World Cup Predictions for 6/23/26

I broke even in the betting streets yesterday, but we are up over 7 units for the tournament and continue to have strong reads on the games themselves. I’m a bit shorter on time today, so the previews will be condensed. Let’s dive in…

 

Portugal vs Uzbekistan 

Kick-Off: 1 PM ET

Location: Houston 

 

Portugal is coming off a shocking 0-0 draw in their opening match against the Congo and they absolutely need a result here. I said before the tournament that Portugal would be my pick to win the tournament if Ronaldo was no longer on the roster and that point stands. This is one of the best midfields in the world and every chance they create is squandered by being forced to play through an aging player past his prime. It’s no doubt that Ronaldo wants to have a big game here after watching Messi, Mbappe and Haaland do what they’ve done but that is the exact issue. This is a soft spot for them to get back on track, but whether Portugal is able to make the tactical adjustments needed remains to be seen. Anything other than a big win here would be another legitimate surprise. If Ronaldo is going to get on track with a goal or two this is certainly the spot. 

 

Prediction: Portugal 2, Uzbekistan 0

 

England vs Ghana 

Kick-Off: 4 PM ET

Location: Boston

 

England crushed Croatia 4-2 in their opening match and it put them in a great position to win this group with relative ease. England has never lost to an African nation at the World Cup and I don’t want to overreact to a one game sample but England looked clinical in the offensive third and should be able to overwhelm the Ghana back line. 

 

Prediction: England 3, Ghana 0

 

Panama vs Croatia 

Kick-Off: 7 PM ET

Location: Toronto 

 

Both of these teams suffered defeat in their Opening World Cup matches, and are looking to keep their knockout round hopes alive with three points tonight. Croatia has an old roster, but they had a much harder first game against England as opposed to Panama against Ghana and they have long overperformed in these bigger tournaments. They have too much experience, and I expect them to start fast in front of what I expect to be a Croatian heavy crowd in Toronto. Petar Musa is my favorite option for shot or goal props.

 

Prediction: Croatia 3, Panama 1

 

Colombia vs DR Congo 

Kick-Off: 10 PM ET

Location: Estadio Guadalajara 

 

We close the night with one of my favorite dark horses in the tournament – Columbia – facing off with DR Congo. I’m holding Colombia to make the semi-finals future ticket right now, and they got off to a quick start beating Uzbekistan 3-1 in their opening match. I was impressed with the defensive efforts from Congo against Portugal and I think that this will be a tightly contested game with Luis Diaz being the difference in the end. 

 

Prediction: Colombia 1, DR Congo 0