The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues with the knockout rounds underway! It’s time to preview the World Cup matches today to get you ready to enjoy the tournament in all its glory. The World Cup schedule today features two Round of 16 matches, headlined by the United States vs. Belgium showdown. Let’s break down today’s World Cup matches with the top players, biggest storylines, and betting odds to know for Monday, July 6th. 

Today’s FIFA World Cup Schedule 7/6

We have two matches on the World Cup schedule today as the Round of 16 continues. Check out the kickoff times and locations of the World Cup matches today before you enjoy the action:

  • Portugal vs. Spain – 3 pm ET on FOX (Dallas)
  • United States vs. Belgium – 8 pm ET on FOX (Seattle)

 

 

 

Best World Cup Match To Watch Today

All eyes will be on the United States against Belgium in today’s World Cup matches. The USMNT will try to finally advance past the Round of 16 for the first time since 2002. It’ll surely be a nail-biter against a formidable Belgium squad. Bias aside, though, the best match to watch today kicks off earlier in the afternoon. 

Portugal takes on Spain in an all-European Round of 16 clash. These are two of the top teams in the world, and both have aspirations to win the whole thing. First, though, a quarterfinal berth is up for grabs. These teams met in last year’s Nations League final, with Portugal winning. 

The marquee matchup also features tons of exciting talent all over the pitch. It all starts with Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal. The 41-year-old might not be the prolific goal-scorer he once was, but Ronaldo is always a threat to change the game on any shot. Meanwhile, Mikel Oyarzabal and Lamine Yamal anchor Spain’s dangerous attack. 

Top Players To Watch in Today’s Matches

The World Cup matches today feature several top players worth watching. As noted above, the Portugal vs. Spain showdown is headlined by talented attackers on both sides. Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes lead the Portuguese offense. Mikel Oyarzabal already has 4 goals and an assist for Spain in the tournament. Of course, Lamine Yamal is among the most exciting playmakers in the world as well. 

Elsewhere in today’s World Cup matches, Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun star in the United States’ attack. The big news is that Balogun will be allowed to play after his red-card ban was suspended. His looming absence would’ve been glaring for the USA offense. On the other side, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku lead the way for Belgium. Plus, veteran keeper Thibaut Courtois provides experience and stability in net. 

 

 

 

Biggest Storylines Heading Into Today’s Matches 

As we dive deeper into the World Cup schedule today, let’s look at some of the biggest storylines to know. With a win, the United States will reach the quarterfinals for the first time since the 2002 tournament. The USMNT will also try to avoid a fourth straight loss in the Round of 16. 

Meanwhile, Belgium can advance to the quarters for the third time in the last four World Cups. The Belgians finished third in the 2018 tournament and lost in the quarterfinals of the 2014 bracket. Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Thibaut Courtois have each been around for all those. 

In the other match, Portugal is looking for a second consecutive quarterfinal appearance, after doing so in 2022. More pressure might be on Spain, though. The Spaniards have infamously failed to get past the Round of 16 since their 2010 title run. Spain is among the top title contenders, but it’s also struggled to get past this point in recent World Cup tournaments. 

World Cup Odds Today at DraftKings Sportsbook

Now that we’ve set the stage for the World Cup matches today, let’s talk betting odds. Check out how the odds and lines shake out for the World Cup schedule today, courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook. The moneyline and total goals odds are for regular time, while the odds to advance include any extra time or penalty kicks. 

Portugal vs. Spain

  • Moneyline: Portugal +295 | Draw +265 | Spain -110
  • Odds To Advance: Portugal +175 | Spain -220
  • Total Goals: Over 2.5 (-125) | Under 2.5 (+100)

United States vs. Belgium

  • Moneyline: USA +145 | Draw +240 | Belgium +185
  • Odds To Advance: USA -130 | Belgium +105
  • Total Goals: Over 2.5 (-155) | Under 2.5 (+125)

 

 

 

What Today’s Matches Mean For The Tournament

The tournament’s knockout rounds continue in the World Cup matches today. We’re now into the Round of 16, with quarterfinal appearances up for grabs. The winners of both of today’s World Cup matches will then meet in the next round on Friday, July 10th. 

If both betting favorites advance, then it’ll be Spain vs. the United States in the quarterfinals. However, Belgium is just under even odds to advance against the USA. Portugal is also live to pull the upset over Spain. Could we get a Portugal vs. Belgium matchup instead? 

Today’s World Cup matches are also on the same side of the bracket as France vs. Morocco. That match will be played on Thursday, July 9th. So, that means we could get Spain vs. France in a possible semifinal matchup, assuming the favorites take care of business until then.