World Cup Betting Tips Today: Predictions & Best Bets for July 2nd

The knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup continue on Thursday with both Portugal and Spain hoping to qualify for the round of 16. However, Croatia will be looking to stop Ronaldo in his tracks, while Austria will be inspired by Paraguay's win over Germany. In the late kick-off, Switzerland and Algeria will go head-to-head in what looks to be an intriguing battle.

Our World Cup tipster Nathan Joyes provides his best three bets across these matches. Read his World Cup tips below.

Portugal vs Croatia

Portugal only won one of their three group stage matches after drawing with DR Congo and Colombia, and there's certainly plenty of work to do if they are to go deep in this tournament. We saw their true attacking prowess in full flow when they stuck five past Uzbekistan in round two, but as one of the weakest teams in the World Cup this time round, that result may be a one off.

Croatia also haven't inspired many. Although they have won two matches, narrowly beating Ghana and Panama, they shipped in four vs Croatia and showed signs in that match a top team can undo them.

With that being said, it's surprising to see Portugal at such a backable price to win this inside 90 minutes. Although Portugal signed off with a draw vs Colombia, Croatia are nowhere near the level of the South Americans and lack the pace to hurt Portugal's defence. With the likes of Neto, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo up top - whether that helps or hinders - there's too much quality compared to Croatia's back line.

Croatia lack pace and have too many veterans in their starting XI that appear incapable of withstanding Portugal inside 90 minutes.

With that in mind, I'm sticking up Portugal to win at 4/5 with BetMGM.

Spain vs Austria

Spain may have topped Group H with seven points, five goals and three clean sheets - but it hasn't been overly convincing from the pre-tournament favourites. Their opening day 0-0 draw with Cape Verde is still very much the talk of the World Cup despite going on to beat both Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.

However, even their 1-0 win over Marcelo Bielsa's side came down to a goalkeeping error - and their over reliance on Lamine Yamal has made them look a little too one dimensional. Still, Spain have qualified, not conceded and remain in the competition.

Austria are up next for them, who edged out Algeria on goal difference to finish 2nd behind Spain. One win against Jordan was enough to see them through, although they struggled to break down Argentina in round two, and that could be reflected in this match.

Austria scored six goals - but they came against Jordan and a wild match vs Algeria - and up against the European champions it might not be so easy. They only had one shot on target vs Argentina, and Spain may be able to keep them at arms length as well.

Therefore, I'm happy to play Spain to win and under 3.5 goals at 10/11 with BetMGM.

Switzerland vs Algeria

There's an interesting battle set up in Vancouver as Switzerland take on Algeria. The Swiss remain unbeaten (W2 D1) while Algeria bounced back from their 3-0 defeat against Argentina to qualify (W1 D1 L1).

The Swiss struggled to get out of first gear against Qatar and were punished late on, although they soon found their rhythm with a comprehensive 4-1 win over Bosnia before beating Canada 2-1 in their own back yard to finish top of Group B.

Johan Manzambi not only scored a brace vs Bosnia but returned to the scoresheet against Canada and the 20-year-old may be the answer once more to unlock Algeria's defence.

The African nation have shipped in seven goals from their three group stage matches - including one vs Jordan - and they have looked rather suspect at the back. Switzerland don't create too many chances - but when they do, they are often converted - and that ruthless nature could be what gets them through to the next round.

Although evens, I'm keen to side with Manzambi to be the star of the show once more. Operating as a no.10, he's often found space not only on the edge of the box but also in it, and with the focus firmly on keeping Breel Embolo marked, Manzambi is getting plenty of opportunities - and he's taking them.

I'm backing Johan Manzambi to score at 2/1 with BetMGM.

Betting Tips

Portugal vs Croatia: Portugal to win at 4/5

Spain vs Austria: Spain to win and under 3.5 goals at 10/11

Switzerland vs Algeria: Johan Manzambi to score at 2/1