World Cup Picks

A great opening game saw hype build around England, but they struggled against Ghana’s low-block last time out, and finished with a draw. Thomas Tuchel is likely to make some changes, and principal amongst those will be the wide players. Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka coming into the team would offer more goal threat than either Anthony Gordon or Noni Madueke.

Panama have nothing to play for, besides pride, and because of that, they’re less likely to put 11 men behind the ball, and will at least try to show some expansive play. Their 3-4-3 formation packs the centre of the defense, but it can open up spaces in the channels behind their wingers.

Panama have allowed just 14 shots and two goals so far, and with England wanting to rest players, we can expect a game managed out, once they take the lead.

Semenyo has played a more disciplined role on the wing in the first two games, but he’s the likeliest option to create something out of nothing for Ghana, especially with his willingness to carry the ball in 1-on-1 situations.

Whether he lines up against Manchester City teammate Josko Gvardiol or right back Josip Stanisic, Semenyo’s direct style is perfect for transition attacks, and he’s coming off a season where he scored 17 league goals for City and Bournemouth.

Look for the defenses to be on top at Lincoln Financial Field, with Ghana yet to concede at this World Cup and Croatia improving at that end of the field after a shaky effort against England in their Group L opener.

The Black Stars' last four contests have all featured two goals or fewer, and I expect this matchup to resemble Croatia’s 1-0 win over Panama.

Ghana have kept two clean sheets on the way to four points, and there’s no reason to flip the script now, especially against a Croatia team that’s short on attacking spark.

The Black Stars have tied two of their last three outings. They only had 21% of the possession in the 0-0 draw with England earlier this week, but allowed just three shots on target that day.

Colombia will set out to frustrate Portugal much as DR Congo did, where they held the European nation to just one effort on target and denied service to Cristiano Ronaldo.

The difference is that Colombia can hit on the counter much more lethally than Congo did. That will force Portugal to take more risks when pushing bodies forward as they chase the win.

I believe they'll take the risks needed to find goals, but Colombia will match them with counter-attacking strikes as they share the spoils. 

This price is far too high for a player of Diaz abilities and qualities. Colombia looks to run its attack through him, especially when they hit on the counter-attack as they'll likely do vs. Portugal.

He's already taken seven shots in the tournament, and he scored a goal while assisting another in their win over Uzbekistan. 

Diaz is in outstanding form after his season with Bayern, and his high usage rate in attack makes this a value play. 

When you look at the attacking talent on display, and the motivation of both sides to avoid Spain, this sets up for a higher-scoring affair.

Colombia defends in a compact shape, but not via a low block. This means Portugal will be able to find space in behind to attack, and will be able to create goals.

However, the likes of Luis Diaz can punish Portugal on the counter, and the attacking nature of both teams at the fullback position will generate opportunities to exploit space.  

Bakambu still performs at a high level despite being 35, scoring four goals for Betis last season. Congo's veteran striker has the experience to deliver in a must-win match, making him a strong value to score.

Four of Uzbekistan's last five competitive matches have produced over 2.5 goals. Their back three has been repeatedly exposed, conceding eight goals in two World Cup matches. Congo's attack should capitalize.

Congo has exceeded expectations and needs a win to advance. Uzbekistan has conceded eight goals in two matches and offers little attacking threat. Back Congo at -133 to get it done.

Laying the goals with Argentina is the logical side. Even if Lionel Scaloni rotates his squad, the talent gap remains enormous, and Jordan simply doesn't have the attacking quality to capitalize.

Argentina have kept eight straight clean sheets, allowing virtually nothing defensively, while Jordan have generated just 1.10 expected goals through two World Cup matches. Their lack of creativity makes it difficult to see where they consistently threaten.

The Albiceleste have been clinical in front of goal, turning 22 shots into 11 on target and five goals. They've now scored 2+ goals in eight straight matches, while the Over has cashed in five of those eight games.

Jordan, meanwhile, are defensively vulnerable. They've conceded 2+ goals in seven straight matches, and their narrow 3-4-2-1 leaves too much space behind the wing-backs — exactly where Argentina are at their most dangerous.

The 0–0 scoreline at kick-off could very well remain unchanged throughout the match. Neither side is likely to take unnecessary risks if a draw suits both teams, so I’m going one step further than the draw prediction and backing a 0–0 result here. I’m also looking at Kalshi’s attractive price of 144 for under 1.5 goals, and I’m taking that option as well.

A draw could send both teams through, depending on earlier results, making it an appealing outcome for Austria and Algeria. With the incentive to avoid defeat on both sides, a +133 draw offers solid value.

Canada have been the more complete side throughout the tournament and should have enough quality to avoid a Round of 32 upset. South Africa's unpredictable style can create problems, but Canada have consistently generated scoring chances and hold the edge across the pitch. Back the Canadians to advance with a win in regulation.

Expect a tense, tactical knockout match where neither side wants to make the first costly mistake. South Africa have seen the Under cash in six of their last seven matches, while Canada were also an Under team before their late group-stage scoring surge. Goals should be at a premium in this one.

Japan's attacking approach should create an open knockout match despite the stakes. Both teams scored consistently in the group stage, combining for 18 goals in six matches. With Japan capable of troubling Brazil on the break, Over 2.5 goals offers value at +100 or better.

Brazil's reputation continues to inflate its odds, creating value on Japan. The underdogs impressed throughout the group stage and matched the Netherlands, while Brazil's dominant wins came against weaker opposition. Japan can keep this close, making the draw an attractive play at anything up to +250.

Both teams excel defensively and thrive in midfield battles, making it difficult to create quality chances. With a projected 1-1 score after regulation, the Under is my favorite play and remains worth backing to -140.

The Netherlands and Morocco share similar defensive styles, making chances scarce. Expect a tightly contested match that may require extra time, with the Draw offering value at up to +220.