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

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.

(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)

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)

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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.

• England vs. Croatia Both Teams To Score, NO (-134, Bet365)