Play of the Day: World Cup, June 16

By J.T. CHADWELL

Another busy day in group stage with eight more teams making their 2026 Cup debuts.

FRANCE VS SENEGAL

France’s opener won’t be as easy as most, as Senegal is one of the more formidable teams coming to America from Africa.  Like the French, Senegal is pretty good top to bottom with top European club talent at all three levels.  France features a much deeper team than the Senegalese side and will look to get its World Cup started off on a hot note.

• Low Risk Parlay Toss In: France Double Chance AND Senegal team total under 1.5 (-550)
• Average Risk Parlay: France to win, Kylian Mbappe 1+ Shot on target, Senegal team total under 1.5 (-135)
• High Risk Play: France to win 2-0 or 3-0 (+300)

IRAQ VS NORWAY

The second match of the day will see the darling of the competition, Norway, in its first action against Iraq. While Iraq has been improved over the last two years to get here, it should be no match for the Norwegians who feature a very strong attack up front led by Erling Haaland.  It’s not a one-man for Norway, however.  Supplementing the attack will be Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig), Alexander Sarloth (Atletico Madrid), Martin Odegaard (Arsenal), and Sander Berge (Fulham).

• Low Risk Play: Norway over 1.5 team total goals (-355)
• Average Risk Play: Game total over 2.5 goals AND Erling Haaland to score (-115)
• High Risk Play: Haaland 2+ goals AND Alexander Sorloth to score or assist (+410)

ARGENTINA VS ALGERIA

The defending champions open against Algeria in what looks to be a low-scoring, low-octane affair.  Both teams are above average defensively, with Argentina being the classier side.  While a point for Algeria would go a long way for its qualification chances, I don’t think the Algerians will risk all for that point.  

• Low Risk Parlay Toss in: Argentina to score AND Algeria under 1.5 team total (-650)
• Average Risk Play: Under 2.5 total goals (-115)
• High Risk play: Argentina to win either 1-0 or 2-0 (+200)

AUSTRIA VS JORDAN