Table of Contents
Chris Fallica FOX Sports Wagering Expert
"Bear Bets" are real wagers that Chris "The Bear" Fallica is actually making.
Two goals for the reigning Golden Boot winner in his 2026 World Cup opener — should we have expected anything less?
Still, we have to leave that behind and look ahead to the next day.
Match Day 7 — let's roll.
This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.
World Cup Best Bets — Wednesday, June 17
Austria vs. Jordan
If Austria is to win, it could be because of the leg of Marko Arnautovic (Getty Images).
This one goes down on Wednesday at midnight ET. Sometimes, the simplest, most obvious bet is the best bet. Don’t overthink it. I took this strategy with Breel Embolo and Switzerland, and I’ll do the same here with Austria’s best goalscorer.
Fallica's Pick:
Marko Arnautovic At Least 1 Goal+Assist (-135)
Portugal vs. DR Congo
While I have concerns about how many goals Portugal will score, I do think it will eventually find the net. It has a fantastic midfield which should dominate the game, meaning scoring opportunities will be numerous for it. And even more importantly, I don't think there will be very many opportunities for Congo, which I find it hard to imagine will score.
Fallica's Pick: 
Portugal Win To Nil (-115)
England vs. Croatia
A grizzled, veteran-laden Croatia is back to make England’s life miserable here. England’s Euro 2024 matches were bogs, and I can't imagine the presence of Thomas Tuchel will change that much. Head to halftime even and Harry Kane to the spot in the second half looks like a likely recipe.
Fallica's Picks: 1st Half Draw (+125), Under 2.5 Goals Scored (-145)
Ghana vs. Panama
A goal or assist from Antoine Semenyo could prove vital for Ghana (Getty Images).
I have no idea what to expect here. Panama isn't a great side at all, but no Thomas Partey for Ghana is a big deal. I’ve got to serve up a bet for every group stage match, so let's just go with "best player has a goal contribution".
Fallica's Pick:
Antoine Semenyo At Least 1 Goal+Assist (+150)
Uzbekistan vs. Colombia
This could get out of hand in a hurry in Mexico City. Uzbekistan is one of the weaker sides in the tourney and will likely face a ton of pressure from a Colombia side with a high work rate, intent on putting a number on the board here.
Fallica's Picks: Colombia Over 14.5 Shots (-135), Colombia 1st Half (-120)
share
recommended
2026 World Cup Round of 16 Odds: Which Teams Will Make It?
How to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Scores, Schedule, Dates for Every Match
4 Takeaways From Mexico's World Cup Roster Selection
2026 World Cup Quarterfinal Odds: Which Squads Will Make Final 8?
2026 World Cup Odds: Who Will Score the Most Goals For Their Countries?
2026 World Cup Power Rankings: Every Team Ranked From 48 to 1
2026 World Cup: France Alone Atop Oddsboard After Spain's Shocking Draw
2026 World Cup Odds: Which Player Will Lead the Tournament in Assists?
4 Players Who Could Steal The Show At The 2026 World Cup
Arrow pointing to the leftArrow pointing to the right
Item 1 of 3 
Get more from the FIFA Men's World Cup Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more in this topic 
Betting Gambling 
FIFA Men's World Cup 
Soccer 
Chris Fallica
NEXT STORY
Top 100 Players In The 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ranked
recommended
2026 World Cup Round of 16 Odds: Which Teams Will Make It?
How to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Scores, Schedule, Dates for Every Match
4 Takeaways From Mexico's World Cup Roster Selection
2026 World Cup Quarterfinal Odds: Which Squads Will Make Final 8?
2026 World Cup Odds: Who Will Score the Most Goals For Their Countries?
2026 World Cup Power Rankings: Every Team Ranked From 48 to 1
2026 World Cup: France Alone Atop Oddsboard After Spain's Shocking Draw
2026 World Cup Odds: Which Player Will Lead the Tournament in Assists?
4 Players Who Could Steal The Show At The 2026 World Cup
Arrow pointing to the leftArrow pointing to the right
Item 1 of 3Original Article
