World Cup Betting Tips Today: Predictions & Best Bets for July 14th

The first World Cup semi-final takes place on Tuesday between France and Spain and everything points towards a cracking game of football. But who's going to come out on top? Didier Deschamps' French players have been flawless throughout the tournament while Spain also remain unbeaten having conceded just one goal from six matches to date.

Our World Cup tipster Nathan Joyes is back with his best bets for this semi-final match. Read his World Cup tips below.

France vs Spain

France are now the clear favourites to win the 2026 World Cup and it's very hard to argue with the bookmakers. They haven't wavered once all summer long, scoring 16 goals, conceding three and winning all six matches within 90 minutes. Stacked with so much talent - not only with their starting XI but those on the bench - Deschamps' side doesn't drop in quality even after multiple substitutions and this is what gives them the edge.

France's first two knockout matches were won without conceding. They breezed past Sweden 3-0 and while their 1-0 win over Paraguay was less glamorous than what we had witnessed in the group stage, France showed they can control matches and not let situations unsettle them.

Their first true test came against Morocco. The 2022 semi-finalists had their supporters but France didn't waver - even if it took them until the second half to break the deadlock. Morocco barely had an opportunity due to France's utter domination of the ball and how well they move it in the final third.

Once again, Kylian Mbappe was the main man but Ousmane Dembele fired in his fifth of the tournament. With Bradley Barcola, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Warren Zaire-Emery coming on in that match, once again it shows how much depth they have - and it's frightening.

Spain, admittedly, have grown into this tournament. It was a sluggish start in the group, especially after drawing 0-0 with Cape Verde, but their knockout stage wins over Austria and Portugal without conceding convinced everyone they are worthy contenders.

It hasn't always been brilliant from Spain, and Lamine Yamal has yet to show his true self, but Spain have made it to the last four and have every chance.

However, their performance against Belgium wasn't good enough. Although it got them through to the next round, the Red Devils too often found gaps and were arguably unfortunate to not take the game to extra time or find a second goal themselves.

When Spain were caught out on the transition, their midfield was often wide open which allowed Belgium to carry the ball into their final third. Spain also looked vulnerable from wide positions, where they were able to cross and score to go ahead in that match.

A similar performance would see the French have a field day - and with Spain not truly delivering all tournament, it's easy to see why they are weak in the market for this match.

With that in mind, I'm backing France to win at 13/10 with BetMGM.

My second selection is a little more obvious - but the market has surprised me. Kylian Mbappe is gunning for the Golden Boot having scored in all six World Cup matches to date - which includes four braces. His form has been insanely good, even for him.

Yet despite the Real Madrid forward scoring in every single match, Mbappe is odds-against to make it seven matches in a row. Throw in the fact he's responsible from the penalty spot, and how well France operate and rotate in the final third, it's very surprising to see such generous odds on him just to score in the match.

If France win - and I expect them to - it would be a huge shock if Mbappe isn't one of the goalscorers. This match is set to be played with a closed roof and temperature controlled, and so it should be played at its usual pace and that should allow Mbappe with plenty of opportunities to not only create space, but find the back of the net.

I'm backing Kylian Mbappe to score anytime at 23/20. with BetMGM.

Betting Tips

France vs Spain: France to win at 13/10.

France vs Spain: Kylian Mbappe to score anytime at 23/20.