World Cup Picks for June 22nd: A Kiwi Punter’s Guide in NZT

Updated July 2026
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With the All Whites between matches, Monday’s World Cup card is a chance for Kiwi punters to enjoy the tournament without the gut-churn of watching our own boys. Four Group I and Group J fixtures fill the schedule, and thanks to the time zone, none of them demand a 3am alarm — the earliest is a sunrise kick-off and the latest fits a lazy afternoon. Below are the four matches with decimal odds, NZT start times, and an honest value pick for each. Bet with your head, not your heart, and never more than you can laugh off.

A bettor's view of a World Cup matchday — phone showing decimal odds beside a coffee on a Kiwi kitchen bench, morning light
Monday’s card lands at civilised Kiwi hours — from a 5am Argentina kick-off to a 3pm Jordan v Algeria finish (NZT).

The Day’s Schedule in NZT

All four matches play out across Tuesday morning and early afternoon in Aotearoa (the fixtures are dated 22 June US time; New Zealand runs 16 hours ahead of US Eastern):

The Norway v Senegal noon slot is the pick of the bunch for a proper sit-down watch, and the Jordan v Algeria mid-afternoon finish is ideal for anyone clocking off early.

Argentina v Austria — Messi Chasing History

Defending champions Argentina arrive on an eight-match winning run, having dismantled Algeria 3-0 with a Lionel Messi hat-trick that tied Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record of 16. One more goal makes Messi the outright record-holder in what is widely expected to be his final World Cup — a storyline that alone is worth setting the alarm for.

Austria are no pushovers, having beaten Jordan 3-1, and captain David Alaba was pointed in his respect: "We know what kind of opponent we’re up against, what kind of quality they have in their ranks, even besides Messi, but also what they’re capable of as a team." But Argentina are rightly heavy favourites, and a win virtually secures their passage to the Round of 32.

The odds (decimal, as of 22 June ~10:00am ET) sit at Argentina 1.58, draw 3.65, Austria 5.38. At 1.58 the favourite offers little value on its own.

Value pick: Messi anytime goalscorer for the record, rather than the short team price. The narrative, the form and the hat-trick momentum all point one way.

France v Iraq — A Mismatch on Paper

France face Iraq in what looks the most lopsided fixture of the day. Iraq, back at a World Cup for the first time since 1986, were beaten 4-1 by Norway in their opener, while France downed Senegal 3-1 with Kylian Mbappé — now France’s all-time leading scorer — to the fore. One analyst model gave France an 88.5% win probability.

The market agrees emphatically: France 1.08, draw 7.68, Iraq 27.84. A 1.08 favourite is the kind of price that turns $100 into $108 — barely worth the risk for the return.

Value pick: France to win is a near-certainty but a poor stake. The interest here is in goals and margins, not the result. Tread carefully; lop-sided lines punish the greedy.

Example: A $50 punt on France at decimal odds of 1.08 returns just $54 — a $4 profit. The same $50 on Norway at 2.04 (below) would return $102. Short odds tie up your bankroll for thin reward.

Norway v Senegal — The Day’s Best Contest

This is the standout. Norway won their opener in style while Senegal are smarting from a defeat they will be desperate to answer, and with knockout places in play the Group I clash carries real weight. Erling Haaland scored on his World Cup debut and has now found the net in 11 straight competitive Norway games, with the Norwegians themselves on an 11-match competitive winning run. Senegal, beaten 3-1 by France, have the quality to respond.

The odds are the tightest of the day: Norway 2.04, draw 3.41, Senegal 3.22. An Opta model leaned Norway’s way at 45.0% against Senegal’s 29.6%, with the draw at 25.4%.

Value pick: Norway at 2.04 is the day’s most appealing straight win. Haaland’s scoring streak and the side’s relentless form make even money on the favourite look generous.

Jordan v Algeria — Algeria to Bounce Back

The late kick-off pits two sides beaten in their openers — Jordan lost 1-3 to Austria, Algeria 0-3 to Argentina. Riyad Mahrez, benched for tactical reasons against Argentina, is expected to return to the Algeria XI, sharpening their attacking edge.

The market makes Algeria clear favourites: Jordan 6.24, draw 3.98, Algeria 1.47. Jordan did at least register their first-ever World Cup goal through Ali Olwan earlier in the tournament, so they are not without spirit.

Value pick: Algeria to win at 1.47. With Mahrez restored and a points deficit to make up, the Desert Foxes have both the quality and the urgency.

A Word Before You Bet

A reminder for Kiwi punters: in New Zealand, TAB NZ is the only domestic operator licensed to offer sports betting, and offshore sites operate outside that framework. Whoever you bet with, treat these markets as entertainment. Set a limit before kick-off and walk away when you hit it. If betting stops being fun, our responsible gambling guide has the support lines that matter. Brands such as Boomerang Bet and Rabona price these markets in NZD, but the smart play is always the same: stake small, value over favourites, and never chase a loss.

What time do the June 22nd World Cup matches start in NZT?
Argentina v Austria kicks off at 5:00am NZT, France v Iraq at 9:00am, Norway v Senegal at 12:00pm and Jordan v Algeria at 3:00pm (Tuesday in New Zealand, as the fixtures are dated 22 June US time).
Which match offers the best betting value on June 22nd?
Norway v Senegal is the most competitive contest of the day, with Norway at decimal odds of 2.04. It is the closest-priced fixture and the one with genuine two-way interest.
What are the odds for Argentina v Austria?
As of 22 June (~10:00am ET), the consensus decimal odds were Argentina 1.58, draw 3.65, Austria 5.38. Argentina are heavy favourites and a win would all but secure their Round of 32 place.

Match odds (decimal) reflect the 22 June market consensus; verify the live price at your bookmaker before betting. Outright/form context and the Alaba quote verified as of 22 June 2026. NZT times derived from published ET start times (+16 hours). Odds move quickly during a tournament — confirm the live price before betting.