World Cup Predictions June 17: Can England get a big group stage win?

The first round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage is nearly complete. June 17 is the seventh match day of the tournament. The first game on Wednesday will feature Portugal facing off against the Congo DR. The next two games will be England vs. Croatia and Ghana vs. Panama. The final contest on Wednesday will pit Uzbekistan against Colombia in a Group K clash in Mexico City, Mexico.

Can England win the game outright, cover the 0.5-goal spread, and earn 3 points in their first group game against Croatia on Wednesday? Will Ghana begin their group play with an outright win by 1+ goals in Toronto, Canada? Can Colombia win by multiple goals and get a critical group play win over Uzbekistan on Wednesday?

I'll make picks for the final 3 contests of the day below. Continue reading for our World Cup Predictions June 17 article.

World Cup Predictions Game 1

Odds accurate as of Wednesday, June 17, 2026 via TheSpread.com.

England vs. Croatia World Cup Predictions June 17 Game Result Pick

Covering the 0.5-goal spread as an underdog simply requires Croatia to secure a draw or win against England on Wednesday afternoon in Arlington.

They are well-positioned to do so, boasting an unbeaten streak in their group-stage matches across the last two World Cups. Tactically, Croatia is built to frustrate, anchored by Josko Gvardiol in defense and Luka Modrić, who boasts an unmatched 175 line-breaking passes over the last 2 tournaments.

With the expanded 2026 format reducing early jeopardy, a tactical stalemate would mutually benefit both nations, making a tight draw highly probable for these perennial overperformers.

Pick: Croatia +0.5 (+110)

World Cup Prediction Game 2

Ghana vs. Panama World Cup Predictions June 17 Game Result Pick

Ghana is well-positioned to cover the 0.5-goal spread required to secure an outright victory against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday night.

While they enter the tournament looking to rebound from a winless stretch in recent friendlies, the Black Stars possess superior high-end talent capable of breaking down Panama’s pressing defense.

Under the experienced tactical direction of veteran manager Carlos Queiroz, Ghana is primed to exploit transition opportunities. With explosive forwards like Iñaki Williams and Antoine Semenyo leading the attack, they have the physical power and pace needed to outmatch Panama's backline and secure the vital 3 points.

It's important to note that Ghana has a rich tournament pedigree, highlighted by its historic run to the 2010 quarterfinals. The Black Stars possess the proven World Cup experience necessary to outclass a Panamanian squad making just their second-ever appearance on the global stage.

Pick: Ghana -0.5 (+120)

World Cup Prediction Game 3

Uzbekistan vs. Colombia World Cup Predictions June 17 Game Result Pick

Colombia is more than capable of winning by multiple goals and covering the 1.5-goal spread against World Cup debutants Uzbekistan on Wednesday night in Mexico City.

Returning to the global stage for the first time since their 2018 knockout run, Los Cafeteros boast excellent recent form, having won 7 of their last 10 matches. Manager Nestor Lorenzo’s squad pairs physicality with overwhelming attacking flair.

With the veteran guile of James Rodríguez—who logged 7 assists in qualifying—feeding elite wingers like Luis Díaz and prolific striker Luis Suárez, Colombia's relentless pressure will ultimately break down Uzbekistan's deep-lying 5-4-1 defensive formation.

Pick: Colombia -1.5 (+110)

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Today's World Cup Predictions

1. Croatia +0.5 (+110)
2. Ghana -0.5 (+120)
3. Colombia -1.5 (+110)