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Can Messi and Argentina Pull Off the Impossible Back-to-Back?

Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi
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The FIFA World Cup is back in session. The 2026 edition is the biggest yet: three host countries, 48 teams, and a record 104 matches. Truly, there’s never been a better time to be a soccer fan.

Before the tournament begins on June 11, we’re setting out to take a closer look at some of the most prominent teams in the field. As the reigning champions, Argentina enters as the team to beat. 

Below, we’ll cover the latest World Cup betting odds for La Albiceleste, find out which offshore sportsbooks are the best for betting the FIFA World Cup, and break down Argentina’s path to the final with a schedule and predictions.

Current Argentina 2026 World Cup Odds

World Cup odds are provided by BetOnline and are current as of Monday, May 11.

Odds to Win the 2026 World Cup

At +1000, Argentina ranks near the top of the list of FIFA World Cup favorites. Only Spain, France, England, and Brazil have shorter odds to emerge as champions.

Argentina’s +1000 odds carry an implied probability of roughly 9.1 percent, and that seems to track with this team’s chances of winning the World Cup. This team has been the picture of success at this stage over the last decade-plus, winning the tournament in 2022 and finishing as runners-up in 2014.

Lionel Messi isn’t getting any younger, but he remains one of the game’s elite players.

Argentina Group Stage Odds

Argentina is an overwhelming favorite to win Group J at -300. It drew Austria (+425), Algeria (+650), and Jordan (+4000), and while Austria and Algeria have solid squads, they don’t come close to matching up with the power of La Albiceleste. 

Even if Argentina doesn’t win Group J outright, the team has still been listed at -5000 to qualify from the group stage. There’s little reason to bet either of these props – it’s almost a foregone conclusion that Argentina will advance to the knockout stage. 

Top Argentina Prop Bets

Messi headlines the Argentine squad, and naturally, there are a few prop bets centered around his performance that could be worth a look:

  • Lionel Messi wins Golden Ball (+1000)
  • Lionel Messi is the top goalscorer (+1200)

You can also bet the over or under on the total number of goals Argentina will score throughout the tournament. That number is set at 11.5, with the over and under equally priced at -115

There’s some logic in putting two or more of these bets together. Should Messi be the FIFA World Cup’s top goalscorer, you might as well bet Argentina to score over 11.5 goals, too. Those two events would likely coincide. 

Where to Bet on Argentina in the World Cup

It’s never too early to lock in your FIFA World Cup bets. Use our recommended offshore sportsbooks to get the most value out of every wager.

Top Rated Sportsbooks for Argentina Bettors

BetOnline is one of the biggest names in the offshore sports betting industry, and for good reason. Boasting favorable odds and a slew of sports-specific bonuses, this is a reliable, one-stop shop that suits bettors of all backgrounds.

One of the longest-running offshore sportsbooks is Bovada. Operating since 1994, this betting site serves millions of U.S. customers and remains one of the top choices thanks to its valuable crypto promotions and competitive betting markets.

Bettors looking for a discount should try Heritage Sports, which is one of the best reduced juice sportsbooks on the market. Bet -108 lines instead of the usual -110 on tons of popular markets and take advantage of their terrific live betting service.

How to Claim Your World Cup Betting Bonus

Ready to start betting? Follow our step-by-step guide to claiming your World Cup bonus:

  • View our list of the best offshore sportsbooks.
  • Find your preferred option and click “Visit Site.”
  • Tap “Join” on the sportsbook’s landing page.
  • Enter your necessary personal details and create your account.
  • Hit “Deposit Now” on the bonus you want to claim.
  • Make your first deposit.
  • Start betting!

Argentina Betting Predictions and Analysis

Argentina’s ceiling is among the highest in the field, but does that mean they’ll reach it? Let’s take a closer look at this squad. 

Team Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths: Experience and versatility best define this Argentine squad. Messi and Co. have truly seen it all by now, and they play with terrific chemistry and understanding of the game. They can adapt to most situations and styles of play, are capable of playing from in front or behind, and boast top-tier talent all over the field. 

Weaknesses: Argentina has an aging core and may be at a disadvantage against younger, more explosive squads. La Albiceleste also lacks depth in a few key positions, so injuries to one or more key players could quickly bring a potential run to an end. There’s also the unique pressure of attempting to repeat as FIFA World Cup champions – a feat that hasn’t been accomplished since 1962.

