FIFA World Cup 2026

World Cup 2026 Betting Tips, 3 July (NZT)

Updated July 2026
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Updated July 2026
Licensed
Available in US
Fast payouts
18+ Only

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The Round of 32 rolls on with three ties landing across NZT morning and afternoon on Thursday — 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Spain are heavy favourites in Los Angeles but missing two key attackers. Portugal and Croatia serve up the tie of the round in Toronto. And Switzerland–Algeria is the closest-priced match of the day. Here is the read for Kiwi punters.

A football stadium under afternoon sun before a World Cup 2026 knockout match
Three R32 ties across 3 July NZT — from early morning to mid-afternoon for Kiwi viewers.

Kick-off times (NZT)

Spain vs Austria 7:00 AM — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
Portugal vs Croatia 11:00 AM — BMO Field, Toronto
Switzerland vs Algeria 3:00 PM — BC Place, Vancouver

Odds board

Match 1 X 2 Source (2 Jul ~08:00 ET)
Spain vs Austria 1.33 5.25 10.00 FanDuel via covers/Yahoo
Portugal vs Croatia 1.77–1.80 3.40–3.65 4.70–5.00 FanDuel / bet365 / DraftKings
Switzerland vs Algeria 2.02 3.10 3.94 bet365 via lineups/covers

Decimal odds as of 2 July ~08:00 ET. Always compare current prices before betting.

Match by match

Spain vs Austria (7:00 AM NZT)
Spain (1.33) completed the group stage without conceding — a first in their history. But Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino are both ruled out (adductor and shoulder). Austria, at their first knockouts since 1998, have Rangnick’s full squad available. At 1.33, the straight win returns little. Look at goal markets instead.
Portugal vs Croatia (11:00 AM NZT)
The tie of the round. Croatia shortened ~45% overnight — the money likes Modrić’s side. Portugal (1.77) drew twice in the group (1–1 DRC, 0–0 Colombia). H2H: Portugal lead 7–2 in 10 meetings, but the last was 1–1 (Nations League, Nov 2024). A close finish looks likely.
Switzerland vs Algeria (3:00 PM NZT)
The closest match on paper. Switzerland topped Group B and are fully fit (Xhaka, Freuler, Jashari). Algeria scraped through as a third-placed team, and key forward Amoura is a serious doubt (thigh). Subplot: Algeria coach Petković managed Switzerland for seven years before Yakin.

Team news

Team Key absence / note
Spain Nico Williams OUT (adductor), Yeremy Pino OUT (shoulder) — extra onus on Yamal
Austria Full squad available; Arnautović, Sabitzer, Laimer all fit
Portugal No notable injuries; Ronaldo leads the line
Croatia Clean injury table; Modrić, Kovačić, Gvardiol fit
Switzerland Fully fit; Xhaka, Freuler, Jashari all available
Algeria Amoura SERIOUS DOUBT (thigh); Mahrez and Gouiri lead the attack

Sources: ESPN, Sports Mole, Goal (2 July 2026).

A football pitch at dusk with floodlights glowing during a World Cup 2026 match
Portugal vs Croatia headlines the day — likely the final World Cup outing for both Ronaldo and Modrić.
  • Spain (1.33) are short but missing Williams and Pino — the value sits in goal markets.
  • Portugal vs Croatia is the pick of the round: Croatia shortened overnight, and the H2H suggests a tight contest.
  • Switzerland vs Algeria (2.02 / 3.94) is the closest match — Amoura’s injury tips the balance toward the Swiss.
  • All three ties land between 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM NZT — prime daytime viewing for Kiwi fans.
Example (illustration only, not a guarantee): $20 on Switzerland at 2.02 returns $40.40 ($20.40 profit). A draw at 3.10 returns $62.

Compare lines in the odds section and check value bets.

Gamble responsibly. 18+. See NZ betting law and set a limit.

When do the 3 July NZT matches kick off?
Spain vs Austria at 7:00 AM, Portugal vs Croatia at 11:00 AM, and Switzerland vs Algeria at 3:00 PM NZT.
Which match has the best value?
Portugal vs Croatia offers the most interesting market: Croatia shortened overnight and Portugal have looked beatable (two draws in the group). The 1X2 line is wider than the other two ties.
Are there any major injuries?
Spain are without Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino. Algeria’s Amoura is a serious doubt. All other sides are fully fit or close to it.