The final games of the group stage continue with Groups E and F on Thursday at the FIFA World Cup.
In Group E, a surprise 1-0 win for Costa Rica against Japan and a 1-1 draw between Spain and Germany have each of the four sides vying for the two qualifying spots. Spain leads the way with four points, while Japan and Costa Rica are both sitting on three with Germany shockingly bringing up the rear with a single point through two matches.
Over in Group F, the race is just as tight. Croatia’s 4-1 win over Canada and Morocco’s 2-0 defeat of Belgium has the top of the table packed. Canada, which is winless through two games, has failed to qualify for the Round of 16, but with Croatia and Morocco each on four points and Belgium on three, it’s all to play for.
Here are the match day odds courtesy of bet365:
 | Match Odds |
|---|---|
| Canada vs. Morocco | Canada (+250), Draw (+240), Morocco (+110) |
| Croatia vs. Belgium | Croatia (+162), Draw (+240), Belgium (+162) |
| Costa Rica vs. Germany | Costa Rica (+1800), Draw (+900), Germany (-900) |
| Japan vs. Spain | Japan (+750), Draw (+350), Spain (-250) |
Canada vs. Morocco betting preview
| Match Odds |
|---|---|
| Canada vs. Morocco | Canada (+250), Draw (+240), Morocco (+110) |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 (+110), Under 2.5 (-138) |
| Player Assists: Alphonso Davies | Over 0.5 (+500) |
Canada wins if: It can shake off the disappointment of not qualifying for the knockout rounds and find a way to nab another first.
Losses to two of the last four semi-finalists will see Canada’s first World Cup in 36 years come to an end after Thursday’s match. John Herdman’s side has checked off a few of its aims: playing fearless, entertaining footy, and getting the nation’s first goal in a men’s World Cup courtesy of Alphonso Davies.
Now, the Canadians will be looking for their first win in a World Cup. Canada is 0-5 all-time in the tournament and even grabbing a single point with a draw in this match would create some positive momentum for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
Morocco wins if: Hakim Ziyech continues to be an x-factor on the ball.
The mercurial Chelsea attacker has been involved in a lot of Morocco’s most dangerous moments. His goal against Belgium was ruled offside, but he picked up an assist on the team’s second of the match.
Mismatch to watch: Vulnerability at the back.
Canada has allowed its opponents 22 shots, 13 of which were on target through two matches, conceding five goals. Morocco has allowed just 15 shots and only four on target – it has yet to concede a goal.
Prop to watch: Player Assists – Alphonso Davies Over 0.5 +500.
Having nabbed his country’s first goal at the World Cup, can Phonzie now play provider for one of his teammates against Morocco?
Jonathan David has been held rather quiet in Qatar, he might just be due (First Goal +600, Last Goal +600, Anytime Goal +240).
Croatia vs. Belgium betting preview
| Match Odds |
|---|---|
| Croatia vs. Belgium | Croatia (+162), Draw (+240), Belgium (+162) |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 (+100), Under 2.5 (-125) |
| Bet Boost Same Game Parlay – Match Result Croatia, Andrej Kramaric to Score Anytime, Over 2 Goals | (+900) |
Croatia wins if: It’s as ruthless against Belgium as it was against Canada.
The Croatians smelled blood in the water and pounced, scoring four unanswered goals after falling behind early. Belgium, having scraped past Canada before getting thoroughly outplayed by Morocco, is limping through the group stage.
Belgium wins if: Kevin De Bruyne shows his class.
The Manchester City midfielder has looked like a shadow of his club self with the national team. Granted, the pieces around him aren’t quite the same, but the return of Romelu Lukaku in the late stages of the team’s second match could be the signs of something stirring.
Mismatch to watch: Passion, desire.
Call it what you will, but the two teams shared some similarities heading into Qatar. Both nations are former semi-finalists at the World Cup and are on the verge of having to rebuild their respective programs. Croatia has done so gracefully, finding ways to inject the fresh blood into the lineup. Belgium, on the other hand, has not. And it has shown.
