
How to watch: FOX / Telemundo / Peacock

Argentina first-half moneyline (-105) & Argentina -1.5 (+132)

Can Argentina shake the 2022 WC loss to Saudi Arabia and get off on the right foot tonight? I'm banking on it.

Messi continues his recovery from injury, but Scaloni has said he's available tonight. But surely the Argentinian superstar will be on a tight minutes restriction, and they'll be looking to make the most of it with him on the pitch. There's a real "fingers crossed" hope here that he starts. I fully expect Algeria to try to sit back and frustrate the defending world champions, but I like Argentina to take a lead into the locker room.

A big issue for that approach, however, is one major: Ramy Bensebaini. Algeria's starting CB won't be present tonight, and they're turning to a backline that hasn't been tested by the likes of Argentina before.

A quarter-unit wager is as far as I'll go on either of these plays.

Julian Alvarez anytime goalscorer (+140)

Alvarez's anytime goalscorer prop presents an interesting value tonight for an Argentina side that should be on the front foot for most of the evening. Messi's minutes being managed should result in additional opportunities in the later third of the game for Alvarez, and also increase his presence as a focal point in the box. Algeria is no slouch, but they do have a weak defensive structure and can be taken advantage of. 

Let's take our flier on one of the better-priced likely goal scorers for today's slate.

Kickoff time: 9 p.m. ET
Argentina vs. Algeria odds: Argentina (-235) | Draw (+350) | Algeria (+700)
How to watch: FOX / Telemundo / Peacock

Austria moneyline & both teams to score: no (+102)

Welcome to the show, Jordan. I'm not expecting a repeat of yesterday's Capo Verde versus Spain (not the draw bit, at least, the not scoring bit I am expecting to be repeated).

Ralf Rangnick's gegenpressing system forces fast ball recovery in the attacking third, keeping the pressure on. There's bound to be an initial storm that should set the tone for the game and keep Jordan on the backfoot. Jordan's leading scorer, Ali Olwan, only recently returned from a long-term injury and may struggle to get through the full game if he's continually pressed into defending actions. 

There is concern about Jordan managing one on the break, but Austria has the skill to keep Jordan on the defensive end of things for long, exhausting periods of time. 

Kickoff time: midnight ET
Austria vs. Jordan odds: Austria (-275) | Draw (+400) | Jordan (+800)
How to watch: FS1 / Telemundo / Peacock