World Cup: Books OK With 'Low-Scoring USA Win', But Not Paraguay Repeat

World Cup betting markets show strong appetite for the U.S. in its opener against Paraguay, a 4-1 result that has bettors increasingly backing the U.S. to win the tournament. Caesars’ Mark Bickerdike noted a surge in wagers on the USA to win and on Balogun to win the Golden Boot. After the Paraguay game, the USA moved to -197 with Canada at +475 and Draw at +320; two days before the USA vs Australia match, odds shifted to USA -176, Australia +425, Draw +305. Futures odds also improved: the USMNT is now at +4000, roughly co-10th with Belgium and Mexico, while France leads at +400, Spain +500, and Portugal and England around +750. Bettors remain focused on Over/Under 2.5 goals and player props for Balogun and Pulisic, reflecting a strong one-way betting momentum in favor of the United States.