How to Bet on the 2026 World Cup Knockout Stages

The 2026 World Cup has captured the attention of the entire country, and with the tournament being played on home soil, American fans have more reason than ever to get involved. The USMNT’s run through the tournament has energized a new generation of soccer supporters, and for many, that excitement is spilling straight into the sportsbook. 

There’s plenty to bet on beyond just the US team, though. Backing underdogs, following individual players, or simply wagering on teams you want to root for are all part of what makes World Cup betting so compelling, and it’s easier than ever when you use this Caesar’s Sportsbook promo code from Action Network. With the knockout stages now in full swing, here’s a rundown of the main markets worth knowing. 

Outright betting markets

Outright markets are among the most popular options at any World Cup, and they tend to generate even more interest once the group stage is done and the field has thinned out. These bets are available throughout the tournament and carry some of the biggest stakes of any wager you can place. 

The most straightforward outright bet is picking the overall tournament winner: the team you believe will lift the trophy, whether they do it in regulation, extra time, or on penalties. You can also bet on a team to reach a specific stage, such as backing the USMNT to make a deep run into the quarterfinals or beyond. 

Individual outright markets are worth exploring too. The Golden Boot goes to the tournament’s top scorer, the Golden Ball recognizes the best player overall, and the Golden Glove is awarded to the standout goalkeeper. All three are available to bet on throughout the competition. 

Match betting markets

Match markets focus on individual games rather than the broader tournament picture. Full-time result is the most common starting point, but in the knockout rounds the options expand considerably. You can bet on the result after 90 minutes, after extra time, or on the overall outcome of the tie including a potential penalty shootout. Each comes with different odds, so it’s worth reading the small print before you place anything. 

Goalscorer markets are another popular option. Anytime goalscorer bets back a specific player to find the net at any point in the match, while first goalscorer bets require your pick to open the scoring. Card markets follow the same structure, letting you back a player to receive a yellow or red card during the game. 

You can also bet on team-level scoring outcomes regardless of the final result, such as both teams to score or which side gets on the board first. Most sportsbooks let you combine several of these selections into a single multi-leg parlay, which increases potential returns alongside the risk. 

Live betting

In-play betting lets you place wagers after a game has kicked off, with odds updating in real time based on what’s happening on the field. For fans watching the match, it adds a whole new layer of engagement. If a heavy favorite goes down early and the odds shift dramatically, that can represent serious value for a bettor who thinks the scoreline doesn’t reflect the run of play. 

Soccer is one of the best sports for live betting precisely because the game can turn so quickly. A red card, an injury to a key player, or a goalkeeper howler can flip the dynamic of a match inside a minute. Getting comfortable with in-play wagering now is a smart way to stay ahead of the action as the tournament reaches its final stages.

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