These are the days soccer fans worldwide have been waiting for. Four matches per day. Every four years, we are treated to the feast of football that is a World Cup, and the controversial decision to expand to 48 teams has only made it more satisfying for us soccer gluttons.
Looking ahead to Tuesday's slate, here's our parlay:
France vs Senegal
Kylian Mbappé scored 42 goals for Real Madrid in 2025-26. He's got 56 goals in 98 caps for France and has an extraordinary record with 12 World Cup goals to his name, including a hat-trick in the final four years ago.
A defeat to the United States and a draw with Saudi Arabia hardly inspired confidence in Senegal. This presents the perfect opportunity for Mbappé to take another step towards Miroslav Klose's World Cup record.
Pick: France to win and Kylian Mbappé to score (+123)
Iraq vs Norway
Erling Haaland has 15 matches with multiple goals in just 50 international appearances. Ranked 57th in the world, Iraq are a mismatch for this Norway team. This is the sort of fixture where Haaland will be looking to make his mark.
There's potential for this to be a very one-sided match. Iraq's draw with Spain in a warm-up doesn't tell us much. Norway are a highly dangerous opponent, and Haaland will be desperate to announce himself on his first World Cup appearance.
Pick: Erling Haaland to score two or more goals (+230)
Argentina vs Algeria
Argentina have conceded one goal in their last nine matches and eight in their last 18. Algeria aren't to be taken lightly, but they have notably failed to qualify for the last two World Cups. There's a distinct lack of experience against the world's top teams aside from a 1-0 win over the Netherlands in a warm-up match.
A steely defensive record and plenty of talent in attacking areas makes a win to nil the most likely outcome for Argentina. This has the makings of a 2-0 or 3-0 for the world champions.
Pick: Argentina to win and BTTS – no (-103)
Austria vs Jordan
Austria's string of high-scoring matches in 2024 might be behind them, but they still beat Ghana 5-1 in March. Ralf Rangnick's side will be looking to come out of the blocks on Tuesday against a Jordan team which failed to cover this line against Switzerland and Colombia in their warm-up matches.
It's five matches without a win for Jordan. There's a chance they struggle under the bright lights of the World Cup, while Austria's squad have been there and done it in tournament soccer.
Pick: Austria -1.5 (-118)
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