World Cup 2026, June 17: Today’s Matches, Predictions and Players to Watch
Updated 17 June 2026.
World Cup 2026 on June 17 brings four matches as Groups K and L get under way, headlined by England vs Croatia and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal opening against DR Congo. Here is the full slate for the day, who to watch in each game, and our predictions. All times Eastern.
| Match | Group | Kick-off (ET) | Our prediction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal v DR Congo | K | 1pm | Portugal 2-0 |
| England v Croatia | L | 4pm | England 2-1 |
| Ghana v Panama | L | 7pm | Ghana 2-1 |
| Uzbekistan v Colombia | K | 10pm | Colombia 2-0 |
England vs Croatia, the pick of the day
The standout. England arrive as favourites under Thomas Tuchel, with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane leading the charge, while Croatia lean on 40-year-old Luka Modric in what is likely his final World Cup. There is history too, after Croatia knocked England out of the 2018 semi-final. We expect England to edge it 2-1. Full breakdown in our England vs Croatia preview.
Portugal vs DR Congo
Ronaldo, 41, begins a record sixth World Cup as Portugal open against a DR Congo side back at the finals for the first time since 1974. With Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva in support, Portugal should win comfortably. Our call is 2-0. See the Portugal vs DR Congo preview.
Ghana vs Panama
Potentially the day’s tightest game, and close to a must-win for both in a group with England and Croatia. Ghana are without Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey but still carry a threat through Jordan Ayew, Inaki Williams and Antoine Semenyo. We lean Ghana 2-1. More in our Ghana vs Panama preview.
Uzbekistan vs Colombia
The late game pits World Cup debutants Uzbekistan, coached by Fabio Cannavaro, against a Colombia side built around Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez. Colombia are clear favourites and we predict a 2-0 win. See the Uzbekistan vs Colombia preview.
Follow it all live
Keep our live scores, standings and fixtures pages open through the day, and read the format in our complete World Cup 2026 guide. We will publish full match reports after each final whistle.
Frequently asked questions
What World Cup 2026 matches are on June 17?
Four: Portugal v DR Congo (1pm ET), England v Croatia (4pm ET), Ghana v Panama (7pm ET) and Uzbekistan v Colombia (10pm ET), as Groups K and L begin.
What is the biggest game on June 17?
England vs Croatia in Group L, a rematch of the 2018 semi-final. England are favourites, but Croatia and Luka Modric will make it competitive.
Sources: ESPN fixtures.
