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The World Cup knockout stage continues on Thursday with three more Round of 32 fixtures. The slate opens with Spain vs Austria at 3:00 pm ET, followed by Portugal vs Croatia at 7:00 pm ET. Switzerland vs Algeria rounds out the day at 11:00 pm ET.
I ran all three games through our proprietary A.I. prediction model to identify the computer’s best bet for each matchup. The table below summarizes the picks and best-available odds. Under the table, see the A.I.’s reasoning behind each wager.
World Cup Picks & A.I. Predictions Today
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The computer is only backing one favorite on Thursday, which is a rarity as far as its World Cup picks go. It has paired its Portugal ML play with under bets in Spain/Austria and Switzerland/Algeria.
After Harry Kane powered an England comeback on Wednesday morning, our A.I. model is now an electric 46-33 (+7.65 units on one-unit wagers) for the tournament.
Spain vs Austria Computer Pick: Under 2.5 Goals (48¢ / +108 at Kalshi)
A.I. Reasoning: “Spain is priced as a heavy favorite, but the model prefers avoiding the -300 moneyline and attacking the total instead. Spain conceded zero goals in the group stage and has controlled matches through sustained possession and an aggressive defensive press.
Austria showed more defensive vulnerability earlier in the tournament, but Spain’s style can also slow the game down. With Nico Williams ruled out, Spain loses one of its primary transition threats, which lowers the projected attacking ceiling. At a 48-cent (+108) Kalshi price, Under 2.5 Goals rates as the best value angle in a matchup where Spain can dominate the ball without turning the game into a track meet.”
Portugal vs Croatia Computer Pick: Portugal Moneyline (55¢ / -122 at Kalshi)
A.I. Reasoning: “Portugal’s balance makes the regulation moneyline the preferred play. The Portuguese scored six goals while conceding only once during the group stage, giving them one of the more stable two-way profiles on today’s slate.
Croatia has been more vulnerable defensively, allowing five goals across three matches and entering this knockout fixture with a flat goal differential. Portugal’s possession edge and defensive structure should allow it to control territory, limit transition chances and steadily wear down a Croatian back line that has not consistently held up under pressure. At a 55-cent (-122) Kalshi price, Portugal to win in regulation is the model’s top side.”
Switzerland vs Algeria Computer Pick: Under 2.5 Goals (56¢ / -127 at Kalshi)
A.I. Reasoning: “This under is rooted in the matchup dynamics rather than raw goals allowed. Algeria conceded seven goals in three group-stage matches, while Switzerland scored seven of its own, but both teams prefer to control possession and dictate tempo.
Algeria has averaged 62.67% possession in the tournament, with Switzerland close behind at 62.33%. When two possession-heavy teams meet in a knockout setting, the game can settle into long spells of careful buildup rather than end-to-end transition. With bracket survival at stake, the model expects both sides to prioritize structure and reduce risk, making Under 2.5 Goals the strongest position in the nightcap.”