When Spanish superstar Lamine Yamal was ruled out for the rest of Barcelona's season due to a torn hamstring, betting markets reacted to the teenage sensation's injury, with Spain lengthening from a +450 solo favorite position to win the World Cup, to being co-favorites with France at +500. Now, with signs pointing towards Yamal being able to play at some point in the tournament, Spain is back to being solo favorites at +475.
Since the field was set, several countries have seen their odds shift in either direction. Notable improvers include Morocco (60-1 to 50-1), Croatia (90-1 to 80-1) and Switzerland (100-1 to 65-1). Teams that lengthened include Norway (28-1 to 35-1), Mexico (70-1 to 80-1) and late-qualifier Turkey (65-1 to 100-1).
The United States saw their odds shorten from 65-1 to 60-1, likely due to outsized action at American sportsbooks. Bookmakers across the marketplace are expecting the public to the back the host country early and often this summer, with DraftKings Sportsbook director Johnny Avello saying American bettors "will bet the U.S. every time they play."
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