BEST BETS WORLD CUP Thursday: USA-Turkiye, Germany-Ecuador, Japan-Sweden, Australia-Paraguay episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 25, 2026 · 26 MIN

BEST BETS WORLD CUP Thursday: USA-Turkiye, Germany-Ecuador, Japan-Sweden, Australia-Paraguay

from Hold the Phone · host Almost Friday Media

World Cup 2026 continues on Thursday, June 25 with six decisive group-stage matches. These fixtures blend European power and tactical sophistication with CONCACAF passion, Asian organization, African athleticism, and South American resilience — creating rich betting angles from heavy favorites and rotation risks to must-win scenarios and potential surprises. Türkiye vs USA – SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Calif., 10 p.m. ET The co-hosts USA, already through as Group D winners with strong wins over Paraguay and Australia, face an eliminated Türkiye side desperate for pride. Expect the USMNT (led by Christian Pulisic and co.) to control with home energy and depth, while Türkiye relies on flair from Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız in transitions. Value on USA win (even with possible rotations), clean sheet props, or unders if both sides rest key players in this near-dead rubber. Paraguay vs Australia – Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif., 10 p.m. ET Paraguay and Australia battle for positioning or pride in Group D, with both having mixed results so far. Paraguay’s physicality and set-piece threat meet Australia’s direct style and work rate. Look for a tight, tactical affair with opportunities in BTTS, cards, or Asian handicaps depending on rotation levels and qualification math. Curaçao vs Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, 4 p.m. ET Curaçao’s historic resilience and organized defense face Ivory Coast’s athleticism, counter speed, and Premier League talent (think Amad Diallo). The Ivorians should dominate possession and create quality chances after earlier results, while Curaçao hunts for set pieces and moments of magic. Strong plays on Ivory Coast win, overs if open, or player props on Ivorian attackers. Ecuador vs Germany – MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J., 4 p.m. ET Germany, likely already topping Group E after dominant early wins (including a thrashing of Curaçao), may rotate against Ecuador’s technical quality and high pressing led by Moisés Caicedo. Ecuador needs points for a best-third chance, so expect intensity. Value on Germany win-to-nil or controlled overs, German corners, and anytime goalscorer props on their depth attackers. Japan vs Sweden – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, 7 p.m. ET Japan’s disciplined pressing and quick transitions clash with Sweden’s physical presence, set-piece danger, and star power (Isak, Gyökeres). Both sides bring organization and work rate in what could be an end-to-end Group F battle. Betting angles in BTTS, overs, cards, or props on pacey wingers and clinical finishers. Tunisia vs Netherlands – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, Mo., 7 p.m. ET Tunisia’s fighting spirit and counter threats meet the Netherlands’ total football, attacking depth, and experience. The Dutch should control with possession and flair, while Tunisia sits deep and looks for breaks. Ideal for Netherlands win, team goals overs, or player props on Oranje creators. espn.com The edge this round lies in nuanced markets (Asian lines, player props, corners, cards, or rotation-aware handicaps) where public money may chase big names rather than true group dynamics and fatigue. Good luck and let’s cash some tickets! #WorldCup2026 #June25Fixtures Find LUCY near you at lucy.co/stores, or save 20% on your first online order at lucy.co/PHONE with promo code PHONE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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BEST BETS WORLD CUP Thursday: USA-Turkiye, Germany-Ecuador, Japan-Sweden, Australia-Paraguay

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