The knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is more than halfway through. England beat DR Congo 2-1 on Wednesday to advance to the Round of 16 and the USA toppled Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 in regulation. We have over half of the 16-team field set at the time of this writing. July 2 is the twenty-second match day of the tournament and the fifth day of knockout stage play.
There are 3 knockout stage games on Thursday. Spain faces off against Austria in the opener. Portugal plays Croatia in the second game, and Switzerland will square off against Algeria in the nightcap.
Can Spain win outright, cover the 1.5-goal spread, and advance to the Round of 16? Will Portugal score 1+ goals and cover the 0.5-goal spread as favorites against Croatia? Can Switzerland defeat a feisty Algeria squad by a goal or more in Vancouver, Canada?
Note: If a game is tied at the end of 90 minutes and stoppage time, it is technically ruled a "draw" for betting purposes. Additionally, spreads and totals only apply to the 90 minutes of regulation time and stoppage time unless specified.
I'll make picks for all 3 of the day's contests below. Continue reading for our World Cup Best Bets July 2 article.
Spain vs. Austria — Time & How to Watch
| Where | SOFI STADIUM, INGLEWOOD, CA, USA |
| When | THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2026, 3 PM ET |
| Competition | 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP / KNOCKOUT STAGE / ROUND OF 32 |
| TV | FOX, FOX ONE, TELEMUNDO, FUBO |
Spain vs. Austria Odds
| Spread | Moneyline | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPAIN | -1.5 (-105) | -300 | O 2.5 (-135) |
| AUSTRIA | +1.5 (-120) | +850 | U 2.5 (+110) |
| DRAW | – | +425 | – |
Odds accurate as of Thursday, July 2, 2026, via TheSpread.com.
Spain vs Austria Prediction July 2 Game Result Pick
Spain is primed to cover the 1.5-goal spread as favorites against Austria on Thursday afternoon at SoFi Stadium.
The Spaniards are riding a staggering 32-match unbeaten streak. Under Luis de la Fuente, La Roja boast an impenetrable defense that didn’t concede a single goal during the World Cup group stage (outscoring opponents 5-0). Conversely, Ralf Rangnick’s high-pressing Austria just allowed 3 goals to Algeria and will struggle to contain Spain’s surgical technicians up front.
With Lamine Yamal orchestrating the attack alongside elite creators like Pedri and a red-hot Mikel Oyarzabal, Spain’s superior passing will easily dissect Austria's defense to secure a multi-goal victory.
Pick: Spain -1.5 (-105)
Portugal vs. Croatia — Time & How to Watch
| Where | BMO FIELD, TORONTO, CANADA |
| When | THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2026, 7 PM ET |
| Competition | 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP / KNOCKOUT STAGE / ROUND OF 32 |
| TV | FOX, FOX ONE, TELEMUNDO, FUBO |
Portugal vs. Croatia Odds
| Spread | Moneyline | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PORTUGAL | -0.5 (-140) | -135 | O 2.5 (-125) |
| CROATIA | +0.5 (+110) | +390 | U 2.5 (+100) |
| DRAW | – | +275 | – |
Portugal vs Croatia Prediction July 2 Game Result Pick
Croatia is well-positioned to cover the 0.5-goal spread as underdogs in Thursday's Round of 32 clash against Portugal in Toronto.
A win or draw on Thursday would perfectly align with Croatia's historic situational trend of grinding out results in major knockout stage games. While Portugal will be the favorite on Thursday, Zlatko Dalic’s Croatia squad consistently excels as an against-the-spread powerhouse when doubted.
The tactical blueprint is clear: Luka Modric will dictate midfield possession to neutralize Portugal's tempo, while Josko Gvardiol will anchor a disciplined defense to stifle Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Leao.
By dragging Portugal into a low-event, physical battle, Croatia will secure a draw or outright win in regulation to cash the cover.
Pick: Croatia +0.5 (+110)
Switzerland vs. Algeria — Time & How to Watch
| Where | BC PLACE, VANCOUVER, CANADA |
| When | THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2026, 11 PM ET |
| Competition | 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP / KNOCKOUT STAGE / ROUND OF 32 |
| TV | FS1, FOX ONE, TELEMUNDO, FUBO |
Switzerland vs. Algeria Odds
| Spread | Moneyline | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SWITZERLAND | -0.5 (+100) | +105 | O 2.5 (+115) |
| ALGERIA | +0.5 (-130) | +300 | U 2.5 (-140) |
| DRAW | – | +230 | – |
Switzerland vs Algeria Prediction July 2 Game Result Pick
Algeria is in a good spot to cover the 0.5-goal spread as underdogs against Switzerland on Thursday at BC Place.
The Desert Foxes are primed to exploit a unique situational trend driven by their manager, Vladimir Petkovic. Having managed the Swiss for 7 years, Petkovic holds the ultimate tactical blueprint to dismantle their squad.
As a gritty against-the-spread standout, Algeria proved their resilience in a 3-3 group-stage shootout with Austria. With Riyad Mahrez orchestrating lethal counterattacks, Algeria will drag Switzerland into a tight battle, securing a draw or outright win to cover the 0.5-goal spread.
Pick: Algeria +0.5 (-130)
The first round of the knockout stage is over halfway through. If you're watching the World Cup and are new to soccer betting, check out our how to bet on soccer guide.
Today's World Cup Predictions
- Spain -1.5 (-105)
- Croatia +0.5 (+110)
- Algeria +0.5 (-130)