Betting in July 2026
It's not just the weather that's scorching, July is also red hot for sports betting, with a packed schedule of major sporting events headlined by the final stages of the FIFA World Cup.
Can you believe we're already in July? The World Cup group stage has wrapped up, and both Germany and the Netherlands have already headed home to Berlin and Amsterdam respectively. England take on DR Congo, and no, that's not a baddie from an Austin Powers film, it's a real country.
Anyway, we've got fantastic weather, plenty more World Cup football to enjoy, Wimbledon in full swing, and July is shaping up to be a scorcher in more ways than one.
FIFA 2026 World Cup
The World Cup has been a great spectacle so far, and fair play to the USA for embracing the tournament. They've really captured the World Cup spirit and, overall, everything seems to be going to plan. That said, I'm still not a fan of the expanded format. It's not because of the extra teams, it's the fact that in many groups the top three qualify. What type of skulduggery is that? You can literally lose two games and still make it through to the knockout stages. Unfortunately, it's here to stay because FIFA will be raking in billions from television rights, sponsorship and ticket sales thanks to all the additional matches.
Looking ahead to July, there are a couple of Round of 32 ties that really catch the eye. France have just dumped Sweden out after a miserable display from the Scandinavians. Forget Graham Potter, they needed Harry Potter for that performance.
Portugal versus Croatia is undoubtedly the standout fixture. Cristiano Ronaldo has come under heavy scrutiny, which I find completely absurd. His presence alone adds to the magic and excitement of a World Cup. When both he and Lionel Messi finally step away from international football, people will truly appreciate just how much they've contributed to the game over the past two decades. Portugal should have enough quality to progress, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Ronaldo get on the scoresheet again. Croatia still possess plenty of experience, but many of their star names are coming towards the end of their careers, and it wouldn't be a surprise if this proves to be their last serious challenge on the biggest stage.
England face DR Congo in what should be a straightforward assignment, although knowing England they'll probably make far harder work of it than necessary. The pundits are already laying the groundwork by describing it as a difficult fixture, but let's be honest, England have no fewer than six £100 million players in their squad, more than almost any other nation. A narrow hard fought victory is on the cards and the bookies seem to represent that . A 2-1 England win is just 7/1 and worth a look at.
As for the rest of the tournament, all of the leading contenders are still in the mix. France looked outstanding against Sweden and continue to set the benchmark. Argentina have cruised through a comfortable group and have also benefited from what looks like a favourable route to the semi-finals.
Brazil remain many people's favourites, but I just don't see it. The lack of depth compared to previous generations is astonishing. While they still possess some excellent players, too many of the starting XI are operating at clubs below the elite level. Previous Brazilian teams were packed with players starring for Europe's biggest clubs, whereas this squad includes players from teams such as Bournemouth, with no disrespect intended to the Cherries.
The hosting nations should probably bow out in the Round of 16, although, to be fair, they've all given a decent account of themselves. When it comes to lifting the trophy, it's difficult to look beyond France. They appear to be operating on a different level to everyone else. At 2/1 they're hardly a value bet, but they still look the most likely winners. If you'd rather bet with your heart, England are available at 8/1, while the reigning World Cup champions, Argentina, can be backed at 15/4.
F1 - British Grand Prix
Formula One rolls into town this July with the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Thankfully, this season hasn't been another case of Max Verstappen disappearing into the distance and winning every race. Instead, it's Kimi Antonelli who has emerged as the man to beat. That said, the last two Grands Prix have been won by Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, proving the title race is far from over.
Antonelli heads the Drivers' Championship by 40 points, but with plenty of races still to come there's everything to play for. Better still, four teams are genuinely in contention for the Constructors' Championship, giving us one of the most competitive and entertaining Formula One seasons in years.
Home favourite Lewis Hamilton is priced at 9/2 to win the British Grand Prix, although TigerBet are offering a price boost to 5/1 on the seven-time world champion. Antonelli heads the betting at 17/10 and will be looking to extend his advantage at the top of the Drivers' Championship with another victory at Silverstone.
Formula One doesn't stop at Silverstone either. The championship heads to Belgium for the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit later in July, one of the most challenging and popular tracks on the calendar. With the title race so finely balanced, every point will be crucial, making both the British and Belgian Grands Prix must-watch events for F1 fans and punters alike.
