Home / Sports Betting News / Ballislife Bets / 2026 FIFA World Cup Best Bets (June 17)

2026 FIFA World Cup Best Bets (June 17): England vs. Croatia, Ghana vs. Panama Odds & Predictions

Sports Writer

Publish Date: Jun 17, 2026

Fact checked by: Matt Moreno

Key Points

No. 4 Ranked England faces Croatia in its group stage debut for the FIFA World Cup as heavy favorites. Two nations have played each other four times in the last eight years in international tournaments, with England 3-1.
Expanded field of 2026 World Cup so far has led to few upsets in early group stage matches: only two underdogs have recorded wins or draws so far.
Neither Ghana nor Panama is expected to get out of Group Stage play, but their match offers a clash of teams that like to press and pass aggressively.

An unlikely match tops my list of must-watches for Wednesday's FIFA World Cup action. Plus, we'll see England's powerhouse No.4 world-ranked team take to the pitch in Texas against Croatia this afternoon in a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semifinal.

My World Cup betting record is 2-2. On Tuesday. I won $330 and went 2-0.

England forward Harry Kane (9) calls to a teammate in the first half during the friendly soccer match between England and Costa Rica on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

(Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

FIFA World Cup Schedule for Wednesday, June 17

Four matches are slated for today, starting in the early afternoon and running into the evening, Eastern Time.

Portugal vs. Congo DR, 1 p.m. ET in Houston, TX
England vs. Croatia, 4 p.m. ET in Arlington, TX
Ghana vs. Panama, 7 p.m. ET in Toronto, Ontario
Uzbekistan vs. Colombia, 10 p.m. ET in Mexico City

Consult the Best Sports Betting Offers before making your wagers on the World Cup. Don't miss out on betting credits you may qualify for.

FIFA World Cup Odds for June 17 (Bet365)

Team vs. Team	Moneyline (Home/Draw/Away)
Portugal vs. Congo DR	-334 / +425 / +900
England vs. Croatia	138 / +280 / +375
Ghana vs. Panama	+125 / +225 / +240
Uzbekistan vs. Columbia	+800 / +350 / -264

Odds courtesy of Bet365

FIFA World Cup Picks: Panama Total Goals Bet vs. Ghana

Not many observers of the FIFA World Cup have Ghana or Panama on their bingo card to win much in this tournament. Ghana was far back in the rankings pre-tournament, at 73rd in the world. The team has been decimated by injuries leading into the World Cup. Any win in Group Stage play would be a welcome accomplishment.

But, Panama (#34 in FIFA rankings) is not a heavyweight in the sport either. This is only the second time the tiny Central American nation has qualified for the World Cup. The first time, eight years ago, the Los Canaleros, which translates literally to Canal Men, were outscored 11-2 in Group Stage play. But this time, Panama seems to be hyper-focused on scoring more often.

Panama Brings Momentum Into Today's Match

In three of its last four matches before the World Cup, Panama has scored two goals. The team has found the back of the net in 11 of its last 12 games. Getting scoring chances won't seem to be a problem, especially against Ghana, which will be missing Mohammed Kudus (injury) and Thomas Partey (VISA issues).

This primetime game should feature lots of shots on goal and at least one crooked number on the board. My $100 bet will be worth $137 if the total goals reaches at least three.

Ghana vs. Panama Over 2.5 Goals (+137, Bet365)

Best Brand

BetMGM Promo

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

Get bonus now

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, Massachusetts, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Best Bonus

FanDuel Promo

New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days

Get bonus now

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpgg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). Find online real money wagering only. Min $5 wager required for 7 consecutive days. $5 free play credit. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus with cash withdrawable bonus with cash withdrawable. Bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).

Newcomer

DraftKings Promo

New DraftKings Customers: Bet $5, Get $200 + 3 Months of NBA League Pass!

Get bonus now

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new Sportsbook customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: dkng.co/offer. Get 1 promo code to redeem a 3-month NBA League Pass subscription, complimentary of DraftKings. Subscription auto-renews monthly at then-current price (currently $16.99/mo); cancel anytime. Terms, restrictions, and eligibility requirements apply. Redeem League Pass by 12/19/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Addt’l terms: support.watch.nba.com/hc/en-us/articles/9165532876183-League-Pass-Terms-of-Use_. Ends 11/29/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

FIFA World Cup Picks: England to win fourth straight over Croatia (-1 at +200)

England (8-1-1 in most recent 10 matches) remains an elite roster, featuring a handful of the greatest players on the planet including leader Harry Kane. Their opponent has been experiencing success in international play and friendlies too: Croatia is 9-3 in its last 12 matches.

Is there a trend to keep an eye on? It may be the UNDER: the under has hit in 5 of England's last 6 matches. However, it's important to remember that lineups are often not set in friendly matches leading into World Cup play. England has not needed to win matches to get into this tourney, but now that the world is watching, look for The Three Lions to roar by denting the back of the net.

What Croatia brings to the table

Croatia is a good pick to make it out of Group L, along with its opponent tonight. The team is one of the better defensive units in the tournament, but it will have a tough task against England, which tallied 22 goals in the qualifying rounds and never once conceded.

Three players to watch are the trio from Croatia: Mateo Kovačić, Luka Modrić, and Ivan Perišić, all of whom are past their prime. But, on Tuesday we witnessed an "aging" Argentina team led by an "old" superstar Lionel Messi, streak to a big victory. England will have a lot to say about the pressure Croatia likes to force with upfront passing: England weighs down its opponent with relentless passing and control from its offensive game. That's why this could be a low-scoring match: only once in England's last 10 matches have both teams scored.