FIFA World Cup Picks and Predictions for June 18, 2026
Written by: Nate Hornung
Published: Thu Jun 18, 2026, 9:58 am ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
FIFA World Cup
The first matches of group stage in the 2026 FIFA World Cup are over with, and teams now only have two more chances to earn points and move on to the Round of 32. Let's dive into our four matches today, kicking off the second round of group stage games. Let's get into our favorite World Cup picks below!
Check out the best odds on the market and tons of picks in different soccer leagues across the world.
Czechia vs. South Africa FIFA World Cup Picks
Tomas Soucek and Czechia gave up two goals to South Korea to lose in their opener
Best Bet: Czechia ML/Under 3.5 (+142) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
This is a "bounce back" spot for Czechia, and a chance for them to earn some points against the weakest team in the group. South Africa could not do anything offensively against Mexico, and will be without a starter today. I have little faith in them to compete with a team as defensively sound as the Czechs.
After losing to South Korea, Czechia will know that this is the match that could send them into the next round. Three points is likely all you need, and I see them getting it today against South Africa. Prior to this tournament, the Czechs were around -300 to advance out of group stage, and a win tonight would all but guarantee that happens.
Switzerland vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina FIFA World Cup Picks
Bosnia and Herzegovina are in a position to win Group B if things go their way
Best Bet: Switzerland/Bosnia Under 2.5 (-112) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
Bosnia could legitimately top this group. If they somehow draw with the Swiss today, Group B could be theirs with a win over Qatar. After taking 26 total shots, the Swiss were unable to beat Qatar, and eventually gave up a late equalizer. They should come out with some fire tonight, but I could also see that performance as demoralizing to the locker room.
We know Bosnia is sound defensively, and they will without a doubt play for a draw. I see that happening, whether it be 1-1 or scoreless. Either way, I do not see Bosnia allowing more than a couple of goals, but I expect them to be on their heels for most of the match.
Canada vs. Qatar FIFA World Cup Picks
Best Bet: Qatar TT Under 0.5 (-128) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
Qatar scoring was a fluke. Plain and simple. They created just 0.60 expected goals while allowing 3.20 from the Swiss. After Canada drew with Bosnia, they should understand this is the match to earn three points. You are in your home country, facing the worst team in the entire World Cup (probably). This is not a match where you can screw around.
You HAVE to come out strong, unlike in the opener, and handle business. While I was not impressed with Canada's offense at all, the defense can hold their own, and tonight I do not see them allowing Qatar to score.
Mexico vs. South Korea FIFA World Cup Picks
Heung-Min Son and South Korea are coming off a big win over the Czechs
Best Bet: South Korea +0.5 (-125) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
I have a future on Mexico to win Group A at even money, and I am viewing this bet as a slight hedge. If Mexico wins tonight, great, our future likely comes home. But if South Korea can pull off an upset, or even a draw, I'll take some money and continue to sweat out the group future with El Tri.
South Korea showed they are relentless. After a scoreless first half, they fell down to Czechia in the 59′ minute. But that didn't stop them, rallying for an equalizer and a winner before the match was over. I could see South Korea playing for a draw, being a little extra conservative, knowing they have South Africa in their final group stage match.
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- FIFA World Cup Betting Guide
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Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.
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