World Cup Day 12 Tipsheet: Jack Critchley's best bets for day 12 of the 2026 World Cup

Argentina v Austria Tip - Back another Messi masterclass in Arlington

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Monday, 18:00 Live on BBC One

Sometimes in life, it is best to keep it simple. I'm not going to overcomplicate matters in this opener on Monday evening, and I will be sticking with the mercurial Lionel Messi to strike again. Aside from scoring a hat-trick against Algeria, Messi took more shots than any of his teammates (6) and had an xG on target of 1.86. The Inter Miami man isn't just a penalty box poacher, with only four of his 61 touches taking place within 12 yards of goal, and the 38-year-old is likely to be heavily involved once again.

I struggled to draw too many conclusions on Austria following their 3-1 success over Jordan. They were always likely to beat a side sat 73rd in the FIFA rankings, yet they weren't especially eye-catching. They did create some decent opportunities, but they weren't especially convincing. Jordan didn't offer much going forward, managing just four shots on target. This will be a far tougher test for Ralf Rangnick's side and they may not be able to cope with a player who is evidently still thriving at the age of 38.

It may also be worth backing a few goals in this game. Both teams will be keen to take maximum points from their first two games, allowing them to rest key players for the third and final Group J fixture. Austria looked clinical and Argentina's defence wasn't asked too many questions by Algeria.

France v Iraq Tip - Back Les Bleus to turn on the style after the break

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Monday, 22:00 Live on BBC One

France produced a stinker of a first half against Senegal, leaving us all feeling a little bereft. A small tactical tweak by Didier Deschamps at the break, coupled with a loss of intensity and energy by the Lions of Teranga, turned the game in their favour during the second half. Les Bleus were also able to bring on some reinforcements, showcasing their enviable attacking riches, to which the African side had very little response.

Kylian Mbappe looked rusty in the first half, yet he was brought to life in the second half, surpassing Olivier Giroud's record of 58 international goals for France. He unleashed a ferocious late effort to put the game to bed shortly after Senegal had given themselves a lifeline.

This will be tough for Iraq, who showed some flashes of quality against Norway in their opener. They've been drawn in a tricky section and are likely to finish the tournament without a point. Even if they can restrict Deschamps men for the majority of the opening 45, France can simply change the game by utilising their bench and introducing some fresh legs. Neither Jean Philippe-Mateta nor Marcus Thuram were introduced on MD1, and they also have Rayan Cherki, Bradley Barcola and Warren Zaire-Emery as options too.

France can potentially rack up the goals in the latter stages of this one.

Norway vs Senegal - Back these Group I rivals to produce a match worth staying up for

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Tuesday, 01:00 Live on ITV1

Norway were extremely clinical in their opener against Iraq. Although the fans were understandably delighted with the outcome, it wasn't an entirely convincing display, especially in the first half, which featured one or two shaky moments.

Nevertheless, the second half was far more composed and with Martin Odegaard pulling the strings in midfield, they were easily able to dictate the tempo. This is much tougher and they won't get as much time or space.

Senegal were impressive in the first half against France, despite lacking composure in the final third. They created a couple of big chances before the break and look fast and dangerous on the break. Unfortunately, there was a notable dropoff in energy levels after the break and they couldn't get near Les Bleus.

They should be able to test the Norwegian defence and if they can keep their cool in the opposition's box, we potentially have a fantastic game of football on our hands.

Jordan vs Algeria - Back BTTS in a 'must-win' match for these MD1 losers

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Tuesday, 04:00 Live on ITV1

This game is undoubtedly one for the purists. Jordan vs Algeria may not get the pulse racing, but there is reason to think that this may be a decent watch.

Both sides predictably lost their opener, and a defeat in this game will almost certainly result in elimination from the tournament. That should increase the urgency of both sides and hopefully result in a fairly open 90 minutes.

Algeria couldn't get close to Argentina, but they produced some positive moments and the one-sided scoreline perhaps slightly flattered the 2022 World Cup winners. They failed to register a shot on target, yet they do have quality in their squad including Amine Gouiri of Marseille and Frankfurt's Fares Chaibi.

Jordan managed to test the Austrian defence and got themselves a historic first-ever World Cup via Ali Olwan. They will look to hit their opponents on the break and use fast transitions to unlock the Algerian backline.

The purists may be rewarded for staying up late to catch this contest.

Notable winners on Betting.Betfair so far at the 2026 World Cup...

- Mark Stinchcombe's stunning 38/139.00 Bet Builder in South Korea v Czechia
- Paul Higham's 9/25.50 Bet Builder in Mexico's MD1 defeat of South Africa
- Paul also tipped 13/53.60 (Canada v Bosnia) & 15/82.88 (Brazil v Morocco) draws
- A 6/17.00 winning ACCA for Mark on Sunday at the World Cup
- Andy Robson's 9/110.00 five-leg ACCA as Germany wallop Curacao
- A 13/53.60 winner for Paul as France beat Senegal with both teams scoring
- Paul's at it again, an 11/43.75 winning Best Bet in Switzerland v Bosnia
- An 11/26.50 winner for Jimmy The Punt as Jonathan David scores 2+ goals
- Paul's 2/13.00 headline tip in Germany v Ivory Coast was a winner

Jack's Anytime Goalscorer Treble - Back these three superstars to notch on Day 12 at 5/16.00

If you have a £10 bet on this goalscorer treble with Betfair, you'll receive a free £10 bet courtesy of our Bet £10 Get £10 on ACCAs or bet builders at the World Cup.

Check out all of our World Cup 2026 betting tips