If this is your first time betting on the FIFA World Cup, this guide is made for you. In the next 3 minutes, you will learn the most common World Cup betting markets, using real match examples and simple explanations. No complicated terms, no long reading, just the basics you need before placing your first bet.
Common World Cup Bets (Beginner-Friendly)
1️⃣ Match Result (FT 1X2)
Above is an example from the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. FT 1X2 means you are betting on the final result after 90 minutes, including injury time but excluding extra time and penalties.
| Option | Meaning |
| 1 | Home team wins |
| X | Draw |
| 2 | Away team wins |
Why it’s popular:
Easy to understand. One match, one result.
2️⃣ Handicap Betting (HDP)
| Example | What Needs to Happen |
| Team A (Mexico) -1.0 | Team A: Must win at least two goals or above |
| Draw (Mexico/South Africa) -1.0/+1.0 | Team A: Win exactly by one goal |
| Team B (South Africa) +1.0 | Team B: Win or draw |
Why it’s used:
Balances strong vs weak teams.
3️⃣ Total Over / Under Goals (O/U)
| Bets | Results |
| Over 2.5 | 3 goals or more |
| Under 2.5 | 2 goals or fewer |
Why it’s popular:
No need to pick a winner. Very beginner-friendly.
4️⃣ Outright (Predict Tournament Winner)
| Example | Meaning |
| Brazil to win World Cup | Bet on final champion |
Important to know:
Outright bets last until the end of the tournament.
5️⃣ Corners Betting
| Bet Types | Example |
| Over / Under | Over 9.5 corners |
| Handicap | Team A -1 corner |
Why people like it:
More action, even if goals are low.
6️⃣ Total Booking / Cards Betting
| Bets | Meaning |
| Over 3.5 cards | 4 or more cards |
| Team cards | Cards for one team |
* If a player receives 2 yellow cards and is consequently shown a red card, the player receives a total of 3 cards.
Common during:
High-pressure knockout matches.
Advanced Bets (For Experienced Players)
These bets offer higher payout, but are harder to win.
⚠️ Recommended only after you understand basics.
Advanced Betting Table
| Bet Types | Why It’s Risky |
| Parlay (Combo) | One loss cancels all bets |
| Correct Score | Exact score needed |
| Special Bets | Player or match-specific outcomes |
⏱️ Which Bets Should You Use First?
| Experience Level | Recommended Bets |
| New player | 1X2, Over/Under |
| Casual bettor | Handicap, Corners |
| Experienced | Parlay, Correct Score |
✅ 5-Minute Takeaway
If you remember only three things, remember these:
- Start with Match Result or Over/Under
- Avoid parlays at the beginning
- Do not rush or bet every match
That’s enough to start betting responsibly during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
🔗 Ready to Bet?
Now that you understand the basics, you can return to our main guide to see where Malaysians can bet on the World Cup safely.
