Football tips for 17 June 2026: analysis of 3 matches in FIFA World Cup 2026 and today's match schedule, June 17, 2026.
On 17 June 2026, football tips highlight fan-favorite teams debuting in FIFA World Cup 2026: England, Portugal led by superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, and newcomer Uzbekistan. Follow the match analysis and expert opinions on these three key games.
- FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage, Group K, matchday 1 / kick-off at 00:00 (18 June Thailand time)
Portugal is entering its ninth World Cup, aiming for its first world title. Despite losing one qualifier to Ireland (winning 4, drawing 1), they topped Group F. That loss was their only defeat in 13 matches (10 wins, 2 draws). In two warm-up matches before the tournament, "Seleção das Quinas" won 2-1 against both Chile and Nigeria. The squad is fully fit and ready, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, and João Neves.
DR Congo is making its World Cup debut under this name, having previously appeared as Zaire in 1974 (exiting in the first round). They qualified after beating Jamaica 1-0 in an intercontinental playoff. Their last 10 matches yielded 6 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses—to Algeria 0-1 in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 and recently a 1-2 friendly loss to Chile. This will be their first meeting with Portugal. Despite Premier League stars like Joël Vissah, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, and Noah Sadiki leading the team, they are unlikely to hold off Portugal.
Match prediction : Portugal to comfortably secure the first 3 points.
- FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage, Group L, matchday 1 / kick-off at 03:00 (18 June Thailand time)
England is chasing its second World Cup title in its 17th appearance. After winning all 8 qualifying matches and topping Group K with 22 goals scored and none conceded, the "Three Lions" have had mixed friendlies recently: draws with Uruguay 1-1, a 0-1 loss to Japan at Wembley in March, followed by wins over New Zealand 1-0 and Costa Rica 3-0. Latest updates show Trevoh Chalobah joining late to replace the injured Tino Livramento, while Bukayo Saka's fitness is uncertain. Key players like Declan Rice, Elliott Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford, and Harry Kane are ready.
Croatia is making its seventh World Cup appearance, having been finalists in 2018 and third place in 2022. They topped Group L undefeated in qualifiers with 7 wins and 1 draw. This year, in four friendlies, they won 2 and lost 2—defeated by strong teams Brazil 1-3 and Belgium 0-2, but ending with a 2-1 win over Slovenia. Croatia beat England 2-1 in extra time in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals but have failed to win in their last three meetings (2 losses, 1 draw). Veteran leaders Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, and Ivan Perišić will lead the squad, with striker Petar Musa, who scored 12 goals in 13 MLS matches for FC Dallas, possibly starting. However, England looks stronger head-to-head and is likely to edge out Croatia.
Match prediction : England to narrowly defeat Croatia.
- FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage, Group K, matchday 1 / kick-off at 09:00 (18 June Thailand time)
Uzbekistan will make its World Cup debut after finishing second in Asian qualifying Group A, with 6 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss behind Iran. In 9 warm-up matches, they won 5, drew 1, and lost 3, including two recent losses to Canada 0-2 and the Netherlands 1-2. Unfortunately, veteran winger Jaloliddin Masharipov withdrew due to injury. However, key players competing in Europe include Abdugadir Kusanov (Manchester City), Eldor Shomurodov, Abbosbek Fayzullaev (Istanbul Başakşehir), and Igor Sergeev, a former BG Pathum United striker in Thai League 1.
Colombia is making its seventh World Cup appearance, aiming to surpass their best finish of the quarterfinals in 2014. They placed third in South American qualifiers with 7 wins, 7 draws, and 4 losses. In 8 friendlies, they won 5, drew 1, and lost 2 against Croatia 1-2 and France 1-3, then warmed up with wins over Costa Rica 3-1 and Jordan 2-0. The squad is fully fit, led by Luis Díaz, second top scorer in South American qualifiers with 7 goals after Lionel Messi (8). Also featuring Luis Suárez with 4 goals and captain James Rodríguez, top scorer at the 2014 World Cup with 6 goals. Colombia's stronger lineup suggests they will outplay Uzbekistan.
Match prediction : Colombia to narrowly claim the first 3 points.