England join the FIFA World Cup 2026 party on Wednesday – Andy Schooler previews their clash with Croatia and the day’s other three matches.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Three Lions to Roar in Dallas?
They’ve had to wait almost a whole week but England finally take to the stage at the World Cup on Wednesday. They will do so indoors in Dallas so the heat shouldn’t be a huge problem and, in any case, this is an aging Croatia team with the likes of Luka Modric having one last hurrah. England are 1.61 favourites, the sort of price I’m always wary of backing the Three Lions at.
FIFA World Cup 2026: England v Croatia
Group L, Dallas (ITV, 9pm)
They haven’t played many top-quality sides since Thomas Tuchel took charge and when they have, it’s not been great. Fellow World Cup qualifiers Senegal and Japan have both defeated them in the past 18 months, while Uruguay held them to a draw. OK, England didn’t have their strongest XI out in any of those fixtures but those who consider them as genuine contenders to win this tournament are certainly betting on potential rather than proven form.
In addition, England may have won their opener 6-2 at the last World Cup (against Iran) but prior to that they had a pretty iffy record in such matches. A late Harry Kane goal edged them past Tunisia in 2018 and before that they’d won just two of their six previous World Cup openers. While on the subject of Kane, I’d rather back him at 2.2 to score than England at 1.61 given his outstanding goal record this season. However, the bet I like most for this match comes in the props markets.
New Barcelona recruit Anthony Gordon is expected to get the nod on the left-hand side and his shot price looks interesting. He’s at 1.88 for two or more shots in this one and that’s something he’s managed in eight of his last 11 England starts. He also hit two shots as a sub against New Zealand earlier this month. Trusted more by Tuchel than by Gareth Southgate and buzzing after what was genuinely a dream move to a club he has long admired, Gordon is worth backing here.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Portugal v DR Congo
Group K, Houston (BBC, 6pm)
The day’s action actually kicks off with this game across Texas but it’s not one which makes great betting appeal. Portugal are firm jollies, although it’s not been a great tournament so far for favourite-backers. DR Congo saw off Cameroon, Nigeria and Jamaica in play-offs to qualify and have some good talent in the likes of Newcastle’s Yoane Wissa, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe. They certainly could make life difficult for the Portuguese, who are at 1.72 on the -1.5 handicap line.
A potential bet is for Portugal to have the most cards. They have some spiky characters who could get narky if things aren’t going to plan – think Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva – while DR Congo only collected 11 cards in their 13 qualifiers. Portugal are 3.9 for the most in this match which looks a bit big, especially given Qatari ref Abdulrahman Al-Jassim is someone who likes to dish them out.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Ghana v Panama
Group L, Toronto (ITV, 12am Thu)
I don’t think either of these sides is going to make a huge impact on this tournament but, in the here and now, Jordan Ayew looks the man to focus on. The former Premier League star was Ghana’s key man in qualifying, delivering seven goals and seven assists and with his nation missing some big stars in Mohammed Kudus, Mohammed Salisu and Tariq Lamptey due to injury, big performances will be expected and needed by a player of his experience.
Overall, Ayew has now scored 14 goals in his last 21 internationals, while he’s produced nine assists in his last 11. I’d expect him to get a chance or two, at least, here. Panama may have improved since shipping 11 goals in three games at the 2018 World Cup but they remain vulnerable with Brazil putting six past them earlier this month. Colombia also scored five against them at Copa America a couple of summers ago.
Admittedly, the likely loss of midfielder Thomas Partey over visa issues is a blow to Ghana’s chances but they still have some big players in Antoine Semenyo and Inaki Williams, who can hurt that flaky Panama defence – and create chances for Ayew. He’s worth backing in either market, or even both.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Uzbekistan v Colombia
Group K, Mexico City (BBC, 3am Thu)
One of the bets I liked the most from a personal perspective before the tournament began was James Rodriguez, who was a big price for most assists. The Uzbeks, now managed Italy great Fabio Cannavaro, are known for their defensive tactics but Rodriguez is exactly the type of talent capable of unlocking that set-up.
He assisted seven times in 14 starts in World Cup qualifying, as Colombia finished second in the South American section behind Argentina. It was six in six at Copa America two years ago when Colombia made the final. And he’s added another four in friendlies since qualification was booked, including during the last two warm-up games.
In total, he now has 17 assists in his last 29 international starts which is very good going at this level, especially considering the strength of South American football where there are few ‘gimme’ games. Colombia were the second-highest scorers in that CONMEBOL section, this despite having issues in terms of an out-and-out centre forward. However, they now have Sporting Lisbon’s Luis Suarez in that role and he gives them more of a threat, arriving here off a 38-goal season for the Portuguese side.
That gives Rodriguez a good target from open play but it should also be noted that many of his assists have come from his excellent set-piece delivery. In short, he has several routes to the prize. Sadly, the bookies are wise to the former Real Madrid man’s threat but I do fancy him to assist here against weak opposition and so will back him at a short price for at least one, while also suggesting a small bet on 2+ assists at a much bigger price. He’s landed that bet in four of his last 23 starts and it’s hardly beyond the realms of possibility that Colombia score a few here.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Wednesday 16th 2026
Anthony Gordon over 1.5 shots @ 1.88 with kwiff
Ayew anytime scorer @ 3.3 with kwiff
Ayew 1+ assist @ 4.42 with kwiff
Rodriguez 1+ assist @ 2.49 with kwiff
Rodriguez 2+ assist @ 8.85 with kwiff
By Andy Schooler
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