The 2026 World Cup is moving at a breakneck pace as the knockout rounds loom. On Thursday, July 2, six more nations take the pitch with hopes of securing their place in the next stage. For fans looking to add some skin to the game, the anytime goalscorer market offers a variety of compelling opportunities across three key matchups.
The slate began with Austria facing Spain, followed by a heavyweight clash between Croatia and Portugal at 7 p.m. ET. The day concludes with Algeria taking on Switzerland at 11 p.m. ET. Much of the spotlight remains on Cristiano Ronaldo as he leads Portugal against Luka Modric’s Croatia. The Selecao das Quinas enter that match as -150 favorites on the money line, while Croatia sits as +470 underdogs. A draw after 90 minutes is priced at +270, and oddsmakers expect a relatively open game, with the Over 2.5 goals currently favored at -142.
While Ronaldo is the chalk pick to score at -110, experienced bettors often look further down the board to find better price points. Identifying an anytime goalscorer is notoriously difficult in tournament football, but looking at recent shot volume and expected goals (xG) can reveal hidden value beyond the household names.
Top Anytime Goalscorer Selections for Thursday’s World Cup Action
- Lamine Yamal, Spain (+125)
- Bruno Fernandes, Portugal (+230)
- Ibrahim Maza, Algeria (+600)
Lamine Yamal: Spain’s Rising Star Looks to Break Through
The 18-year-old phenom is arguably the most dynamic presence in the Spanish attack. Although he may not always see a full 90 minutes of action, his impact on the game is immediate whenever he is on the pitch. Yamal’s tournament has been a mix of heavy involvement and defensive frustration; while he was limited to just a single shot against Uruguay, he previously dominated against Saudi Arabia with five attempts and a goal.
Spain’s offensive structure relies heavily on the individual brilliance of players like Mikel Oyarzabal and Yamal. Given his ability to create his own shot and his rising status as a focal point for La Roja, Yamal is a strong candidate to find the back of the net in this high-stakes environment.
Bruno Fernandes: Finding Value in Portugal’s Midfield Engine
While the media often focuses on Ronaldo’s quest for milestones, Bruno Fernandes remains the tactical heartbeat of the Portuguese side. The Manchester United captain enters this match in excellent scoring form, having netted in his final Premier League appearance of the season against Brighton, followed by a goal in a June friendly against Chile.
Fernandes’ international record is impressive, with 29 goals across 92 appearances for his country. At 31 years old, his veteran savvy allows him to exploit spaces in the final third that others might miss. At +230, he offers a significantly higher payout than Ronaldo while remaining one of the team’s primary threats on set pieces and from distance.
Ibrahim Maza: The Longshot Value Pick for Algeria
For those looking for a high-reward option, Algeria’s Ibrahim Maza is a name to watch. The 20-year-old has shown remarkable composure on the world stage, leading his team in expected goals (xG) over the last two fixtures. Maza recorded seven total shots in those games, posting a 0.49 xG against Jordan and a 0.60 xG against Austria.
Despite these high-quality chances, Maza has yet to find the net, suggesting he is due for a breakthrough. His rapid ascent to a starting role at Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga highlights his talent level. If Algeria can create chances against Switzerland, Maza is the most likely candidate to be on the receiving end of them.
Summary of Thursday’s Betting Outlook
Thursday’s World Cup schedule provides a diverse range of betting narratives. While Spain looks to their youth movement spearheaded by Lamine Yamal, Portugal relies on the consistent clinical nature of Bruno Fernandes. Meanwhile, Algeria’s Ibrahim Maza represents a high-upside option based on advanced metrics. As the tournament moves into its most critical phase, these three players stand out as top choices for those targeting the anytime goalscorer markets.
