Shortly before the end of a soccer match, the odds for the current result are usually quite low. However, if you can watch the game on TV at the same time, it is often almost certain that no more goals will be scored. You just have to pay attention to the teams' strategies. Even odds of 1.04 or similar are worthwhile. We off you here pro sports opinions & in-depth football analysis.
An example: Both teams play with the classic 4-4-2 formation. The score is tied shortly before the end. Now it often happens that the team in possession of the ball leaves the defensive line of 4 completely behind and uses at least one midfielder to cover the opponent's strikers. As a result, it is no longer possible to launch a sensible attack and only the draw is secured.
Often a midfielder is even turned into a full forward. A similar thing happens with a 5-man midfield. Quite often, a striker also withdraws into midfield, which is also a clear signal that the result should be maintained. The same constellation can of course also occur if one team is leading but both are satisfied with the result (e.g. because both will progress to the next round).
In this case, a glance at the pitch from the side is usually enough to determine where the frog has the curls! I usually place the tip from the 90th minute onwards. My most blatant example was Italy - USA, 3 minutes of injury time, after 92:45 minutes I still got odds of 1.03.
It also often happens that clear games still have good odds just before the end. This week, for example, the score was 3-0 in the 70th minute in what was actually an even game - the odds for 1 were still 1.10. A look at the statistics of the current game says a lot. There were hardly any cards, very few corners and goal kicks, i.e. not particularly aggressive play in midfield with rather “accidental” goals.
This method is best used with defensive-minded teams, as the risk of goals being scored is very low. It is also beneficial if the good strikers have already been tactically substituted (usually happens in the 88th minute, but usually does not directly change the odds).
Germany is at the top of the 2026 World Cup betting odds, but the DFB team has not yet qualified for the finals in the USA, Mexico and Canada. However, five teams have already secured their World Cup ticket.
Who has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup? The betting base keeps track.
These teams have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup
Three hosts automatically qualified as World Cup participants for the first time
For the first time in FIFA history, three hosts have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup.
As the finals will take place in the USA, Mexico and Canada, all three are automatically allowed to take part and do not have to go through CONCACAF qualifying.
Only once before has a World Cup been hosted by more than one country. In 2002, Japan and South Korea shared the role as joint hosts.
In 2030, six nations - Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, Morocco, Spain and Portugal - will automatically take part in the World Cup finals.
In sporting terms, Japan was the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. While Germany is looking forward to the Nations League Final Four and will not start the World Cup qualifiers until September, others have already punched their ticket.
Four days later, New Zealand secured their World Cup ticket. Thanks to the increase in the number of participants from 32 to 48, Oceania's continental association OFC has a secure place in the inflated field of participants.
As expected, the beneficiary is New Zealand, who will return to the World Cup after 16 years. The last time the Kiwis qualified for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa was via the international play-offs.
A total of 48 World Cup participants will play for the 2026 World Cup title. The USA, Mexico and Canada are the three hosts - and they qualify automatically.
This means that 45 other teams still have to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
With 16 World Cup participants, UEFA has the largest contingent at the World Cup. Africa is sending nine national teams, while Asia is sending eight.
They will be joined by six teams from South America, one from Oceania and a further six from North and Central America and the Caribbean, with three starting places already taken by the USA, Mexico and Canada.
The distribution of starting places for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico & Canada:
● Africa (CAF): 9 (+4 compared to 2022)
● Asia (AFC incl. Australia): 8 (+3.5)
● Europe (UEFA): 16 (+3)
● North, Central America and the Caribbean (CONCACAF): 6 (+2.5)
● Oceania (OFC): 1 (+0.5)
● South America (CONMEBOL): 6 (+1.5)
For the experts, soccer fans and betting providers with a German license, three teams in particular stand out on the long list of 2026 World Cup favorites: France, Brazil and England.
Of course, reigning world champions Argentina are also among the co-favorites, as are Spain and Germany.
According to the 2026 World Cup winner odds, Portugal, the Netherlands and Italy are also among the co-favorites. All other nations can dream of a major triumph - but as outsiders.
With these tips and facts you are set to place your bet and try your luck for the upcoming tournaments. Even if you decide to bet on them last minute.
