Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 5
USMNT Odds Shorten to -140 as FIFA Suspends Balogun Ban Before Belgium Match
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 5

USMNT Odds Shorten to -140 as FIFA Suspends Balogun Ban Before Belgium Match

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 5

Summary

  • DraftKings moved the United States from -115 to -140 to advance after FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun’s red-card ban, restoring the star forward for Monday’s Round of 16 match against Belgium.
  • Hard Rock Bet also shifted the U.S. from -105 to -120 to qualify, while its regulation-win price tightened from +180 to +155 after the ruling became public Sunday.
  • The Americans had already opened as slight favorites after beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0, with the three-way line at +150 for the U.S., +170 for Belgium and +240 for a draw.
  • Sportsbooks have been exposed to heavy U.S. backing throughout the tournament: Caesars said the Bosnia match was its biggest-ever soccer handle, with 91% of match-betting money on the Americans.
  • A quarterfinal berth would be the USMNT’s first since 2002, while Belgium arrives after a 3-2 comeback over Senegal powered by three late goals.

Insights

As major upsets define this World Cup, can the USMNT use its home advantage to become the next underdog to triumph?
Will Folarin Balogun’s high-stakes return be the key to victory or an overhyped distraction for the USMNT against Belgium?