We are back with more coverage for the 2026 FIFA World Cup! It’s time to dive into the World Cup matches today to get you ready to enjoy the tournament in all its glory. The World Cup schedule today features four matches, headlined by Portugal and Colombia in action. Let’s preview today’s World Cup matches with the top players, biggest storylines, and betting odds to know. 

Today’s FIFA World Cup Schedule 6/17

We have four World Cup matches today as the group stage continues. The games span both Group K and Group L. Check out the World Cup schedule today before you enjoy the matches. 

  • Portugal vs. DR Congo – 1 pm ET on FOX 
  • England vs. Croatia – 4 pm ET on FOX 
  • Ghana vs. Panama – 7 pm ET on FS1
  • Uzbekistan vs. Colombia – 10 pm ET on FS1

 

 

 

Best World Cup Match To Watch Today

There is a clear headliner in today’s World Cup matches. England vs. Croatia could easily be a quarterfinal or semifinal matchup, but we get it in the group stage. Either side can realistically win the game, and it should be a hard-fought battle throughout. 

England enters as one of the top contenders in the bracket. The Three Lions are trying to win their first World Cup title since 1966. Meanwhile, Croatia boasts plenty of recent success itself. Croatia was the runner-up in the 2018 World Cup, and it finished third in the 2022 tournament. Plus, who did Croatia defeat in the semifinals in 2018? That would be England. 

The winner of this match would also have the inside track to claiming first place in Group L. Conversely, the loser’s path to advancement becomes much more cloudy. If it ends in a draw, then both squads will have the pressure of winning their last two group matches to keep pace with the other. Expect a high-level showdown. 

Top Players To Watch in Today’s Matches

The World Cup matches today feature several top players worth watching. The England vs. Croatia matchup, in particular, is headlined by multiple big names. Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, and Jude Bellingham lead England’s attack. Meanwhile, Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic star for Croatia. 

The Portugal lineup is also loaded with top-tier talent. At 41 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo is back for his 6th World Cup appearance. Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Pedro Neto also anchor the potent Portuguese attack that should score multiple times against the Congo today. 

Elsewhere in today’s World Cup matches, James Rodriguez headlines the Colombia roster. Luis Suarez and Luis Diaz are also names to know in Colombia’s attack. Then we have Antoine Semenyo and Inaki Williams providing Ghana with a goal-scoring edge against Panama. 

 

 

 

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. The matchup between England and Croatia headlines today’s World Cup matches. It’s a rematch of the semifinals in the 2018 World Cup, when Croatia bested England in surprise fashion. Both teams have the potential to make deep runs this time around, so expect a spirited game. 

In the other World Cup matches today, Cristiano Ronaldo is back for his 6th World Cup. All eyes will be on Portugal’s star as he looks to score and put on a show against DR Congo. Meanwhile, Colombia is expected to beat Uzbekistan in the late-night matchup. This will be Uzbekistan’s debut World Cup appearance, which deserves some praise no matter the result. 

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. 

  • Portugal vs. DR Congo
    • Moneyline: Portugal -350 | Draw +450 | DR Congo +1000
    • Total Goals: Over 2.5 (-125) | Under 2.5 (+100)
  • England vs. Croatia
    • Moneyline: England -135 | Draw +270 | Croatia +400
    • Total Goals: Over 2.5 (+110) | Under 2.5 (-140)
  • Ghana vs. Panama
    • Moneyline: Ghana +135 | Draw +220 | Panama +230
    • Total Goals: Over 2.5 (+135) | Under 2.5 (-165)
  • Uzbekistan vs. Colombia
    • Moneyline: Uzbekistan +850 | Draw +390 | Colombia -270
    • Total Goals: Over 2.5 (-110) | Under 2.5 (-115)

 

 

 

What Today’s Matches Mean For The Tournament

The World Cup matches today carry plenty of weight for the tournament overall. A win and three points for any team can be critical towards advancing past the group stages. Portugal and Colombia are both projected to win their opening matches. Both squads will likely claim the top two spots in Group K as well. If either team fails to win today, though, then the group standings immediately become one to monitor. 

As noted above, the England vs. Croatia match holds plenty of intrigue. Can Croatia steal the win or eke out a draw? Or will England set the tone in the group with a victory? Any result in that match could create an opening for either Ghana or Panama to advance into the knockout rounds. Those squads face off, and a victory for either would be a massive three points in the Group L standings.