BETTING GUIDE: Portugal vs Croatia, Switzerland vs Algeria, World Cup Predictions

BETTING GUIDE: Portugal vs Croatia

The knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup serves up one of its standout Round of 32 ties as Portugal take on Croatia.

Two of Europe's most experienced international sides meet with a place in the last 16 at stake, and while Portugal enter the contest as slight favourites, Croatia's pedigree on the world stage ensures this will be anything but straightforward.

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Portugal finished runners-up in Group K after an inconsistent group campaign that included draws against DR Congo and Colombia, either side of a commanding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan. Croatia also progressed as Group L runners-up, recovering from an opening defeat to England by beating Panama and Ghana.

With both nations packed with world-class talent and plenty of knockout experience, fine margins could decide this encounter.

Kick-off: 2:00 AM (Kenyan Time), Friday, 3 July 2026

Venue: BMO Field, Toronto

Round: Round of 32

Current standings: Portugal finished 2nd in Group K (5 points); Croatia finished 2nd in Group L (6 points).

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Qualification implications: The winner advances to the Round of 16, where a potentially difficult tie against Spain awaits. Defeat means elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Form Guide

Portugal

➖ Draw vs Colombia (0-0)

✅ Win vs Uzbekistan (5-0)

➖ Draw vs DR Congo (1-1)

✅ Win

✅ Win

Croatia

✅ Win vs Ghana (2-1)

✅ Win vs Panama (1-0)

❌ Loss vs England (2-4)

✅ Win

❌ Loss

Head-to-Head (Last Five Meetings)

➖ Croatia 1-1 Portugal (UEFA Nations League, 2024)

✅ Portugal 1-0 Croatia (UEFA Nations League)

✅ Portugal 4-1 Croatia (UEFA Nations League)

❌ Croatia 2-1 Portugal (Friendly)

✅ Portugal 1-0 Croatia (UEFA Euro 2016)

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Team News

Portugal

🟢 Joao Neves – Expected to return to the starting XI.

✅ No fresh injury concerns.

Croatia

🟢 Josko Gvardiol – Expected to return at left-back.

✅ No fresh injury concerns.

Player to Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to rewrite football history and arrives in the knockout rounds after scoring twice during the group stage.

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The Portugal captain became the first player ever to score in six consecutive FIFA World Cup editions and remains the focal point of Roberto Martinez's attack.

His movement inside the penalty area, experience in high-pressure matches and clinical finishing make him Portugal's biggest attacking weapon as they seek a place in the last 16.

Player to Watch: Luka Modric (Croatia)

Luka Modric remains Croatia's heartbeat despite his age, orchestrating play from midfield with his composure and vision. He became the oldest player to register a World Cup assist after setting up Nikola Vlasic's winner against Ghana.

If Croatia are to upset Portugal, Modric's ability to dictate possession, break defensive lines and control the tempo will be crucial throughout the contest.

Best Bets

🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk): Portugal to Qualify

🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk): Both Teams to Score – Yes

🔴 Long Shot (High Risk): Cristiano Ronaldo to Score Anytime

MozzartSport Writers Predictions:

• Imran Otieno

• Meshack Kisenge- Croatia Win

• Kevin Teya- Portugal Win

• Sammy Gitahi- Portugal Win and Over 2.5

• Brian Odhiambo- Croatia Win

• Victor Karuga- Portugal Win

• Josh Angatia-Portugal Win

BETTING GUIDE: Switzerland vs Algeria

Switzerland will be aiming to continue their impressive World Cup campaign when they take on Algeria in the Round of 32 .

The Swiss have quietly established themselves as one of the tournament's most consistent teams after topping Group B ahead of co-hosts Canada, collecting seven points from a possible nine while scoring seven goals and conceding just three.

Algeria, meanwhile, secured their place in the knockout rounds after finishing third in Group J with four points.

The Desert Warriors progressed as one of the best third-placed teams following a dramatic 3-3 draw against Austria. Having reached the World Cup knockout stage for only the second time in their history, Vladimir Petkovic's side will be hoping to upset one of Europe's most disciplined teams and book a place in the Round of 16.

Kick-off: 6:00 AM (Kenyan Time), Friday, 3 July 2026

Venue: BC Place, Vancouver

Round: Round of 32

Current standings: Switzerland finished 1st in Group B (7 points); Algeria finished 3rd in Group J (4 points).

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Qualification implications: The winner advances to the Round of 16 to face either Colombia or Ghana. Defeat means elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Form Guide

Switzerland

✅ Win vs Canada (2-1)

✅ Win

➖ Draw

➖ Draw

✅ Win

Algeria

➖ Draw vs Austria (3-3)

✅ Win vs Panama (1-0)

❌ Loss vs Argentina (0-3)

✅ Win

➖ Draw

Head-to-Head (Last Five Meetings)

✅ Switzerland 2-0 Algeria (1986 Friendly)

✅ Switzerland 2-1 Algeria (1983 Friendly)

Only two previous meetings between the two nations.

Team News

Switzerland

🟡 Silvan Widmer – Hip discomfort, doubtful.

🟢 Luca Jaquez – In contention to start at right-back.

Algeria

🟡 Mohamed Amoura – Doubtful with an unspecified injury.

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Player to Watch: Granit Xhaka (Switzerland)

Xhaka remains the heartbeat of Switzerland's midfield and will be central to controlling possession against Algeria.

His leadership, passing range and ability to dictate the tempo make him one of the Swiss side's most influential players. With knockout football often decided by midfield battles, Xhaka's experience and composure could prove decisive as Switzerland chase a fourth consecutive appearance in the Round of 16.

Player to Watch: Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)

Riyad Mahrez remains Algeria's chief creative outlet and biggest attacking threat. His ability to unlock compact defences with his dribbling, vision and delivery from wide areas gives the Desert Warriors hope of causing an upset. If Mohamed Amoura misses out through injury, even greater responsibility will fall on Mahrez to create chances and inspire Algeria in the final third.

Best Bets

🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk): Switzerland to Qualify

🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk): Under 2.5 Goals

🔴 Long Shot (High Risk): Switzerland to Win 2-1

MozzartSport Writers Predictions:

• Imran Otieno-

• Meshack Kisenge- Algeria Win

• Kevin Teya-Switzerland Win

• Sammy Gitahi-Both Teams To Score

• Brian Odhiambo- Draw

• Victor Karuga- Switzerland Win

• Josh Angatia-Both Teams To Score

Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling