June 23 brings four World Cup 2026 matches across Groups K and L, with Ghana vs England the standout fixture. Full predictions and tips inside.
Matchday two of Groups K and L takes place today, and it is shaping up as the best day of the group stage so far. Four matches are on the schedule — including the unmissable England vs Ghana clash in Group L. In both groups, teams are playing simultaneously, which means we will know who is through and who is in trouble by the end of the night. Here is your full guide to June 23, with kick-off times in West Africa Time (WAT, UTC+1) and our best betting picks for every game.
Group K standings going in: Colombia 3pts, Portugal 1pt, DR Congo 1pt, Uzbekistan 0pts.
This is a must-win for Portugal. They drew 1-1 with DR Congo on matchday one — a result that alarmed fans who expected a comfortable win. Uzbekistan are World Cup debutants who shipped goals against Colombia and will face a Portugal side desperate to impose themselves. Ruben Dias is back in contention after a knock, which should solidify a backline that looked vulnerable at times.
Uzbekistan have heart — their opening display showed organisation and spirit — but the technical gap between these sides is wide. Portugal should dominate possession, create chances, and convert enough to make it comfortable.
Our tip: Portugal to Win & Over 1.5 Goals — 1.38 (Bet9ja)
Prediction: Portugal 3-1 Uzbekistan
Group K standings going in: Colombia 3pts, DR Congo 1pt.
The late game in Group K could be explosive. Colombia are the group leaders and demonstrated their quality in beating Uzbekistan on matchday one. DR Congo held Portugal to a draw — a remarkable result that earned them a point and huge continental pride. James Rodriguez continues to conduct Colombia’s midfield with authority, and they will be determined to seal progression to the last 32 tonight.
DR Congo cannot afford to lose if they want to keep their qualifying ambitions alive. Expect an open game with attacking intent from both sides. DR Congo’s physical, direct style could give Colombia problems, but the South Americans have too much all-round quality to be held again.
For more on DR Congo’s World Cup journey, visit the DR Congo World Cup 2026 guide.
Our tip: Colombia to Win — 1.80 (SportyBet)
Prediction: Colombia 2-1 DR Congo
This is the match African football fans have been talking about all tournament. Both Ghana and England arrive on three points after matchday one wins. England lead the group on goal difference (+2 vs Ghana’s +1) after thumping Croatia 4-2. Ghana edged Panama 1-0 in a solid but unspectacular display.
The big story is the absence of Mohammed Kudus. The West Ham forward — Ghana’s most dangerous and creative attacker — has been ruled out with a quadricep injury. That is an enormous blow. Without him, Ghana rely on Antoine Semenyo’s pace, Jordan Ayew’s work rate, and Kamaldeen Sulemana’s trickery to threaten an England defence that was exposed at times by Croatia.
England, meanwhile, looked capable of scoring against anyone. Trent Alexander-Arnold controlled midfield; Bukayo Saka was unplayable in bursts. At 21:00 WAT, this is the one you need to be watching.
For everything on the Black Stars at this tournament, see the full Ghana World Cup 2026 guide.
Our tip: England to Win & Over 2.5 Goals — 1.95 (BetKing)
Prediction: England 2-0 Ghana
Both sides were beaten on matchday one and desperately need points to stay in the tournament. Croatia lost 4-2 to England in a match that flattered the scoreline — they were competitive until the final 20 minutes. Panama were undone by a tight 1-0 defeat to Ghana, where they struggled to create chances against a well-organised African side.
Croatia, with the experience of Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Ivan Perisic, are clear favourites despite the Group L context. Panama have physical attributes but have never progressed beyond the group stage at a World Cup. Croatia’s technical class and tournament know-how should tell in a game they simply cannot lose.
Our tip: Croatia to Win — 1.52 (Bet9ja)
Prediction: Croatia 2-0 Panama
Here are today’s top tips at a glance:
– Portugal to Win vs Uzbekistan @ 1.22
– England to Win vs Ghana @ 1.25
– Croatia to Win vs Panama @ 1.52
– Colombia to Win vs DR Congo @ 1.80
For those who want to combine these into a multi-bet, check our dedicated World Cup 2026 accumulator tips for June 23 for full combined odds and potential Naira returns.
As always, bet responsibly. These are tips for entertainment — never stake money you cannot afford to lose.
Sources: ESPN World Cup 2026 Schedule | BBC Sport World Cup
Responsible gambling: Betting should be for entertainment only. Only bet what you can afford to lose. If gambling is affecting you, contact the NLRC helpline.