Key Players to Watch

Messi will turn 39 during the FIFA World Cup, but that’s no reason to doubt his ability. He may not be as fast or strong as he once was, but technically speaking, he’s still at the top of his game. He’s absolutely still capable of leading Argentina to the final, and it helps that he has stars in Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez at his side. 

The Path to the Final: Argentina Schedule and Matchups

After winning the FIFA World Cup in 2022, Argentina enters with plenty of momentum. Here’s a look at their recent performances and their upcoming matches. 

Qualifying Campaign Form

Argentina looked stellar in its qualifying matches. CONMEBOL began the process in September 2023, with matchdays concluding two years later. In total, 10 teams played 18 matches, with the top six finishers earning spots in the tournament.

La Albiceleste finished atop the standings with a 12-2-4 record and +21 goal differential. Messi was the top scorer (eight goals), while Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez each scored four. Argentina’s losses came against Colombia, Uruguay (twice), and Brazil. Uruguay was the only team in the field that Argentina failed to defeat at least once.

Group Stage Matchups and Schedule

As mentioned, Argentina got a fairly favorable draw for the group stage. It’ll play three matches against Algeria, Austria, and Jordan from June 16 to 27 in Kansas City and Arlington, Texas: 

  • Tuesday, June 16 at 9 p.m. ET: Argentina vs. Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium. 
  • Monday, June 22 at 1 p.m. ET: Argentina vs. Austria at AT&T Stadium.
  • Saturday, June 27 at 10 p.m. ET: Jordan vs. Argentina at AT&T Stadium.

Argentina is a sizable -240 favorite in its opening match against Algeria. Over 2.5 goals is favored at -114. 

Argentina should also be favored over Austria, albeit by a slightly smaller margin. Jordan, ranked 63rd in the world, is the weakest of La Albiceleste’s first three opponents. 

 

Historical World Cup Betting Trends for Argentina

How has Argentina performed in recent years in the FIFA World Cup? It’s a mix of success and disappointment, often at the hands of the same opponents. Here are the World Cup betting stats and trends that you need to know.

Past Tournament Performance

Argentina has earned its high expectations. This is consistently one of the strongest teams in the field, and that’s shown over the last few tournaments:

  • 2022, Qatar: Defeated France on penalties in the final to win the third World Cup.
  • 2018, Russia: Eliminated in the Round of 16 by France, 4-3.
  • 2014, Brazil: Eliminated in the final by Germany, 1-0.
  • 2010, South Africa: Eliminated in the quarterfinals by Germany, 4-0.
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France and Germany are constants in Argentina’s path to the final, and given that both are among the favorites to win the 2026 edition, there’s a chance that we’ll get yet another rematch.

ATS and Totals Trends

Argentina was carried by its attack in 2022, scoring 15 goals over seven matches played. Once again, La Albiceleste boasts a wide range of efficient scorers and playmakers, headlined, of course, by Messi. With that in mind, I would look to bet the over in their early matches, particularly throughout the group stage. 

Responsible Gaming

Sports betting should be entertaining, not a way to make money. Never bet more than you can afford to lose. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER or visiting ncpgambling.org.

Argentina World Cup Betting FAQ

Still looking for more? Check out some of these World Cup FAQs.

What are the odds for Argentina to win the World Cup?

Argentina is listed at +1000 to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, putting this squad among the tournament favorites. Lionel Messi is expected to help guide this team on a deep run as La Albiceleste seeks its fourth World Cup title. 

Lionel Messi remains the best player for Argentina. Even at 38 years old, he’s one of the best soccer players in the world. While he’s not as strong or fast as he once was, he’s only gotten more technically proficient over the years and is terrific at facilitating the attack. 

Yes, you can bet on Argentina in the FIFA World Cup using cryptocurrency by betting at offshore sportsbooks. There are dozens of safe options available, including BetOnline, Bovada and Heritage Sports. Many offshore sportsbooks offer more lucrative bonuses when you pay using cryptocurrency.

Yes, it’s safe to bet on the World Cup at offshore betting sites – as long as you’re using a reputable, well-established platform. Bookmakers Review has comprehensive reviews available for all of the best options on the market. 

*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.