The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest football World Cup ever. In the United States, Canada and Mexico, 48 nations will compete for the world title. With twelve groups, an extra knockout round and 104 matches in total, football fans can look forward to weeks of top-level action.
For football fans, that means more matches, more excitement and more moments to put their football knowledge to use. At Starcasino, you can follow the 2026 World Cup closely with up-to-date odds, different types of bets and the option to bet live during the match.
Whether you are betting on the Netherlands, the tournament winner, the number of goals or a surprise underdog, the 2026 World Cup offers interesting betting options for every football fan.
Betting on the 2026 World Cup is more enjoyable when you know which options are available. At Starcasino, you can choose from different types of football bets. Some bets are simple and direct, while others require more insight into form, tactics, squads and the course of the tournament.
You can place bets before matches start, but you can also bet live while the game is being played. There are also outrights, where you predict what will happen later in the tournament. For example, you can bet on the World Cup winner, the top goalscorer or which country will win its group.
During the World Cup, you can bet on different markets for each match. The most familiar option is the 1X2 bet: team A to win, a draw or team B to win. This is often the most accessible way to bet on a match.
You can also bet on over/under. Here, you predict whether the number of goals will be above or below a certain line. Both teams to score is another popular option, especially in matches where both sides are expected to play attacking football.
For those looking for more risk, there are bets such as correct score, handicap, first goalscorer or half-time/full-time. These markets require more football insight, but they can also make a match even more exciting to follow.
Outrights are bets that are not based on one single match, but on the tournament as a whole or a longer phase of it. For example, you can predict who will become world champion, which country will win Group F or which player will finish as the tournament’s top goalscorer.
You can also bet on teams reaching the quarter-finals, semi-finals or final. This type of bet requires a broader view. You are not only looking at the quality of a team, but also at the fixture schedule, possible opponents, injuries, form and experience in major tournaments.
For the 2026 World Cup, outrights are especially interesting because the tournament is bigger than ever. With the new format of 48 teams and a round of 32, more countries can stay in the tournament for longer.
Live betting makes the World Cup even more dynamic. During a match, the odds can change because of goals, red cards, injuries, substitutions or simply the flow of the game.
Is a favourite trailing early but still dominating the match? Then live betting may become interesting. Do you see a match opening up with both teams creating chances? Then a bet on more goals could make sense.
Stay sharp, though. Live odds move quickly and it is easy to be led by emotion. Do not only look at the scoreline, but also at the momentum, tactics and quality of chances.
The 2026 World Cup will be played in the United States, Canada and Mexico. For the first time, 48 countries will take part. The group stage consists of twelve groups of four teams. The teams finishing first and second will progress to the knockout phase, together with the eight best third-placed teams.
That means the knockout phase starts with 32 countries. This changes the group stage compared with previous World Cups. Even a third-place finish can be enough to progress, which means more matches remain important until the final whistle.
The 2026 World Cup starts on 11 June 2026 and runs until the final on 19 July 2026. The opening match will be played in Mexico City between Mexico and South Africa. The final will take place at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.
With three host countries and large travel distances, this will be a unique tournament. Teams will have to deal with different host cities, travel times, weather conditions and stadiums. These factors can also affect performances and, therefore, your betting decisions.
The Netherlands are in Group F at the 2026 World Cup, together with Japan, Sweden and Tunisia. Oranje open against Japan, then play Sweden, before finishing the group stage against Tunisia.
The Netherlands’ schedule:
Netherlands – Japan: 14 June 2026
Netherlands – Sweden: 20 June 2026
Tunisia – Netherlands: 26 June 2026, 01:00 Dutch time
For Oranje, this is an interesting group. Japan are technically strong, Sweden bring physical power and attacking quality, and Tunisia can be difficult to play against. The Netherlands will be favourites to progress, but this group requires focus from the first match.
Betting on Oranje is naturally extra appealing for Dutch football fans. You can bet on individual Netherlands matches, but also on their performance across the full tournament.
Examples include group winner, qualification for the next round, number of goals scored by the Netherlands or a specific player to score. Live betting on Oranje matches can also be interesting, especially when the flow of the game changes or when the Netherlands are putting heavy pressure on the opponent.
When betting on the Netherlands, do not only look at the names. Team balance, form, fitness, the starting line-up and the opponent are often more important than reputation.
As always, the World Cup will feature some of the biggest names in football. Think of players such as Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Erling Haaland. The Netherlands also have several players to watch, including Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong, Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay.
For bets on goalscorers, assists or player performances, it is important to check the line-ups shortly before kick-off. A big name only becomes an interesting betting option when he is fit, starts the match and has a role that matches your bet.
Betting on the World Cup becomes more interesting when you look beyond the name of the country. A major football nation does not win automatically. Form, fitness, schedule and playing style can make a big difference.
First, look at the recent performances of teams. A team that comes through qualification or warm-up matches strongly can start the tournament with confidence. Also pay attention to injuries and suspensions, because one missing defender or striker can completely change the balance.
Then compare the type of bet. Sometimes a bet on goals, both teams to score or a handicap can be more interesting than simply betting on win, draw or loss. Especially in matches with a clear favourite, the standard 1X2 market may offer less value.
Discipline is important with live betting. Do not let one early goal or one exciting moment decide everything. Look at the flow of the match, possession, chances, substitutions and tempo before placing your bet.
At Starcasino, you can follow the 2026 World Cup with a broad range of football betting options. From group matches to the final, and from outrights to live betting, there are plenty of ways to use your football knowledge.
Whether you place your prediction before kick-off or respond to the action during the match, the 2026 World Cup offers new chances and stories every day. With the larger format, more participating countries and an extra knockout round, this tournament will be different from every previous edition.
At Starcasino, enjoyment comes first. Bet consciously, decide your stake in advance and only play with money you can afford to lose. That way, betting on the World Cup stays fun, exciting and responsible.