Groups K and L will finally take the pitch on Wednesday, as the final eight teams play their first World Cup matches. Below, I highlight why Congo DR may be able to keep things competitive against Portugal, why Ghana and Panama are set for a very entertaining match and how Colombia can exploit a weak Uzbekistan defense. Here are the best 2026 World Cup picks for Wednesday, June 17th’s game Portugal vs. Congo DR.
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Wednesday’s Best 2026 World Cup Picks & Predictions: Portugal vs. Congo DR
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Portugal vs. Congo DR
On paper, this looks like one of the most lopsided early games at this year's World Cup. However, when you dig deeper into recent results, you'll realize that Portugal may actually have their hands full in this contest.
Congo DR enters this match having won five of their last nine matches. In their two matches in June, they fell 2-1 to Chile and tied Denmark 0-0. They've also played very well in recent competitive matches. They tied Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations, and fell just 1-0 to Algeria in that same tournament.
In all, Congo DR is 6-1-2 in their last nine competitive games, and they haven't lost a competitive match by more than one goal since last August.
Portugal enters on a three-game winning streak. But had some notable results in World Cup qualifiers, including a 2-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland and a 2-2 draw with Hungary.
Portugal is still a team that has gone toe-to-toe with Germany and Spain over the last 12 months, so they certainly have the talent to win this match by a wide margin. However, many European teams have looked sluggish against inferior opponents to start the World Cup. Because of Portugal's tendency to play down to competition, I'll back Congo DR against the spread.
Pick: Congo DR +1.5 (-108)
Phil Wood is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Phil, check out his archive and follow him @Phil_Wood_Jr.