CBS Sports analysts target Mbappe and Haaland for Monday’s World Cup fixtures
With Lionel Messi’s record-breaking performance setting the tone, analysts from CBS Sports and SportsLine have identified strategic opportunities in the Monday match slate, focusing on attacking returns for France, Norway, and Algeria.
CBS Sports has released a comprehensive analysis of betting markets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches scheduled for Monday, 22 June. The report utilises odds from FanDuel to identify value in "anytime goalscorer" propositions, focusing on high-profile attackers ahead of critical Group I fixtures. The coverage also draws on insights from SportsLine experts Jon Eimer, Martin Green, and Brad Thomas to contextualise the statistical vulnerabilities of opposing sides.
The day’s action follows Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria, where Lionel Messi scored twice to secure the all-time men’s World Cup scoring record with 17 goals. Messi’s performance, which included a hat-trick in the tournament opener against Algeria, has established the defending champions as a dominant force. However, the analytical focus for Monday shifts to the remaining Group I matches, where specific player form and defensive lapses are driving betting recommendations.
Kylian Mbappe is identified as a primary target for France’s clash with Iraq. The Real Madrid star, who recently became the all-time leading goalscorer for the French national team, scored twice in France’s 2-1 win over Senegal. Analysts point to Iraq’s defensive frailties, noting that the side conceded four goals to Norway in their previous fixture, as a key factor in Mbappe’s projected return.
Erling Haaland is similarly highlighted for Norway’s encounter against Senegal. The Manchester City forward scored twice in Norway’s 4-1 victory over Iraq, demonstrating significant impact in both aerial and ground duels. With Senegal having held France to a 0-0 halftime draw before conceding late, analysts suggest Haaland’s current form presents a strong case for an anytime goalscorer prop.
Algeria’s veteran striker Riyad Mahrez is the third key figure in the analysis. Playing for Al-Ahli, Mahrez holds 33 goals in 104 caps for his country. Although Algeria was shut out in their 0-0 draw with Argentina, the report suggests the team will rely heavily on Mahrez against Jordan, a side that conceded three goals to Austria in their opening match. Mahrez has yet to score in a World Cup, a statistic that analysts view as a potential catalyst for value in the current odds.
The convergence of these high-profile fixtures with domestic sports markets has prompted a rigorous review of team form and historical data. As the tournament progresses, institutional models continue to scrutinise the interplay between individual player momentum and team defensive structures, with Monday’s slate offering distinct opportunities for those tracking statistical trends.
