2026 World Cup Picks & Predictions: Thursday (7/2)
After a dramatic finish to qualify for the knockout stage, Austria is tasked with taking down Spain. Below, I explain why I don't expect Austria to put up much of a fight. Then, I highlight why goals will be sparse when Portugal and Croatia meet, and I explain why Switzerland is being undervalued against Algeria. Here are the best bets and 2026 World Cup picks for the games being played on Thursday, July 2.
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Thursday’s Best 2026 World Cup Picks & Predictions
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Spain vs. Austria
As is often the case when Spain takes the pitch, this match will come down to how often the Spanish actually go for goal. While there is no doubt that Spain is the better side in this contest, this is also a team that failed to score against Cape Verde, then defeated Uruguay just 1-0.
However, I don't believe Austria has the talent to keep up with Spain in this match. Austria is coming off a miracle result against Algeria. After allowing a goal in stoppage time that was about to knock the Austrians out of the World Cup, they managed to find the back of the net in the closing moments to force a draw and advance to the knockout stage.
Despite the dramatics, what we've seen from Austria thus far hasn't been great. Allowing three goals to Algeria is certainly worrisome, and while no one expected the Austrians to defeat Argentina, putting just one shot on goal despite 46% possession is alarming. In the end, Spain is going to control the tempo of this game and break down an Austrian defense that needs to be perfect to have any chance here.
Pick: Spain -1.5 (+100)
Portugal vs. Croatia
All things considered, the group stage was rather disappointing for Portugal. Though the defense held back-to-back opponents to zero goals, the offense only ever showed signs of life against a lackluster Uzbekistan team. With the group up for grabs against Colombia, Portugal was wholly outplayed. Though the game ended 0-0, Colombia finished with 1.70 expected goals, while Portugal had 0.93.
Croatia's group stage wasn't much better. After allowing four goals to England, the offense struggled with Panama's defense, then needed a goal in the 83rd minute to escape with a win over Ghana. Though the Croatians scored twice in that match, they had just 0.42 expected goals.
Portugal should advance, but Croatia has found a way past superior opponents in back-to-back World Cups, so I won't count them out. Instead, I'll play it safe and simply back the Under.
Pick: Total Goals – 90 Minutes: Under 2.5 (-135)
Switzerland vs. Algeria
Since Switzerland's opening draw against Qatar, the offense has been impressive, which is why I'm shocked that the Swiss aren't more heavily favored here. This is a team that just beat Canada on its home soil to win Group B, and has now outscored opponents 6-2 in its last two games. Additionally, if you're worried about the Qatar game, Switzerland finished with 3.20 expected goals in that match.
When it comes to Algeria, there is a belief that the defense can carry the team through some knockout stage games. But where has that defense been so far? The Algerians just allowed three goals to Austria, were picked apart by Argentina, and even allowed a goal to Jordan.
With all of this in mind, I'm backing Switzerland to score multiple times and win in regulation. Maybe Switzerland will have another performance like the one against Qatar, but this is a team that looks really confident since the second half against Bosnia-Herzegovina. I expect the Swiss to stay hot here.
Pick: Switzerland (+110) and Switzerland Over 1.5 Goals (+115)
Phil Wood is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Phil, check out his archive and follow him @Phil_Wood_Jr.