World Cup Predictions Today 2 July: Europe's Big Hitters In Today's Best Bets

As the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 continues, here are our World Cup predictions today and best bets for three fascinating knockout ties taking place on Thursday night and into Friday morning.

With a place in the last 16 at stake, there is no room for error as Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Switzerland, Austria and Algeria all look to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

Thursday's schedule features two European heavyweights in action before Switzerland and Algeria round off the night's action in what promises to be another closely fought knockout encounter.

World Cup Predictions Today

Spain vs Austria – 20:00

Prediction: Spain 2-0 Austria

Spain have looked increasingly impressive as the tournament has progressed and will head into this tie as deserved favourites according to the latest Spain World Cup Odds.

Their possession-based style has controlled games throughout the competition, while their defensive organisation has limited opponents to very few clear-cut opportunities.

Austria have exceeded expectations to reach the knockout stages and possess plenty of energy going forward, but breaking down Spain's disciplined back line will be another challenge entirely.

Expect Spain's technical quality to eventually tell as they progress comfortably into the last 16.

Portugal vs Croatia – 00:00

Prediction: Portugal 2-2 Croatia (Croatia to win on penalties)

This looks set to be one of the standout ties of the Round of 32.

The latest Portugal World Cup Odds narrowly favour Roberto Martinez's side, but Croatia's tournament pedigree makes them dangerous opponents in any knockout match.

Both teams possess experienced midfields capable of controlling possession, while attacking quality at both ends suggests chances should be created throughout the contest.

If the game remains level after 120 minutes, Croatia's remarkable record of winning all four of their previous World Cup penalty shootouts could prove decisive once again.

Switzerland vs Algeria – 04:00

Prediction: Switzerland 2-1 Algeria

This has all the ingredients of a tightly contested knockout fixture.

Switzerland have looked organised throughout the tournament and continue to impress with their disciplined defensive structure, but Algeria possess enough pace and creativity to threaten on the counter-attack.

The latest World Cup Odds make Switzerland favourites with most UK Betting Sites, although Algeria have already demonstrated they are capable of competing with strong opposition.

Ultimately, Switzerland's greater composure and tournament experience could be enough to edge another entertaining encounter.

World Cup Best Bets Today

Below, we have picked out three of our best bets based on today's World Cup predictions.

All odds are taken from Betnero at 09:00 UK time on Thursday, 2 July 2026.

Spain To Win To Nil – 2.05

Our first selection is Spain to progress without conceding.

Spain have been one of the tournament's most defensively solid sides, controlling possession for long periods and giving opponents very little opportunity to create meaningful chances.

Austria are capable of causing problems on the break, but Spain's organisation and technical superiority should allow them to book their place in the next round with a clean sheet.

Croatia To Win On Penalties – 15.00

This represents an excellent value play in what could be an incredibly even contest.

Portugal and Croatia are difficult to separate, with both sides possessing experienced squads and plenty of quality throughout the pitch.

Should the match require a penalty shootout, Croatia's perfect record of four wins from four World Cup shootouts makes them an attractive long-shot selection at generous odds.

Switzerland To Win & Both Teams To Score – 4.33

Finally, we are backing Switzerland to edge an entertaining contest while conceding along the way.

Switzerland should enjoy slightly more possession and create the better chances, but Algeria have enough attacking quality to find the net if opportunities arise.

With both teams likely to commit bodies forward as the knockout stages intensify, this combination offers excellent value to round off Thursday night's action.