2026 FIFA World Cup Betting Picks for June 22: Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe continue Golden Boot chase
The top two favourites to win the World Cup Golden Boot are both in action on Monday as Lionel Messi and Argentina face Austria, while Kylian Mbappe and France take on Iraq.
It’s an absolutely stacked day for elite goalscorers as in addition to Messi and Mbappe, Norway’s Erling Haaland is also in action against Senegal. The day’s events close out with Jordan and Algeria looking to stay alive.
Let’s get into it with our betting picks and parlay plays for all four games.
Make sure to check out Sports Interaction’s complete list of World Cup game odds, World Cup futures and World Cup specials and props.
Argentina vs. Austria – Group J
Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Time: 1 p.m. ET, June 22, 2026
How to watch in Canada: TSN, TSN+
The world’s No. 1 ranked team and reigning World Cup champion Argentina kicked off their tournament with a dominating 3-0 win over Algeria behind a Lionel Messi hat-trick. Austria also jumped out to a strong start with a 3-1 win over Jordan.
This will be Argentina’s toughest group stage matchup, but they still hold a clear edge in talent with the top-ranked La Seleccion facing world No. 21 Austria. This is also an aggressive Argentina team that will press hard from the start and get on the board early.
Argentina vs. Austria betting pick: Lionel Messi anytime goal (-102)
Parlay pick: Argentina moneyline + both teams to score – yes + 1st half result – Argentina + Lionel Messi anytime goal (+675)
You can see our full Argentina vs. Austria game preview and score prediction here.
France vs. Iraq – Group I
Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Time: 5 p.m. ET, June 22, 2026
How to watch in Canada: TSN, TSN+
France’s quest to reach a third straight World Cup final and Kylian Mbappe’s Golden Boot defence started off hot with Mbappe registering a brace in a 3-1 French victory over Senegal. Iraq sits bottom of the group following a three-goal loss to Norway.
This is the biggest mismatch of the day, with Les Blues sitting as a massive -1100 favourite, while Iraq is a +2500 underdog. Iraq remained somewhat competitive against Norway, but France is a totally different beast and I expect Mbappe to take advantage and make it a nightmare day for Iraq’s defenders.
France vs. Iraq betting pick: Kylian Mbappe 1st goalscorer (+210)
Parlay pick: Kylian Mbappe 1st goalscorer + France Over 3.5 goals (+550)
You can see our full France vs. Iraq game preview and score prediction here.
Norway vs. Senegal – Group I
Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Time: 8 p.m. ET, June 22, 2026
How to watch in Canada: TSN, TSN+
There were no surprises in Norway’s World Cup opener against Iraq as Erling Haaland’s brace led to a 4-1 rout. Senegal was in a tough spot against world No. 2 France and did as well as can be expected in a 3-1 loss.
This is primed to be a much closer game, with Norway only sitting as a slight +110 favourite over Senegal (+230). While Haaland is as close to a lock to score as you can expect, Senegal also boasts the firepower to find the back of the net, so I’m banking on a higher scoring game.
Norway vs. Senegal betting pick: Erling Haaland anytime goal (+110)
Parlay pick: Erling Haaland anytime goal + both teams to score – yes + game total Over 2.5 goals (+220)
You can see our full Norway vs. Senegal game preview and score prediction here.
Jordan vs. Algeria – Group J
Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California
Time: 11 p.m. ET, June 22, 2026
How to watch in Canada: TSN, TSN+
Jordan and Algeria both began their World Cup campaigns with multi-goal losses, which leaves an uphill battle. The best path to the knockout round for each team is likely now finishing as one of the tournament’s eight-best third-place teams.
This is a must-win game for both teams as a loss almost certainly means elimination. Algeria is a sizeable -190 favourite as the more talented team and boasting a fully healthy roster, so I lean a closer, low-scoring win.
Jordan vs. Algeria betting pick: Algeria moneyline (-190)
Parlay pick: Algeria moneyline + game total Under 2.5 (+240)
You can see our full Jordan vs. Algeria game preview and score prediction here.