World Cup predictions for Wednesday put Portugal, England and Colombia in focus as several major contenders begin their 2026 campaigns.
The latest matchday brings four group-stage fixtures across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Portugal face DR Congo in Houston, England meet Croatia in Dallas, Ghana play Panama in Toronto, and Uzbekistan make their World Cup debut against Colombia in Mexico City.
The schedule also carries wider tournament storylines. Cristiano Ronaldo is chasing another scoring milestone, England open against a familiar knockout-stage rival, and Colombia begin a Group K campaign that many expect them to survive.
For fans, the day offers a mix of heavyweight favorites, dangerous outsiders and history-making moments.
World Cup Predictions for Wednesday’s Fixtures
The June 17 schedule begins with Portugal vs DR Congo at Houston Stadium at 12 p.m. local time, or 17:00 GMT.
England vs Croatia follows at Dallas Stadium at 3 p.m. local time, or 20:00 GMT. Ghana vs Panama kicks off at Toronto Stadium at 7 p.m. local time, or 23:00 GMT.
The final match of the day is Colombia vs Uzbekistan at Mexico City Stadium. That game starts at 8 p.m. local time, or 02:00 GMT on Thursday.
The matches cover Groups K and L. Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia are in Group K. England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama are in Group L.
Portugal vs DR Congo Prediction
Portugal enter their opener as clear favorites, but DR Congo’s return to the World Cup gives the match an unpredictable edge.
The Opta supercomputer gives Portugal a 54.5% chance of victory across 25,000 pre-match simulations. DR Congo win in 23.2% of those projections, while the draw lands at 22.3%.
That makes Portugal the expected winner, but not an overwhelming one. DR Congo arrive after ending a 52-year absence from the tournament, having last appeared in 1974 as Zaire.
Portugal’s depth gives Roberto Martinez several attacking options around Ronaldo. The 41-year-old forward remains the headline figure because he has scored in five different World Cups. If he scores in 2026, he would become the first player to score in six editions.
DR Congo will need defensive discipline and quick transitions to trouble Portugal. The Leopards are not expected to dominate possession, but they have enough physical presence and attacking speed to make the opener uncomfortable.
Prediction: Portugal 2-1 DR Congo.
England vs Croatia Prediction
England vs Croatia is the standout match of the day because of the history between the teams.
Croatia beat England in the 2018 World Cup semifinals, a result that still shapes the rivalry. England later defeated Croatia at the European Championship, but this World Cup meeting has a different weight because both sides need a strong start in Group L.
Opta gives England a 55.9% chance of victory, compared with 20.8% for Croatia. A draw is projected at 23.3%.
England arrive with one of the strongest squads in the tournament and serious expectations under Thomas Tuchel. Harry Kane remains central to their attack, while England’s recent qualifying form has raised belief that this team can make a deep run.
Croatia still carry tournament experience and technical control in midfield. Their challenge is whether they can slow England’s tempo and turn the match into a patient, tactical contest.
This may not be a high-scoring game. England have more attacking power, but Croatia’s experience should keep the contest tight for long spells.
Prediction: England 2-1 Croatia.
Ghana vs Panama Prediction
Ghana and Panama both see this fixture as a major opportunity to take early points in Group L.
This is not the most glamorous match on the schedule, but it may be one of the most important for the group table. With England and Croatia also in the section, neither Ghana nor Panama can afford to fall behind too early.
The Opta model gives Panama the edge, with a 45.2% chance of victory. Ghana win in 29.6% of simulations, while the draw sits at 25.2%.
Ghana’s World Cup history gives them more tournament pedigree, but Panama’s recent structure and resilience make them a difficult opponent. Panama will likely try to stay compact, frustrate Ghana’s rhythm and attack spaces when the match opens up.
Ghana must start quickly and avoid letting the game become too slow. If they can move the ball through midfield with control, they have the individual quality to create chances.
Prediction: Ghana 1-1 Panama.
Uzbekistan vs Colombia Prediction
Uzbekistan’s first World Cup match is one of the most emotional stories of the day.
Fabio Cannavaro’s team face Colombia at Mexico City Stadium, a venue loaded with football history. Uzbekistan are not expected to win, but their debut gives them a platform to show how far the country’s football program has come.
Colombia are strong favorites. The Opta supercomputer gives them a 62.4% chance of victory. Uzbekistan win in 17.5% of projections, while the draw is listed at 20.1%.
Colombia’s attacking quality makes them dangerous, especially if Luis Diaz finds space in transition. They also have the tournament experience Uzbekistan lack.
For Uzbekistan, the key will be organization. They must survive pressure early, stay compact and use set pieces or quick counters to threaten. Defender Abdukodir Khusanov could be vital to their plan.
Prediction: Colombia 2-0 Uzbekistan.
Ronaldo, Messi and Mbappe Add Record-Chasing Drama
Wednesday’s matches arrive after a dramatic start to the tournament’s star-player storylines.
Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria, moving level with Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals. Kylian Mbappe also made history for France, scoring twice in a 3-1 win over Senegal and moving to 14 World Cup goals.
That places more attention on Ronaldo as Portugal begin their campaign. His next goal would add another chapter to one of the longest international careers in football history.
Beyond the individual records, Wednesday may help define the early shape of Groups K and L. Portugal and Colombia can take control of Group K with wins, while England can make a statement in Group L by beating Croatia.
The best World Cup predictions point toward wins for Portugal, England and Colombia, with Ghana vs Panama looking the hardest to call. But at this stage of the tournament, opening matches often carry nerves, and one mistake can change the direction of a group.
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