FIFA World Cup Picks and Predictions: July 2, 2026
Written by: Nate Hornung
Published: Thu Jul 02, 2026, 11:27 am ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
FIFA World Cup
Thursday brings us the second to last set of Round of 32 matchups in the FIFA World Cup. We had a great day on Tuesday, we got the sweep yesterday, let's see if we can have another positive day with today's picks!
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Spain vs. Austria FIFA World Cup Picks
Mikel Oyarzabal has two goals and an assist for Spain so far in this tournament
Best Bet: Spain ML/Under 3.5 (+107) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
Today I am backing Spain to get the job done in 90 minutes in a low scoring match against Austria. Spain looked like they were going to be a big disappointment in this tournament after drawing with Cape Verde to open things up. Then they turned it around and beat Saudi Arabia and Uruguay to top the group. This side has yet to allow a goal so far in the World Cup.
Austria played Argentina, who is comparable to Spain, and it didn't go well for David Alaba and company. Lionel Messi missed a PK early on, but netted two more to seal a 2-0 Argentina victory. In that match, Austria allowed 2.36 expected goals while creating just 0.53 of their own. They had just one shot on goal and a single big chance, but they spent most of the match defending.
Today, Spain should be able to create as many chances as they wish against Austria, forcing them to expel all their energy on that side of the field. I also endorse Spain to Nil if you'd rather bet this match that way, but I highly doubt it gets to 4-0.
Portugal vs. Croatia FIFA World Cup Picks
Can Croatia pull off a huge upset today against Portugal?
Best Bet: Croatia +0.5 (+122) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
If you wanted to, you could take Croatia +0.75 for (-105), but you would still need at least a draw in 90 minutes to walk away with some profit. Therefore, I am opting to take the Croatians on the double chance line for plus chicken. Simply put, I have not been impressed with Portugal.
They actually lost the expected goals battle against Congo in their 1-1 draw, creating just a single shot on target that found the back of the net. Sure they turned it on against Uzbekistan, but we all saw that coming. Finally they played a scoreless draw against Colombia, were saved by VAR at the end, and also lost the expected goals battle 1.70 to 0.93. I see this Croatian team locking down defensively and containing the Portugal attack for at least 90 minutes to cash our plus money wager.
Switzerland vs. Algeria FIFA World Cup Picks
Dan Ndoye has 10 shots, four on target, but has yet to find the back of the net for Switzerland in this tournament
Best Bet: Switzerland ML/Under 3.5 (+150) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
You can take this up to 4.5 total goals and still get plus money for this same game parlay if you'd like. Personally I think the Swiss are the better team, I think the moneyline is playable by itself, but I'll add an inflated total since I am confident there as well.
Algeria was battle tested in their group, possibly more than the Swiss. But I don't think that matters. Sure, the Swiss conceded in every match, but against Bosnia and Qatar they averaged just 0.14 expected goals allowed. That number increased against Canada, but the host nation was playing from behind most of the match. I see the Swiss handling business, likely getting a shutout, and moving on to the Round of 16.
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Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.
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