The first round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage is in the books. June 18 is the eighth match day of the tournament and inaugural day of second-round group play.
The first game on Thursday will feature Czechia facing off against South Africa. The next two games will be Switzerland vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina and Canada vs. Qatar. The final contest on Thursday will pit Mexico against South Korea in a Group A clash in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Can Switzerland win the game outright, cover the 0.5-goal spread, and earn 3 points in their second group game against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Thursday? Will Canada get a much-needed victory against Qatar in Vancouver, Canada? Can Mexico win by a goal or more and get a critical group play win over South Korea on Thursday?
I'll make picks for the final 3 contests of the day below. Continue reading for our World Cup Predictions June 18 article.
World Cup Predictions Game 1
SWITZERLAND VS BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA DATE, TIME & HOW TO WATCH | |
|---|---|
| Where | SOFI STADIUM, INGLEWOOD, CA, USA |
| When | THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026, 3 PM ET |
| Competition | 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP / GROUP B SECOND MATCH |
| TV | FOX, FOX ONE, TELEMUNDO |
SWITZERLAND VS BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA ODDS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Spread | Moneyline | Total | |
| SWITZERLAND | -0.5 (-185) | -180 | O 2.5 (+100) |
| BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA | +0.5 (+145) | +500 | U 2.5 (-125) |
| DRAW | – | +310 | – |
Odds accurate as of Thursday, June 18, 2026, via TheSpread.com.
Switzerland vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina World Cup Predictions June 18 Game Result Pick
Bosnia-Herzegovina has an excellent chance to cover the 0.5-goal spread as underdogs on Thursday.
Following a gritty 1-1 opening draw against Canada featuring a goal from Jovo Lukic, their recent form includes an impressive 1-1 tie with Italy and a 1-1 draw against Wales.
Tactically, Bosnia strikes fast, finding the net in the opening 25 minutes in 3 of their last 4 matches. With Ermedin Demirovic leading the attack, they can heavily pressure a Swiss side perhaps still reeling from surrendering a late equalizer to Qatar.
Motivated to advance past the group stage for the first time since 2014, Bosnia’s early match fitness makes them a sharp play against the spread on Thursday.
Pick: Bosnia-Herzegovina +0.5 (+145)
World Cup Predictions Game 2
CANADA VS QATAR DATE, TIME & HOW TO WATCH | |
|---|---|
| Where | BC PLACE, VANCOUVER, CANADA |
| When | THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026, 6 PM ET |
| Competition | 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP / GROUP B SECOND MATCH |
| TV | FS1, FOX ONE, TELEMUNDO |
CANADA VS QATAR ODDS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Spread | Moneyline | Total | |
| CANADA | -1.5 (-125) | -360 | O 2.5 (-145) |
| QATAR | +1.5 (+100) | +1000 | U 2.5 (+120) |
| DRAW | – | +475 | – |
Canada vs. Qatar World Cup Predictions June 18 Game Result Pick
Qatar is well-positioned to cover the 1.5-goal spread as underdogs on Thursday against Canada.
Fresh off a hard-fought 1-1 draw where they netted a 90th-minute equalizer to stun Switzerland, Qatar’s recent form demonstrates superb defensive discipline. Combined with a recent 0-0 shutout of El Salvador, their organized low-block should frustrate a Canadian squad that managed just one goal against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
With goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada anchoring the defense and Akram Afif threatening on the counter, Qatar can naturally neutralize Canada’s pace. Motivated to erase their 2022 tournament struggles, taking Qatar and the 1.5 goals in this matchup is a sharp play.
Pick: Qatar +1.5 (+100)
World Cup Predictions Game 3
MEXICO VS SOUTH KOREA DATE, TIME & HOW TO WATCH | |
|---|---|
| Where | ESTADIO AKRON, GUADALAJARA, MEXICO |
| When | THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026, 9 PM ET |
| Competition | 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP / GROUP A SECOND MATCH |
| TV | FOX, FOX ONE, TELEMUNDO |
MEXICO VS SOUTH KOREA ODDS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Spread | Moneyline | Total | |
| MEXICO | -0.5 (-105) | +105 | O 2.5 (-145) |
| SOUTH KOREA | +0.5 (-125) | +300 | U 2.5 (+120) |
| DRAW | – | +230 | – |
Mexico vs. South Korea World Cup Predictions June 18 Game Result Pick
Mexico is in a great spot to win outright and cover the 0.5-goal spread as home favorites against South Korea on Thursday night.
Playing in Guadalajara, El Tri boasts a distinct altitude and home-crowd advantage that will heavily test South Korea’s endurance.
Although they battled to a 2-2 draw last September, Mexico’s form has evolved. With Edson Álvarez anchoring the defense and Raúl Jiménez—who scored in that previous matchup—spearheading the attack, their dangerous wide-angle passes should trouble Korea’s low block.
Desperate to take total command of Group A on home soil, Mexico’s physicality and tempo make them the right side on Thursday.
Pick: Mexico -0.5 (-105)
The group stage of the FIFA World Cup is heating up. Are you new to soccer betting? For more info, see our how to bet on soccer guide.
Today's World Cup Predictions
- Bosnia-Herzegovina +0.5 (+145)
- Qatar +1.5 (+100)
- Mexico -0.5 (-105)