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World Cup Betting Tips Today: Predictions & Best Bets for June 17th

Nathan Joyes

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Football Tipster

Publish Date: 15/06/2026

Fact checked by: Jordan Noble

Day seven at the 2026 World Cup is when we finally get to see Thomas Tuchel's England who come up against Croatia. But first, Ghana and Panama will look to seal three big points before facing the Three Lions, while we will also get our first glance at both Portugal and Colombia who are expected to dominate Group K.

Our World Cup tipster Nathan Joyes landed three winners yesterday, including 6/5 and 11/5 bets, and has shared his analysis on all four matches as well as provided his best World Cup tips.

Ghana vs Panama

A critical match in Group L kicks off in Toronto between Ghana and Panama. Both nations will know a win would see them almost qualify for the knockout stage, and with England and Croatia to follow, both will know they will need to be at their best in round one to get maximum points.

The value could well be with Panama. Ghana arrive completely out of sorts. Winless in six, losing five of those against Japan, South Korea, Austria, Germany and Mexico, it certainly hasn't filled the Black Stars with much confidence.

They do have Antoine Semenyo and Inaki Williams up top, but those in behind are what could cost Ghana at this World Cup. Panama, on the other hand, have been rather chaotic. A 2-1 win vs South Africa saw them follow it up with a 6-2 loss against Brazil in Rio.

They stuck four past Dominican Republic before holding Bosnia, and this could be another game where their potent attack stuns a really poor Ghana side.

Therefore, I'm sticking up Panama double chance at 7/10 with BetMGM.

England vs Croatia

England arrive at the World Cup as the only nation to have not conceded a goal during qualifying as well as picking up maximum points. His 26-man squad raised eyebrows, but in true Tuchel fashion, he's made it clear he's not looking to appease everyone and has picked players that will fit - and work - in his system.

Wins to nil over New Zealand and Costa Rica have helped England adjust to the conditions in the US and although it hasn't made spectacular viewing, Tuchel believes his squad is ready. Once again, England will bump into Croatia at a major tournament who lost against Brazil and Belgium in the lead up to their first match.

However, it's their lack of pace and ageing squad that could catch them out in Texas. Six of their starting XI in their warm up friendly were 31 or over. Four were 34+ with two 37+. Many expected Croatia to have transitioned their squad further by now, but that hasn't happened yet and England might produce one of their 1-0/2-0 tournament wins to kickstart their campaign. It might not make for great viewing, but they should have enough quality to break down this old squad.

My main tip is England to win and under 3.5 goals at 13/10 with BetMGM.

Portugal vs DR Congo

Portugal are towards the top of the World Cup rights market and there will be plenty of eyes on how they get on against a disciplined DR Congo side. Question marks remain around whether or not Cristiano Ronaldo should lead the line and if he continues to hinder how Portugal can play without him.

Still, there's enough talent in behind - and on the bench - that will trouble DR Congo throughout this match. Pedro Neto, Francisco Conceicao, Goncalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes all scored in their warm up matches vs Chile and Nigera - and that's before Joao Neves, Vitinha and Joao Felix are brought into the conversation.

While Portugal beat Chile, DR Congo lost to them as well as drawing 0-0 with Denmark. They looked strong at AFCON earlier in the year but they lacked the killer edge to beat Algeria in the last 16.

That lack of firepower could catch them out once again and Portugal can win this without it getting too out of hand.

My main tip is to back Portugal to win to nil at 5/6 with BetMGM.

Uzbekistan vs Colombia

Uzbekistan are another nation ready to debut at the World Cup but they will have a tough task in their opener to keep Colombia quiet. The South Americans have an incredible front line that will cause their opponents plenty of problems.

Keeping Luis Diaz and Luis Suarez out of the match will be a tall order for most at this World Cup, while James Rodriguez will be utilised on every set piece to find Colombia's tall centre backs - whichever feature for Nestor Lorenzo.

Los Cafeteros managed to beat Jordan 2-0 in second gear in their final warm up match, and we can look at that for guidance on how Uzbekistan will cope at this tournament. They conceded two vs Canada and the Netherlands, while failing to score against Venezuela - a nation Colombia put six past.

It should be rather easy for Colombia to come out on top here.

Therefore, my main tip is Colombia -1 Handicap at 11/10 with BetMGM.