The final day of the group stage takes place on Saturday, with six matches to be played. While there is sure to be a lot of attention on Lionel Messi after his incredible first two performances with Argentina, I'm focusing my attention on three different games. Can Congo DR pull off the improbable and secure a spot in the knockout round? Will Croatia be able to decipher Ghana's defense? And who wants to take the points when Algeria and Austria battle? Here are the best 2026 World Cup picks for Saturday, June 27th.
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Saturday’s Best 2026 World Cup Picks & Predictions
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Croatia vs. Ghana
A draw is enough to push both of these teams into the knockout round, and I believe that is the exact result we're going to see. While Croatia will certainly want to pick up the win to avoid finishing third in Group L, I don't trust the Croatian offense against Ghana's defense.
Ghana has yet to concede a goal at this World Cup, shockingly holding England to a 0-0 draw. Granted, England did finish with 1.36 expected goals. However, Ghana's defense exerted so much pressure that England managed only three shots on goal.
Then there is the fact that Croatia looked completely uncomfortable against Panama. Croatia managed just two shots on target, and while they missed two big chances, they never seemed fully in control against a Panama team that has been eliminated from the tournament.
To me, this game will finish 1-0 in favor of Croatia or as a 0-0 or 1-1 draw. Either way, Ghana's defense is for real, and Croatia clearly isn't the team it was at the last two World Cups.
Picks: Draw (+240) & Croatia Team Total Under 1.5 Goals (-137)
Congo DR vs. Uzbekistan
After playing Portugal to a 1-1 draw, Congo DR looked ready to pick up another point against Colombia. However, Daniel Munoz found the back of the net in the 76th minute. Congo DR needs a win to advance to the knockout stage. Luckily for the Congolese, they get to face the worst team in Group K.
Uzbekistan was just obliterated by Portugal, losing 5-0 to drop their goal differential to -7 in the World Cup. Through two matches, Uzbekistan has just four shots on goal and has scored only once.
What may actually help Uzbekistan is that Congo DR doesn't like to play with the ball. The Congolese have averaged just 31% possession time over two matches and looked entirely uncomfortable in possession late against Colombia.
All that said, Congo DR has simply been too impressive at this tournament to blow this opportunity. The defense will keep Uzbekistan in check. Even if the offense can only manage one goal, Congo DR will advance to the Round of 32.
Picks: Congo DR (-135) & Under 2.5 Goals (-110)
Algeria vs. Austria
This is one of the most compelling matches of the World Cup thus far for one simple reason: The winner of this match will likely have to play Spain in the Round of 32, while the team that loses will likely advance as one of the eight third-place teams and get a much easier matchup against an opponent like Switzerland. What should we expect from these teams?
Honestly, not much. I think both teams will be happy to play for a draw. A 1-0 loss might be the best thing for the Austrians. They have a goal differential of zero right now. If it drops to -1, they'd still be in position to qualify as one of the eight third-place teams.
Some will argue that the competitive nature will take over, but this is the World Cup. Anything you can do to better your chances going forward is the optimal approach. And since these teams have the benefit of playing in the last slot of the group stage, and will know exactly where they stand when kickoff happens, why shouldn't they use that to their advantage?
Pick: Under 1.5 Goals (+160)
Phil Wood is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Phil, check out his archive and follow him @Phil_Wood_Jr.