FIFA World Cup 2026 odds & best bets for Group K/L

The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues with Portugal and England both opening their campaigns, while Ghana face Panama and Uzbekistan meet Colombia in two important group-stage matchups.

Portugal are heavy favourites against DR Congo in Houston, England face a dangerous Croatia side in Dallas, Ghana and Panama meet in a game both teams will see as winnable, and Colombia start short in the betting against World Cup debutants Uzbekistan.

Here are our top World Cup 2026 betting tips for Portugal vs DR Congo, England vs Croatia, Ghana vs Panama and Uzbekistan vs Colombia, with odds from the best soccer bookmakers in United States.

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  Fast Payouts

Portugal vs DR Congo

Group K: Wednesday, June 17 – Houston Stadium, Houston
Portugal start their World Cup campaign as clear favourites, priced at -333.33 to beat DR Congo, with the draw at +440 and the outsiders at +825.

All eyes will naturally go to Cristiano Ronaldo, who remains the biggest name in Portugal’s front line and the player most likely to be handed the biggest moments around goal. Portugal should control possession and territory, and if they start fast, Ronaldo will be right in the middle of the early chances.

DR Congo have enough athleticism and counter-attacking threat to make Portugal defend properly, but the favourites should spend long stretches around the box. That makes the first goalscorer market worth attacking rather than taking Portugal at a short head-to-head price.

Cristiano Ronaldo first goalscorer at +225 is the play. He remains Portugal’s penalty option and central target, so if the breakthrough comes early, he is the obvious candidate to provide it.

England vs Croatia

Group L: Wednesday, June 17 – Dallas Stadium, Dallas
England open against Croatia in one of the best games of the early group stage, with the Three Lions at -142.86, the draw at +270 and Croatia at +380.

Croatia have caused England problems on the world stage before, and they still have enough experience and technical quality to make this uncomfortable. But England’s attacking depth gives them plenty of ways to create chances, particularly if they can get runners around Harry Kane rather than leaving him isolated.

Kane is the obvious anytime goalscorer play at +125. He is England’s penalty taker, focal point and most reliable finisher, and in a match where chances may be limited, that role carries serious value.

Ghana vs Panama

Group L: Wednesday, June 17 – Toronto Stadium, Toronto
Ghana and Panama meet in a match that could be crucial in the race to stay alive in Group L, with Ghana at +125, the draw at +220 and Panama at +225.

This looks much more even than the reputations of the two nations might suggest. Ghana have pace and individual talent, but Panama are a disciplined side who are comfortable playing without the ball and making games ugly when they need to.

Panama at +225 is the value head-to-head pick. They do not need to dominate possession to win this; they just need to stay compact, compete physically and take advantage of set pieces or transition chances when Ghana open up.

Uzbekistan vs Colombia

Group K: Wednesday, June 17 – Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City
Colombia are strong favourites against Uzbekistan, sitting at -277.78 in the head-to-head market, while the draw is +360 and Uzbekistan are +775.

Colombia have the stronger squad and more tournament experience, but Uzbekistan’s first World Cup appearance gives this matchup a tricky edge. They should be desperate to avoid being opened up early, and that could make this more stubborn than the prices suggest.

The draw at +375 is the play. Colombia may have more quality, but tournament openers can get tight when the favourite has to break down a motivated underdog. If Uzbekistan can stay organised through the first hour, this could become a nervous one for Colombia.

World Cup 2026 top betting picks

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