Stake's World Cup promotion has turned losing bets into winners throughout the knockout stage.
Key Takeaways
- Stake bettors are guaranteed to win if their wagered team scores first, even if it does not win the match.
- Frequent comeback wins have created unexpected payouts for bettors backing underdogs.
- Nine of 24 knockout matches ended with the team that scored first losing the match.
Moneyline bets grade winners and losers by the final score of a match. Markets are available for regulation-only and after the final kick of the game, which includes extra time and penalties.
200% Match up to $3,000
Code: COVERSBONUS
Several sportsbooks have amped up their offerings during a World Cup that has been extremely popular with bettors. But Stake has taken its promotion far off the beaten path, offering to pay losing bettors if their team scored the first goal.
On Stake, if your team scores first, you’ll be paid out regardless of the final result.
— Stake.com (@Stake) July 8, 2026
This message was approved by our CPO, @Evra. T&Cs Apply. pic.twitter.com/RQVzijtrwp
Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account
Stake pays losing bettors
While the majority of winning teams have found the back of the net before their opponent, nine of 24 knockout matches have seen the losing team score first. That’s 37.5% and includes several huge results.
Defending champion Argentina was down 2-0 to Egypt in the 78th minute during the Round of 16. Although Lionel Messi helped his country storm back for a 3-2 regulation victory, Stake paid Egypt moneyline holders, whose odds were around +800 pre-match.
DR Congo also defied +1,300 pre-match moneyline odds (+600 to advance) to open the scoring against England in the Round of 32. Brian Cipenga’s seventh-minute strike put the African challenger up 1-0 and cashed tickets for Stake bettors, even though England ultimately won 2-1.
There are numerous other examples, including Croatia against Portugal, Senegal versus Belgium, and Japan against Brazil.
Upcoming schedule
France is a heavy favorite against Morocco in Thursday’s round-opening duel. Defending European champion Spain is favored to beat Belgium; England is expected to take down Norway in a crucial matchup between top Golden Boot odds contenders Erling Haaland and Harry Kane; and Argentina is expected to handle Switzerland.
The expectation is that all of the favorites will open the scoring against their opponents. Pairing a moneyline bet with the Score First promotion creates a win-win scenario whenever there is a comeback. For instance, if you bet Spain's moneyline but Belgium scores first and Spain wins, your moneyline cashes. If Spain scores first but Belgium rallies to win, your promotion cashes.
Use our Stake promo code to register an account and redeem exclusive opportunities during and beyond the World Cup.
We asked our ambassadors for their World Cup Quarter-Final predictions 🤩 Who do you think got it right? pic.twitter.com/XkxDRuB3n6
— Stake.com (@Stake) July 9, 2026
