The World Cup is in full swing, and today we have four games featuring action in GroupsK and L. We start in the afternoon with Portugal vs. DRCongo, then England vs. Croatia will take the spotlight before Wednesday's action finishes with Ghana vs. Panama and Uzbekistan vs. Colombia.
So, let's dive into today's World Cup best bets.
World Cup Best Bets Today
The team logos in the table below represent each of the World Cup matchups that our staff is targeting from today's slate. Click on the team logos for any of the matchups below to navigate to a specific bet discussed in this article.
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 1:00 p.m. | |
  | 4:00 p.m. | |
  | 7:00 p.m. | |
  | 10:00 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our World Cup odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
DR Congo vs Portugal
DR Congo’s path to the tournament was challenging, requiring extra time to overcome Jamaica in the playoffs. Their preparation was limited to just two friendly matches, neither of which resulted in a victory. This lack of readiness will be a major obstacle against a European powerhouse like Portugal.
Roberto Martinez’s squad, in contrast, enjoyed a solid preparation window with victories over the USA, Chile, and Nigeria. They understand the importance of securing an early lead to manage the game effectively.
We expect Portugal to apply pressure from the opening whistle, aiming to score in the first half to neutralize DR Congo's defensive strategy. With Cristiano Ronaldo having scored 62 of his 142 international goals in the first half, the team possesses the firepower to take an early lead and hold it.
Pick: Portugal Moneyline (-350)
Croatia vs England
England's transformation under Thomas Tuchel has been built on a foundation of defensive excellence. In eight qualifying matches for the 2026 tournament, his team did not concede a single goal. While effective, this approach has sometimes led to criticism for a lack of attacking adventure. This sets the stage for a tactical, low-scoring encounter against a disciplined Croatian side.
Croatia has a history of cagey opening matches in major tournaments. Their first game of the 2022 competition against Morocco ended in a 0-0 draw, and their 2018 opener was a 2-0 win over Nigeria, both results falling under the 2.5 goal line. The last time these two nations met in a major tournament, the match ended with a 1-0 victory for England, further supporting the case for a low goal total.
Given England's defensive record and tendency to control possession, Croatia will likely have limited opportunities. In their final warm-up game, England did not allow Costa Rica a single shot on target. While Croatia is a much stronger opponent, England's ability to suffocate attacks makes the Under 2.5 Total Goals Line an attractive pick. This bet pushes if exactly two goals are scored, adding a layer of security in what is expected to be a close game.
Pick: Under 2.5 Goals (-138)
Panama vs Ghana
While Ghana's recent six-game winless streak is a cause for concern, it's important to consider the context. The Black Stars faced a series of formidable opponents in preparation for the tournament, and those results may not fully reflect their capability against a team like Panama. A significant boost for Ghana is the return of their most influential forward, Antoine Semenyo. He missed two of their recent friendly matches, and his presence is critical to their attack.
Ghana's performance during African qualifying was impressive, where they won eight of ten matches and scored an average of 2.3 goals per game. Although the level of competition was lower, it highlights their offensive potential. The squad features experienced players like Semenyo, Thomas Partey, and Iñaki Williams, who all compete at the highest levels in European soccer. This edge in individual talent should be the deciding factor.
Pick: Ghana -0.25 (-109)
Colombia vs Uzbekistan
Despite Uzbekistan's defensive strength, Colombia’s quality should ultimately shine through. They were one of the most prolific teams in a difficult South American qualifying group, scoring 28 goals in 18 games, second only to Argentina. Their matches averaged 2.6 goals, and the offensive pressure they can apply often leads to scoring opportunities throughout the game.
The pick for Colombia to score in both halves is based on their ability to maintain attacking intensity and break down defenses over 90 minutes. This bet was a winner in six of their qualifying matches, and against a team making its tournament debut, Colombia has the firepower to find the net in each half.
Pick: Colombia Scores in Both Halves (+125)