Tour de France
Bonjour! I hear you say. The Tour de France is the pinnacle of cycling and, for most bettors, it's probably the only cycling event they'll have a bet on all year, so it's a pretty big deal in that respect.
The Tour gets underway on 4 July with another fascinating three-week battle from Barcelona to Paris, and all the signs point towards Tadej Pogačar starting as the man to beat. The Slovenian has been in sensational form and possesses the all-round ability to dominate in the mountains, excel in the time trials and even pick up valuable bonus seconds along the way.
Is it just me, or does Slovenia seem to produce world-class athletes in every sport? There must be something in the water. You've got Luka Dončić starring for the LA Lakers, Benjamin Šeško leading the line for Manchester United, and now Pogačar looking to cement his place among cycling's all-time greats. The defending champion is as short as 1/4 to retain his title and claim a fifth Tour de France crown.
Jonas Vingegaard looks the biggest danger if he can rediscover his very best, while Remco Evenepoel certainly has the class to mount a serious challenge and looks a solid contender for a podium finish.
Those looking for an each-way alternative could do far worse than Isaac del Toro, who continues to develop into one of cycling's brightest Grand Tour prospects and could spring a surprise if the favourites falter.
The jersey competitions should be just as competitive, particularly the Green Jersey, where Jonathan Milan and Jasper Philipsen look set for a fascinating sprint battle throughout the race. Richard Carapaz appeals as one of the leading contenders for the King of the Mountains classification if he targets the breakaways, although Pogačar could easily end up wearing the famous polka-dot jersey simply by dominating the major climbs.
The White Jersey looks the most straightforward betting market, with Isaac del Toro a deserved favourite to finish as the best young rider ahead of Juan Ayuso and Britain's Oscar Onley.
With world-class climbers, explosive sprinters and several emerging stars all targeting success, another memorable Tour de France looks firmly on the cards. From a betting perspective, I've always found William Hill to offer one of the most comprehensive ranges of cycling markets, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to back the Tour throughout July.
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The Betfred World Matchplay returns to the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool and is widely regarded as one of the biggest tournaments in world darts. The event features 32 of the world's best players battling it out for the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy and a bumper £225,000 first prize, which, based on recent form, will probably end up in the hands of one of the two Lukes.
Defending champion Luke Littler heads into the tournament as the clear favourite at 10/11 following another sensational season. After claiming his maiden World Matchplay title by defeating James Wade in last year's final, the world number one has continued to dominate the major events. He arrives in Blackpool in solid form, although I still think there are moments when he isn't quite at his brilliant best.
His biggest rival is fellow World Cup of Darts winner Luke Humphries, who recently edged out Littler to retain his US Darts Masters title. If Humphries can carry that level of performance into Blackpool, he'll take some stopping. Betfred make him a 9/2 chance to lift the trophy, which looks a very generous price for the world number two.
While Littler rightly heads the betting, there is certainly no shortage of players capable of denying him back-to-back World Matchplay titles. Former champions Michael van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price both possess the experience to thrive on the Winter Gardens stage, while Jonny Clayton, Josh Rock and Stephen Bunting all have the scoring power to make a deep run. With a record £1 million prize fund on offer and arguably one of the strongest fields in recent memory, another thrilling edition of the World Matchplay looks firmly on the cards.
Despite all my praise for the two Lukes, I think Gian van Veen is ready to take his game to another level and begin closing the gap on the sport's dominant duo. His performances at the US Darts Masters in New York were sublime, and, on another day, he could easily have beaten Humphries in the semi-finals. The tournament sponsors are offering what I think is a huge 16/1 about Gian lifting the Phil Taylor Trophy. I can't see those odds lasting once the tournament gets underway, so if you fancy him, I'd be getting involved sooner rather than later.
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The Open Championship returns later this month, with Royal Birkdale providing the stage for the final men's major of the season. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler arrives as the man everyone has to beat after lifting the Claret Jug last year, and the world number one once again heads the betting at around 5/1. That's simply too short for me. Only two players have successfully defended The Open title in the past 40 years, Tiger Woods and Padraig Harrington in 2007 and 2008, so despite Scheffler's outstanding form, I'll be swerving him.
