The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues into the knockout rounds! Before you enjoy the action, let’s dive into the top World Cup expert picks for today’s matches. We’ll dish out a few World Cup predictions for Thursday, July 2nd. Check out these World Cup best bets for some of the top players and games on the schedule. Plus, we’ll examine some of the key World Cup odds to keep an eye on. 

Best FIFA World Cup Picks Today 7/2

Switzerland vs. Algeria – Both Teams To Score (-110 on BetMGM Sportsbook)

Today’s World Cup expert picks feature the Round of 32 matchup between Switzerland and Algeria. We should see both teams score in what might be an open, back-and-forth contest. The attacks can have the edge on both ends, which is the angle for our World Cup predictions.  

Switzerland’s offense showed up in the group stage. The Swiss scored 7 goals and sent in 45 total shots across the three matches. Breel Embolo and Johan Manzambi are both dangerous goal-scoring threats in the attack who can beat opposing defenders in transition. Veteran Granit Xhaka also provides stability to create opportunities. 

Meanwhile, Algeria’s defense proved to be vulnerable in group play. It allowed 7 goals over the three matches and conceded at least one in each game. The Algerian full-backs push up to attack from the wings, leaving the defense more open on the back end. Switzerland has the counterability and offensive quality to exploit that. 

Algeria’s style of play naturally invites up-and-down matches with scoring chances on both ends. The attacking wing-backs give the offense more upside, with Riyad Mahrez starring as the key creator. However, the defense is prone to allowing a goal or two against quality teams. That was evident against Austria and Argentina, when the Algerians allowed 3 goals to both.

Switzerland’s defense, on the other hand, also isn’t entirely trustworthy. The Swiss allowed opponents to score in all three group matches. Plus, both teams have scored in 8 of their last 9 matches across all competitions. Let’s bank on that trend continuing today. 

More World Cup Expert Picks:

 

 

 

Top World Cup Player Props Today

Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain) – 4+ Shots (-110 on BetMGM Sportsbook)

Let’s keep the World Cup best bets going with a player prop. Our World Cup expert picks feature Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal to have 4+ shots against Austria today. As one of the focal points in the Spanish attack, Oyarzabal should have enough shot opportunities to hit this mark. 

Oyarzabal had 5 shots in two of the three group-stage matches. He also had a team-high 11 shots in group play. Spain’s attack centers around feeding him and Lamine Yamal in or near the box. Yamal will also likely send in plenty of shots, but the Austrian defense could be focused on shutting him down. 

Plus, Spain is expected to be without one or both of Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino in the attack after both picked up injuries in the last match. More of the offensive playmaking responsibilities will thus fall on Oyarzabal and Yamal up top. Furthermore, Austria allowed 3+ to six different players in group play, and 4+ shots to three separate attackers. It sets up well for Oyarzabal, who had 3+ shots in 5 of 6 qualifying matches for Spain. 

Best Underdog Picks For Today’s Matches

Luka Modric (Croatia) – Higher Than 63.5 Passes Attempted

Our World Cup expert picks also feature a selection on Underdog Fantasy. Let’s roll with Croatia’s Luka Modric to have higher than 63.5 passes attempted against Portugal today. The veteran is the anchor in the Croatian midfield, and he should be on the ball a ton in this game. 

Modric totaled 89 and 79 passes in the last two group matches. Croatia prefers to lean on the 40-year-old’s experience, creativity, and intelligence to control the middle of the pitch. He’s the key difference-maker for his country in possession, which should lead to plenty of pass attempts as he looks to feed Croatia’s attackers. 

This is a low passes line for Modric to hit. Croatia won’t dominate possession in what should be a back-and-forth contest. However, he can still rack up passes in a potentially cagey match. Notably, Modric had at least 66 passes in all 4 qualifying matches that he started for Croatia.

 

 

 

Most Likely Goal Scorers Today

Now that we’ve broken down the top World Cup expert picks, let’s focus on which players are most likely to score goals. Below is a list of the top anytime goalscorer World Cup odds for today’s matches. The odds are via DraftKings Sportsbook: 

Spain vs. Austria

  • Mikel Oyarzabal -130
  • Borja Iglesias -105
  • Lamine Yamal +115
  • Ferran Torres +120

Portugal vs. Croatia

  • Cristiano Ronaldo -115
  • Goncalo Ramos +120
  • Goncalo Guedes +180
  • Rafael Leao +215

Switzerland vs. Algeria

  • Breel Embolo +160
  • Cedric Itten +190
  • Zeki Amdouni +210
  • Noah Okafor +265

World Cup Betting Trends To Know 

Before you lock in those World Cup expert picks, let’s talk betting trends. The World Cup odds and recent history can tell us a lot about how a match may go. Keeping up with the trends can also help us cash in on World Cup predictions as the tournament progresses. 

Wednesday’s Round of 32 matches featured plenty of drama and excitement. Belgium scored two late goals in the second half, and then once more in extra time to steal a victory away from Senegal. England also scored a pair of late goals in its 2-1 win over DR Congo. Meanwhile, the United States earned a 2-0 triumph over Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

All in all, the over hit in two of three games yesterday. The “both teams to score” prop also cashed in two of the three matches. The over is now 6-4 in the knockout rounds, and 44-38 in the World Cup overall. The “both teams to score” pick is also 6-4 in the Round of 32, and 46-36 in the tournament.