2026 World Cup Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (6/17)
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.
Catch Top-Flight Soccer Action on DAZN>>
Wednesday’s Best 2026 World Cup Picks & Predictions
(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)
Ghana vs. Panama
Ghana has not performed well at all in the build-up to the World Cup. They’ve lost five of their last six matches, tying Wales in their most recent match. They haven't won a game as a nation since October 12th, when they defeated Comoros 1-0.
One of the key reasons that Ghana has struggled of late is its defense. They've allowed at least one goal in six consecutive matches, giving up multiple goals in four of those contests.
Panama's defensive struggles may be even more problematic. They have allowed at least one goal in seven consecutive matches, giving up 11 in their last three games. In one of their most recent World Cup qualifying matches, they gave up two goals to Guatemala.
Considering both teams’ offenses are relatively solid, I don't see any reason they shouldn't score. Additionally, I wouldn't be surprised to see them each score multiple goals.
Pick: Over 2.5 Goals (+126) & Both Teams to Score (-110)
Uzbekistan vs. Colombia
Colombia's offense enters this match in excellent form. They've scored five goals in their last two matches, and they haven't been shut out since October. During CONMEBOL qualifying, Colombia scored 28 goals in 18 games, the second-most of any team behind only Argentina.
Colombia's first opponent is Uzbekistan, a team that has allowed multiple goals in each of its June games. While Uzbekistan allowed only 11 goals in 16 World Cup qualifying matches, they struggled against some of the better teams they faced. For example, they allowed multiple goals against Iran and allowed Qatar to score three times.
Pick: Colombia Team Total Over 2.5 Goals (+190)
Phil Wood is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Phil, check out his archive and follow him @Phil_Wood_Jr.