Thursday's World Cup predictions and previews including Spain vs. Austria

Today's World Cup 2026 predictions includes Spain's clash with Austria, and a contention betwixt Portugal and Croatia.

Spain vs. Austria (Thursday, 8pm)

Fighting for the close to conscionable Portugal oregon Croatia successful a blockbuster last-16 tie, Spain and Austria lock horns successful the past 32 of the 2026 World Cup astatine the SoFi Stadium connected Thursday evening.

The reigning European champions topped Group H to gain a day with Das Team, who claimed a respectable 2nd spot successful Group J down existent Mundial masters Argentina.

We say: Spain 2-0 Austria

While Spain person been unyielding defensively astatine the World Cup truthful far, the Mundial unit seems to get the amended of Austria, who person failed to support a cleanable expanse successful 12 consecutive matches astatine the competition.

Therefore, adjacent with their wounded concerns successful attack, La Roja should capitalise connected Rangnick's rearguard frailties and advancement to the past 16 without excessively overmuch trouble.

> Click present to work our afloat preview for Spain vs. Austria, including squad quality and imaginable lineups

Portugal vs. Croatia (Friday, 12am)

Portugal face a immense trial successful their bid for a archetypal World Cup crown erstwhile they meet Croatia at BMO Field successful Toronto successful the aboriginal hours of Friday successful the circular of 32.

The Selecao progressed from Group K arsenic runners-up, finishing 2 points down Colombia, portion the Vatreni besides precocious aft placing 2nd successful Group L, 1 constituent down England.

We say: Portugal 2-1 Croatia

Little separates these 2 experienced sides connected paper, but Portugal's superior grounds successful this fixture gives them a flimsy borderline heading into Friday's contest.

Croatia person repeatedly shown they tin occupation the world's champion connected the biggest stage, arsenic demonstrated by eliminating Brazil successful 2022, though the Checkered Ones’s caller defeats against higher-ranked nations suggest the Selecao person capable prime to borderline different intimately fought contest.

> Click present to work our afloat preview for Portugal vs. Croatia, including squad quality and imaginable lineups

Switzerland vs. Algeria (Friday, 4am)

Switzerland will person to crush Algeria's dreams of reaching the World Cup's circular of 16 for conscionable the 2nd clip ever erstwhile they clash at BC Place Vancouver on Friday morning.

The Swiss topped Group B with 7 points from a imaginable nine, whereas Algeria's 4 points meant their inferior extremity quality of minus 2 saw them decorativeness 3rd successful Group J.

We say: Switzerland 2-1 Algeria

With 2 of circular of 32 clashes having already been decided connected penalties and different 3 having been decided by 1 goal, it would not beryllium astonishing if Friday's lucifer was intimately fought.

Switzerland volition person to beryllium diligent against Algeria, but they bash person considerably much acquisition connected the planetary stage, and possibly stars similar Xhaka volition assistance steer the Swiss implicit the enactment and into the circular of 16.

> Click present to work our afloat preview for Switzerland vs. Algeria, including squad quality and imaginable lineups