Best World Cup Bets Today: Thursday, July 2 - Knockout Stage

Best World Cup Bets for Thursday, July 2

See our selection of the best World Cup bets that you can place for the Round of 32 games played on Thursday, July 2. Check our curated selection of the top World Cup betting sites, along with the latest World Cup promos and bonuses.

For this article, we are using prices offered by Polymarket, where new users can claim the following offer: Deposit $20, Get $50 Trading Bonus. Read our Polymarket review for more info.

• Spain vs. Austria: Spain Moneyline - $0.74 at Polymarket

• Portugal vs. Croatia: Both Teams to Score (Yes) - $0.57 at Polymarket

• Switzerland vs. Algeria: Under 2.5 Total Match Goals - $0.56 at Polymarket

Prices are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.

Spain vs. Austria: Spain Moneyline - $0.74 at Polymarket

Spain enters this knockout fixture at Los Angeles Stadium as clear favorites, boasting a technically superior squad firing on all cylinders. La Roja have already proven their immense quality by comfortably controlling possession and tempo in their previous outings, and their world-class midfield is fully clicking, allowing their dynamic wingers to compromise opposing backlines. Austria finds itself in a challenging position, facing the sheer depth and tactical discipline of the Spanish roster.

Even if Austria attempts to deploy a highly aggressive high press to frustrate the favorites, Spain's elite playmakers and press-resistance will likely be far too much for the Austrian defense to contain over 90 minutes. Backing Spain to secure the outright victory in regulation offers fantastic value as they look to make a statement in the knockout rounds, a sentiment shared by the majority of expert World Cup predictions.

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Portugal vs. Croatia: Both Teams to Score (Yes) - $0.57 at Polymarket

This clash at Toronto Stadium features two European powerhouses with contrasting styles but immense attacking pedigree. Portugal heavily relies on fluid wing play and the clinical positioning of Cristiano Ronaldo, pushing numbers forward to flood the final third. Croatia, a highly disciplined squad marshaled by a legendary midfield, possesses the technical intelligence and transition passing to ruthlessly exploit the spaces left behind by an aggressive Portuguese backline.

Because it is a win-or-go-home scenario, a single early breakthrough will force the trailing team to abandon any conservative defensive structure and open the game up entirely. With both sides boasting top-tier frontline talent and showing occasional vulnerabilities against quick counter-attacks, both teams finding the net is a highly logical play for what promises to be a wildly entertaining affair.

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Switzerland vs. Algeria: Under 2.5 Total Match Goals - $0.56 at Polymarket

This Round of 32 matchup at BC Place Vancouver has all the makings of an incredibly intense, tactically cagey battle. Switzerland has built its tournament reputation on structural discipline, utilizing an elite level of defensive organization and a compact midfield block to suffocate opposing attacks. Algeria proved they belong in the knockout stages after showing great physical resilience in the group stage, but they are likely to adopt a more cautious, counter-attacking approach to nullify the Swiss threat.

While the Algerian side will look to break with pace when the opportunity arises, the Swiss have the defensive maturity to slow the match down and dictate a low-risk tempo. With both managers well aware that a single mistake could cost them their World Cup survival, expect an emphasis on defensive shape and containment over wide-open attacking play. A low-scoring, tight tactical chess match makes the under a highly lucrative play.

Please remember to manage your bankroll wisely and practice responsible gambling by only wagering what you can comfortably afford to lose.

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Please remember to manage your bankroll wisely and practice responsible gambling by only wagering what you can comfortably afford to lose.