Most Popular Soccer Bets Explained – A Beginner’s Guide for FIFA World Cup Betting in South Africa
The FIFA World Cup is one of the biggest betting events on the planet, and for many South Africans it is the perfect time to place their first soccer bet.
Whether you’re backing Bafana Bafana, chasing a long-shot Golden Boot winner, or building a multi-team accumulator, understanding the different football betting markets can make a huge difference to your betting experience.
At World Sports Betting (WSB), we offer 300+ markets on every World Cup match, including pre-match and LIVE In-Play betting, along with some of the BEST ODDS in South Africa. Better odds mean better potential returns, which is why shopping for value is one of the most important habits any punter can develop.
Why do BEST ODDS matter?
Imagine two bookmakers offering different odds on the same outcome:
|
Bookmaker |
Odds |
|
Bookmaker A |
2.00 |
|
Bookmaker B |
2.20 |
A R100 bet at 2.00 returns R200. The same R100 bet at 2.20 returns R220.
Over time, consistently getting the BEST ODDS can have a significant impact on your overall returns.
The Most Popular World Cup Betting Markets
Outright Tournament Winner
This is a bet on which team will win the entire World Cup.
Example: Backing France national football team to lift the trophy.
These bets are placed before or during the tournament and usually offer bigger odds than individual match bets.
Golden Boot
Predict the tournament’s top goalscorer.
Popular contenders often include elite strikers from leading nations, while value seekers may look for outsiders with favourable fixtures.
Match Winner
The simplest soccer bet.
-
Home Team Wins
-
Draw
-
Away Team Wins
If Bafana Bafana play Mexico, you simply choose the result you expect after 90 minutes.
Match Winner 2 Up
A popular feature at WSB.
If your team goes two goals ahead, your bet can be settled as a winner early — even if the match later ends differently.
This adds extra excitement and protection during live matches.
LIVE In-Play Betting
Bet while the match is in progress.
Markets update continuously based on what is happening on the field, including:
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Next goal scorer
-
Total goals
-
Next team to score
-
Cards and corners
-
Match winner
Many experienced punters use LIVE betting to react to momentum, injuries, red cards and tactical changes.
Doubles, Trebles & Accumulators
These combine multiple selections into one bet.
|
Bet Type |
Selections |
|
Double |
2 selections |
|
Treble |
3 selections |
|
Accumulator (All To Come) |
4+ selections |
All selections must win for the bet to pay out.
Example: Bafana to win + England to win + Brazil to win = Treble.
Accumulators can produce much larger returns, but they also carry more risk.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
You are betting on both teams scoring at least one goal.
Options:
-
Yes
-
No
This market is popular when two attacking teams meet.
Total Goals (Over/Under)
Predict how many goals will be scored.
Examples:
-
Over 2.5 Goals = 3 or more goals needed.
-
Under 2.5 Goals = 0, 1 or 2 goals.
-
Over 3.5 Goals = 4 or more goals.
This is one of the most heavily traded football markets worldwide.
Handicap Betting
Handicap betting gives one team a head start or disadvantage before the match begins.
Examples:
- Brazil -1 Handicap: Brazil must win by two or more goals for the bet to be successful.
- Bafana Bafana +1 Handicap: Bafana start the match with a one-goal advantage.
Handicap markets are popular because they can offer better value on favourites or provide extra protection when backing an underdog.
Simple example:
| Actual Result | Bafana +1 Handicap Result |
|---|---|
| Bafana win 2-1 | Win |
| Draw 1-1 | Win |
| Bafana lose 1-2 | Draw |
Correct Score
Predict the exact final score.
Examples:
-
2-1
-
1-1
-
3-0
Harder to hit, but often offers much higher odds.
Bet Builder
Create your own custom bet by combining markets from the same match.
Example:
-
Bafana to win
-
Over 2.5 goals
-
A specific player to score
Bet Builders are ideal for punters who want tailored bets with bigger combined odds.
Half-Time / Full-Time
Predict the result at half-time and full-time.
Examples:
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Draw / Home
-
Home / Home
-
Away / Away
These bets can offer attractive prices because two outcomes must be predicted correctly.
Goalscorer Markets
Popular options include:
-
First goalscorer
-
Anytime goalscorer
-
Last goalscorer
-
Two or more goals
These markets are especially popular during World Cup knockout matches.
Corners & Bookings
For punters who follow match tactics and intensity.
Examples:
-
Total corners
-
Team corners
-
Total yellow cards
-
Player bookings
These markets can provide value when teams have distinct playing styles.
Auto Cash Out
Cash out your bet before the final whistle.
Auto Cash Out allows you to lock in profits or reduce losses based on your chosen settings.
Double Chance
Covers two possible outcomes:
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Home or Draw
-
Away or Draw
-
Home or Away
A useful option for reducing risk when backing an underdog or avoiding the draw.
Double Chance & Both Teams to Score
A combined market that adds more value than standard Double Chance.
Example:
-
Bafana or Draw + Both Teams to Score
These hybrid markets are increasingly popular among experienced football punters.
Why 300+ Markets Matter
Many bookmakers offer a limited selection of football markets. At WSB, every World Cup match comes with 300+ betting options, giving you the flexibility to:
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Back simple outcomes like Match Winner.
-
Create customised Bet Builders.
-
Bet live as the action unfolds.
-
Target specialist markets such as corners, cards and player props.
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Find value where others may not be looking.
Final Thoughts: Start Smart, Bet Smart
If you’re new to football betting, there’s no need to dive straight into complex markets.
A sensible approach is to start with:
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Match Winner
-
Both Teams to Score
-
Over/Under Goals
-
Double Chance
-
Small Accumulators
As you become more comfortable, explore LIVE In-Play betting, Bet Builders and player markets.
Most importantly, always compare prices and look for the BEST ODDS. Better odds can make a meaningful difference over time, whether you’re backing Bafana Bafana or chasing World Cup glory with a long-shot outsider.
Explore All World Cup Markets
View the full range of FIFA World Cup betting markets and promotions here: https://bit.ly/fifahub
From outrights and Golden Boot bets to LIVE In-Play, Bet Builder and 300+ match markets, WSB gives South African football fans everything they need to Bet With The Best.
#BetWithTheBest #FIFAWorldCup #BafanaBafana #BESTODDS
