The end of round 2 of the 2026 World Cup group stage is here. Portugal looks to bounce bac k when they take on Uzbekistan, while England look to secure their place in the knockout stage with a result against Ghana. As always, we offer our previews and predictions for the daily matches.
Portugal vs Uzbekistan (Tuesday, June 23rd in Houston)
Portugal controlled play but couldn’t finish goal scoring chances against DR Congo on matchday 1. Questions remain about Cristiano Ronaldo’s style of play and his role as the main striker on this talented Portugal team, with the midfield not able to link up with him effectively. Uzbekistan battled, but ultimately were lacking in attack against Colombia on matchday 1. Still seeking their first World Cup point, they should bunker in defensively again and aim for quick counters.
Roberto Martinez needs to make changes to get this Portugal side into a contender, but Uzbekistan don’t have enough to an attack to force a result here.
Prediction: Portugal 2-0
Colombia vs DR Congo (Tuesday, June 23rd in Guadalajara)
With DR Congo getting a point against Portugal, Colombia can’t afford to be lackadaisical here, this is a solid side who defends well. Colombia’s questions defensively, and especially in goal with Camilo Vargas continues to be to be a significant problem, but their attack has an upside among the world’s best. Luis Diaz on the wing, and Cucho Hernandez off the bench. Playing in front of a massive supporter’s group, Colombia should score enough to get 3 points, while DR Congo will need to wait until matchday 3 to possibly secure qualification to the next phase.
Prediction: Colombia 2-1
England vs Ghana (Tuesday, June 23rd in Boston)
England showcased a varied attack against Croatia on matchday 1. While Ghana scraped a late win against Panama. While England can’t avoid to let up after the great performance on matchday 1, Tomas Tuchel appears to have them knockout phase ready. Harry Kane is in-form, and Ghana are likely in for a long day.
Prediction: England 4-0
Panama vs Croatia (Tuesday June 23rd in Toronto)
While Croatia will be disappointed about the loss against England, they did threaten on the scoreboard and had a good day in goal with Dominik Livakovic. Panama’s quality is on the lower end of this tournament. They will defend bravely, but even an aging Croatia side should be able to find the back of the net,and secure a vital three points.
Prediction: Croatia 3-1
Main Photo Credit: Smartframe Images
