The World Cup group stage is nearing its conclusion. That’s why, for the final round of group play, this week’s action will feature simultaneous matches with six-game slates. Today, Groups J, K, and L take center stage, and by the end of the day, we’ll know the final draw of the knockout stage.
So, let's dive into today's World Cup best bets.
Today's World Cup Best Bets, Expert Picks
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 |
|---|---|---|
  | 5:00 p.m. | |
  | 5:00 p.m. | |
  | 7:30 p.m. | |
  | 7:30 p.m. | |
  | 10:00 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. | ||
Croatia vs. Ghana
Ghana have prioritised defensive stability at this World Cup. They face a Croatia side that haven’t been an attacking force, so we are backing against both teams scoring in this game.
There has been less than two xG (expected goals) in both of Ghana’s matches at this World Cup. They won their opening game against Panama 1-0, with the only goal coming in the 95th minute.
Ghana drew 0-0 with England in their last match. Thomas Tuchel’s side should have scored, but Ghana finished with an xG of just 0.17. The lack of creativity could be a problem against Croatia.
This bet also won in Croatia’s last game. Zlatko Dalic’s side scored the winning goal in the 54th minute, and only had one other shot on target. Panama had an xG of just 0.55 as Croatia won 1-0
Pick: Both Teams to Score – No (-125)
Panama vs. England
Harry Kane failed to find the net in England’s last game and even squandered a great chance from inside the penalty area with just minutes remaining. However, Kane often bounces back from a below-par display, so we are backing him to score two goals or more when England take on Panama.
Kane has two goals to his name at this World Cup already. He netted twice in England’s 4-2 win over Croatia in their opening match. Harry scored with a header from a corner and from a penalty in that game. His set-piece threat should be a factor here.
England should create a wealth of chances against Panama. The 1x2 odds suggest that Thomas Tuchel’s side has over an 85% chance of winning, and they will be keen to flex their attacking muscle after failing to break the deadlock in their second game against Ghana.
Kane will benefit from an England attack that is looking to silence their critics.
Pick: Harry Kane to Score 2+ Goals (+230)
Colombia vs. Portugal
Portugal failed to score only twice in their last 15 matches, and given they need three points to leapfrog Colombia and secure first place in Group K, they will have to be more attack-minded here.
Roberto Martínez’s side struggled in front of the goal in their opener against DR Congo, scoring only one goal, but they went for five in a blowout victory over Uzbekistan in the following game.
Colombia scored four goals in two games in this tournament so far, and just like Portugal, they failed to find the back of the net just two times in their previous 15 games.
Unless they concede an early goal in this one, Colombia will be happy to sit back and wait for their chance on the counter. Portugal did display some defensive weaknesses in their first match against DR Congo, so Los Cafeteros will know to exploit any opportunity that comes.
Both teams scored in four of Colombia’s previous six games, while that was the case in three of Portugal’s last four matches.
Pick: Both Teams to Score – Yes (-115)
DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan
Only three teams have conceded more goals than Uzbekistan in the World Cup 2026 so far, with two of those having played one more game. Even with DR Congo not showing much in attacking metrics, their urgency for a win against one of the defensively weakest sides in the competition makes the first-half goal a value pick.
DR Congo’s only goal so far in the tournament came in the dying seconds of the first half against Portugal. Yoane Wissa’s 46th-minute equaliser was enough for his nation to earn a point against one of the dark horses of the competition.
Uzbekistan’s defensive instability has been visible throughout both halves in their earlier games against Portugal and Colombia.
Regardless, the disparity in quality should be visible from the start, making Congo’s first-half goal the value pick as they look to take an advantage early.
Pick: DR Congo to Score in the First Half (-130)
Algeria vs. Austria
It’s obvious that both Austria and Algeria need a point to secure their places in the knockout stage, and therefore, the odds are low on a draw.
The whole world expects them to play a stalemate, but given a better goal difference, Austria would finish second in Group J, while Algeria would be third.
Algeria failed to impress in their opening two matches. After losing 3-0 to the reigning champions, Argentina, they did dominate possession (72%-28%) against Jordan, but needed two second-half goals to come from behind and get a narrow 2-1 victory. They will be more than happy with a point here.
Austria, on the other hand, also lost to Argentina but was better in the opener against Jordan. They know that a draw is all they need, so don’t expect them to have an attacking approach against Algeria.
Pick: Draw (+120)
Jordan vs. Argentina
Jordan have not looked as bad as was expected despite ultimately failing to win against both Austria and Algeria.
Although the 2-1 loss to Algeria effectively eliminated them from the competition, expect Jordan to show up in this match and end their World Cup campaign on a high, even against Argentina.
A dead rubber game for both sides, with Argentina already clinching the top spot, sets different circumstances for the two. Argentina will look to rest some key players, while Jordan won’t give up their search for their first World Cup point.
Jordan have accumulated just 1.10 xG from their opening two matches, but they have at least managed to score in both. With their fate already sealed, they could play with greater attacking freedom here, making them more dangerous than their underlying numbers suggest.
The Both teams to score – Yes offers a valuable betting opportunity considering the circumstances around both teams, while the odds seem to significantly underestimate Jordan.
Pick: Both Teams to Score – Yes (+140)