Rory McIlroy will be hoping to add another Open Championship to his CV after enjoying another excellent season. He'll undoubtedly be the fans' favourite and probably the best-backed player in the field. However, I'm not convinced he has another major-winning performance left in him this season. He's available at around 13/2 with 10Bet to win at Royal Birkdale. Former champions Jon Rahm and Xander Schauffele are also more than capable of mounting a serious challenge, while home favourite Tommy Fleetwood continues his search for an elusive first major title. At around 14/1, he looks an interesting proposition to finally break his major duck.
As always, links golf presents a unique challenge. The wind, firm fairways and unpredictable conditions often favour experienced players who can control their ball flight, stay patient and avoid costly mistakes. Alongside Scheffler and McIlroy, players such as Matt Fitzpatrick, Ludvig Åberg and Bryson DeChambeau all have the quality to contend if the conditions suit. I'm not so sure about DeChambeau's current form, though. He's struggled to make several recent cuts and didn't do himself any favours by posting a YouTube video discussing his struggles. It all seemed a little strange to me.
For my each-way selection, I'm siding with Tommy Fleetwood. His outstanding links pedigree makes him a very attractive option, and if anyone deserves to finally win a major, it's him. 10bet are offering a quarter of the odds on the first five places, and they'll no doubt have additional Open Championship promotions and price boosts closer to the tournament.
For my outright pick, I'm taking Justin Rose at 25/1. He's overdue another huge performance on one of golf's biggest stages and looks overpriced given his experience and record in major championships.
With the world's best golfers heading to one of the sport's most iconic venues, another enthralling battle for the Claret Jug looks in store. While Scheffler deserves to head the market, history suggests successfully defending The Open is one of the toughest feats in golf, and that makes this year's championship all the more intriguing.
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We've only just wrapped up Royal Ascot, but the Flat season continues to fire on all cylinders. The Coral-Eclipse is one of the highlights of the summer calendar and traditionally provides the first major showdown between the Classic generation and the older horses over a mile and a quarter. Staged at Sandown Park, the Group One contest has produced some unforgettable winners over the years and often gives us a strong indication of who will dominate the second half of the Flat season.
It's likely to be another big day for the Aidan O'Brien yard, which, if I'm honest, is becoming a little tedious. Dominance is impressive, but racing always feels healthier when several of the major yards are sharing the biggest prizes. The same applies over the jumps, where Willie Mullins' incredible success has made life difficult for both rival trainers and everyday owners dreaming of landing the sport's biggest races. A little more competition at the top wouldn't do the sport any harm.
As is often the case, much depends on the final declarations. French Derby winner Constitution River has now been confirmed and, at around 11/8, looks the horse they all have to beat. Aidan O'Brien also saddles Hawk Mountain, who is available at around 12/1 after an excellent effort in France. With only a small field expected, I wouldn't be surprised if those two dominate the finish, and the forecast market could prove the best betting angle.
The older horses certainly aren't making up the numbers. Gethin enhanced his reputation when chasing home the subsequent Prince of Wales's Stakes winner Ombudsman over this course and distance and looks the standout of the older brigade. Wathnan Racing also have King's Gambit and Saddadd among the likely runners, ensuring there's plenty of depth to what promises to be another fascinating renewal.
Elsewhere on a superb Sandown card, the Coral Charge provides the day's feature sprint, while the Coral Challenge is always one of the most competitive handicaps of the weekend and should offer plenty of value for punters looking beyond the Group races.
It's one of the best afternoons of Flat racing outside Royal Ascot, featuring several high-quality contests and competitive handicaps that regularly produce future stars. Whether you're backing the exciting three-year-olds or siding with the battle-hardened older horses, the Coral Eclipse card rarely disappoints and should provide another excellent afternoon of racing and betting.
From a betting perspective, BetVictor appear to be leading the way with their ante-post prices, so they're well worth checking out if you fancy getting involved early. If you prefer to wait until raceday, I'd recommend using one of the bookmakers offering Best Odds Guaranteed, as you'll be protected if your selection drifts in price before the off. Most firms activate their Best Odds Guaranteed concessions from around 9am or 10am on the day of the race, so it's well worth waiting until then to ensure you're getting the best possible value.