A rash statement from the Canadian coach was enough to fire up the Croatians, prompting them to show what they’re capable of. One wonders what, if anything, would wake up the Belgians?
Prop to watch: Bet Boost Same Game Parlay – Match Result Croatia, Andrej Kramaric to Score Anytime, Over 2 Goals in the Match +900
Kramaric netted twice against Canada en route to the emphatic victory. With its midfield trio considered one of the best in the world, the question for Croatia was who would step up to score the goals? Kramaric answered that call, and took both his goals very well. He could just be getting started.
Costa Rica vs. Germany betting preview
| Match Odds |
|---|---|
| Costa Rica vs. Germany | Costa Rica (+1800), Draw (+900), Germany (-900) |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 (-300), Under 2.5 (+240) |
| To Score First: Jamal Musiala | (+500) |
Costa Rica wins if: Keylor Navas stands on his head.
The Costa Rican goalkeeper was peppered in their opening match, conceding seven goals to Spain. He registered one save that day – one goal came from a penalty spot – it was a tough outing. But a few days later, he and the rest of the side regrouped and battled for an unexpected victory over Japan.
Navas was credited with three saves, including a rather spectacular kick save in the later moments to preserve the win. He will need to do so again against Germany.
Germany wins if: It builds off a strong performance against Spain.
The Germans were shocked in their opener, falling 2-1 to Japan, and had they not managed to rescue a point after falling behind in their second match against Spain, their World Cup could have ended swiftly.
There were signs of life against the Spain and Hansi Flick will be looking to ride that wave of positivity into the next round, albeit with a bit of help from the other Group E matches.
Mismatch to watch: Too many to list.
Costa Rica is due for a changing of the guard in terms of generational talent and could perhaps consider itself fortunate to even be in Qatar. Germany is also undergoing a generational transition, but the likely candidates to step into those starring roles have begun to emerge, particularly in the case of Jamal Musiala, who has been the nation’s best player thus far.
On paper, the Germans win this, no question. On the field, however, as this competition has proven, anything can happen.
Prop to watch: Goalscorer: Jamal Musiala First +500, Last +500, Anytime +140.
The 19-year-old Bayern Munich starlet has yet to score his first goal in Qatar, but has been a bright spot through a pair of difficult outings.
Japan vs. Spain betting preview
| Match Odds |
|---|---|
| Japan vs. Spain | Japan (+750), Draw (+350), Spain (-250) |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 (-138), Under 2.5 (+110) |
| Team Shots: Japan | Over 7.5 (-138) |
Japan wins if: It doesn’t take its foot off the gas.
Japan made five changes from the side that came from behind to beat Germany ahead of an ‘easier’ match against Costa Rica. A lacklustre first half, conceding first once more, and a costly defeat will have been a valuable lesson.
Against Spain the Japanese cannot afford to hold back.
Spain wins if: The sensational breakout duo of Gavi and Pedri continue to dominate games.
Granted it’s not just the teenage Barcelona products who have been instrumental to Spain’s impressive opening to the World Cup, but their energy, creativity, and fearlessness have been emblematic all the same.
Mismatch to watch: Shot conversion.
Both teams have taken a decent number of shots through two matches (Spain 23, Japan 25) and both have kept a number of those shots on target (Spain 10, Japan seven). While it’s true that not every shot is the same, and Spain was particularly clinical against Costa Rica, teams cannot afford to be wasteful.
With eight goals, Spain has averaged 0.30 goals/shot, while Japan has two goals for 0.08 goals/shot.
Prop to watch: Team Shots: Japan Over 7.5 -138.
With Germany squaring off against Costa Rica on the final pass through the group, a draw is unlikely to be enough to see the Japanese safely into the knockout stage. That will come with a little bit of desperation.
Japan had twelve shots in its first match and 13 in its second. Spain will have a lot of the ball, but the Japanese will find their moments, they have to.
