Football tips for 23 June 2026: Analysis of 3 promising matches in the 2026 World Cup and today's fixtures.
On 23 June 2026, today's football tips cover the final second group stage matches in the 2026 World Cup for the last two groups. Follow the analysis and predictions for the three key matches involving England, Portugal, and Colombia.
- 2026 World Cup Group K Round 1, Matchday 2 / Kick-off at 00:00 (Thai time, 24 June).
Portugal started their 9th World Cup campaign aiming for their first world title but had an unsatisfactory opening with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo. They remain unbeaten in 6 matches (4 wins, 2 draws). They now face Uzbekistan, a World Cup debutant, but Portugal has failed to beat Asian teams in their last two World Cup matches (2018: 1-1 draw with Iran; 2022: 1-2 loss to South Korea). They might hold back Ruben Dias, who is not fully fit, and retain the central defense pairing of Renato Veiga and Thomas Araujo. The midfield will feature Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, and João Neves, while Cristiano Ronaldo may get another chance upfront to seek his first goal.
Uzbekistan made their World Cup debut with a 1-3 loss to Colombia despite a strong effort, marking three consecutive defeats in all competitions after a five-match unbeaten run. Another loss to Portugal would eliminate them immediately. Coach Fabio Cannavaro is likely to stick mostly with the same starting lineup, including European-based stars Abdulgadir Kusanov (Manchester City), Eldor Shomurodov, and Abbosbek Fayzullaev (Istanbul Basaksehir). Igor Sergeev, former BG Pathum United striker, remains a key surprise element. However, overall, Portugal appears stronger.
Match Prediction : Portugal will win comfortably against Uzbekistan.
- 2026 World Cup Group L Round 1, Matchday 2 / Kick-off at 03:00 (Thai time, 24 June).
England is chasing their second World Cup title in their 17th tournament, having just beaten Croatia 4-2, breaking a nine-match drought against top-15 ranked teams in the World Cup. After a lackluster warm-up with four games (a 1-1 draw with Uruguay, a 0-1 loss to Japan at Wembley, then wins over New Zealand 1-0 and Costa Rica 3-0), the team will assess whether to field Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Marcus Rashford, who have minor injuries but have resumed training. Defensively, Mark Gehi may partner John Stones in place of Ezri Konsa. The attack will feature Harry Kane with support from Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon.
Ghana opened their fifth World Cup with a late 1-0 win over Panama in injury time at 90+5 minutes, ending a six-game winless streak (5 losses, 1 draw). This gives them hope to reach the knockout stage for the first time in 16 years since their best run to the quarterfinals in 2010. They faced England once before, a 1-1 draw in 2011. Thomas Partey, who missed the first match due to visa issues entering Canada, has now secured a US visa and will play alongside Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew, Abdul Fatawu, and Caleb Yirenkyi, who scored the winner against Panama. Nonetheless, England is stronger on paper.
Match Prediction : England will narrowly defeat Ghana.
- 2026 World Cup Group K Round 1, Matchday 2 / Kick-off at 09:00 (Thai time, 24 June).
Colombia began their 7th World Cup by teaching Uzbekistan a lesson with a 3-1 win, their third consecutive victory in all competitions following warm-up wins against Costa Rica (3-1) and Jordan (2-0). A win here will secure immediate qualification. The full-strength squad is led by Luis Diaz and Daniel Munoz, who each scored in the previous match, alongside captain James Rodriguez, John Arias, and Luis Suarez, who is looking to open his scoring after netting 28 goals for Sporting Lisbon last season.
DR Congo is making their first World Cup appearance, excluding their 1974 participation as Zaire when they were eliminated in the first round. They impressed with a 1-1 draw against Portugal but have not won in their last three matches (2 draws, 1 loss). This will be their first meeting with Colombia. They may switch from a five-defender setup to a back four to play more offensively in pursuit of qualification. Their squad includes Premier League stars Yoan Vissa, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Noah Sadiki, and Cedric Bakambu. However, Colombia's quality gives them a slight edge and makes them favorites to win.
Match Prediction : Colombia will narrowly beat DR Congo.