The 2026 World Cup knockout phase is intensifying as the Round of 16 draws near, with six nations competing for advancement on Thursday, July 2. This high-stakes slate offers a prime opportunity for enthusiasts looking to explore the anytime goalscorer market. Action on Thursday includes a clash between Austria and Spain, followed by a marquee matchup between Croatia and Portugal at 7 p.m. ET, and concluding with Algeria facing Switzerland at 11 p.m. ET.
The spotlight in the evening session falls on the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo as he leads Portugal against Luka Modric and Croatia. Betting markets currently position the Selecao das Quinas as -150 favorites on the money line. Meanwhile, Croatia enters the contest as +470 underdogs according to FanDuel, with a draw after 90 minutes priced at +270. Oddsmakers are expecting goals, as the Over 2.5 match total is currently favored at -142.
While Ronaldo remains the primary focus for bettors at -110 to find the back of the net, seasoned analysts often look for better value in the secondary scoring options. Predicting specific goalscorers is a challenging aspect of soccer wagering, but identifying players with strong underlying metrics can reveal lucrative opportunities beyond the obvious favorites.
Top Anytime Goalscorer Selections for Thursday’s World Cup Slate
- Lamine Yamal, Spain (+125)
- Bruno Fernandes, Portugal (+230)
- Ibrahim Maza, Algeria (+600)
Spain’s Dynamic Offensive Threat: Lamine Yamal (+125)
The teenage sensation is widely expected to be the most impactful player on the pitch for La Roja. Even if he does not feature for the full duration of the match, the 18-year-old’s ability to change a game in an instant is undeniable. Although he was restricted to a single shot in a recent fixture against Uruguay, his performance against Saudi Arabia—where he registered five shots and a goal—demonstrates his high ceiling.
Spain’s offensive strategy relies heavily on the creative ingenuity of Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal. Given that these two represent the most consistent goal-scoring threats in the current lineup, leaning toward the emerging superstar to capitalize on Spain’s dominance in possession is a sound tactical choice.
Portugal’s Consistent Performer: Bruno Fernandes (+230)
While much of the media attention centers on Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes serves as the strategic engine of the Portuguese attack. The Manchester United captain carried strong momentum into the summer, finishing the domestic season with a goal against Brighton and scoring in an international friendly against Chile on June 6.
With 29 goals across 92 appearances for his country, the 31-year-old veteran has a proven track record of delivering on the big stage. Fernandes possesses the tactical intelligence to exploit spaces in Croatia’s defense, making him a strong candidate to open his 2026 tournament account during this crucial Thursday night fixture.
Algeria’s High-Value Prospect: Ibrahim Maza (+600)
For those seeking a higher payout, 20-year-old Ibrahim Maza offers intriguing statistical value. Despite his youth, Maza has shown remarkable composure, leading his team in expected goals (xG) over the last two outings. His involvement has been high, recording seven total shots and putting three on target across his most recent appearances.
Maza generated an xG of 0.49 against Jordan and an even higher 0.60 against Austria, marking the highest totals for any player on the pitch who didn’t find the scoresheet. Having recently established himself as a regular starter for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, Maza is a player on the rise. After starting all three group-stage games, he appears primed for a statistical breakthrough against Switzerland.
Key Takeaways for Thursday’s World Cup Betting
Thursday’s matches provide a diverse range of betting profiles, from established veterans like Bruno Fernandes to rising stars like Lamine Yamal and Ibrahim Maza. While the favorites often draw the most action, the underlying performance data—particularly for players like Maza—suggests that there is significant value to be found in the anytime goalscorer market as the 2026 World Cup enters its most critical phase.
