World Cup Best Bets – June 24

England stormed to an impressive 4-2 win over Croatia in their first match of the 2026 World Cup as they took maximum points to start their campaign off in the right way. After an unsure first-half in which England twice gifted Croatia goals, they came out swinging in the second-half as goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford put the game to bed. Taking on a Ghana side that beat Panama 1-0 in their opener, England can move three points clear at the summit with a win, and I back them to make it consecutive triumphs. Harry Kane has scored in four of his last five for club and country, scoring nine goals. I am backing him to continue his solid start to the World Cup with another goal. 

Ghana took until the 95th minute to score the winner against Panama as they left it as late as they possibly could to beat their opponents. Victory puts them in a strong position knowing that they are one short of the four points that will likely be enough to see them end as one of the best second placed sides at the tournament at worst. With Croatia to come in their final game, they will feel that their last group match is the more winnable outing, especially when considering their run of five defeats, one draw and one win across their last seven in all competitions. 

Croatia were left stunned by England in their opening World Cup group game as any hopes of making the most out of English nerves were dashed. A disappointing second-half performance saw them fail to build on a 2-2 half-time score, meaning they now need to beat Panama to keep their hopes of securing a top two spot in their own hands. Worrying is the fact they have lost three of their last four, although defeats to Brazil, Belgium and England has seen Croatia beaten by strong teams. I do not predict that this will be a hugely comfortable match for Croatia, but they should have too much quality for Panama. 

Panama were on the cusp of a good point against Ghana in their last game before seeing their opponents net a late goal to take all three points. Defeat means they need something against Croatia, although with England to come in their final game, they likely need a win over Croatia. Across their last four in all competitions, Panama have beaten the Dominican Republic, drawn with Bosnia and lost to Brazil and Ghana. While their latest defeat came by a single goal, the side will worry that a lack of firepower will cost them. I believe Panama will keep Croatia honest in this one as they are beaten by a single goal.