Andy Schooler previews Thursday’s matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the second round of group-stage matches gets under way.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Thur June 18th 2026 Preview
It was a case of right theory, wrong bet in Czechia’s opening game on these pages as they certainly carried a set-piece threat. Sadly, it was Ladislav Krejci, not Stepan Chaloupek, who nodded one home that night. Both men should cause problems again here but, understandably, they are now much shorter given the level of opposition has dropped.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Czechia v South Africa
Group A, Atlanta (BBC, 5pm)
The other lesson to take from the Czechs’ opening game was how easily Korea cut through them, especially in the first half, and they could easily have been a couple of goals ahead by half time. It’s open to question whether South Africa will be good enough to do likewise – they were poor in their opening defeat to Mexico, although having two men sent off hardly helped their cause. That defeat does leave them in need of a result here though and they should at least be expected to have a better go in this one.
With that in mind, I think backing their midfielder Teboho Mokoena for shots could be the way forward. He loves to have a dig from distance and Bafana Bafana will need to offer more of a threat in the final third; their leader in the middle of the park can provide that. He’s managed 2+ shots in six of his last eight competitive starts so 2.45 appeals.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Switzerland v Bosnia-Herzegovina
Group B, Los Angeles (ITV, 8pm)
The Swiss will still be kicking themselves that they didn’t beat Qatar having taken 26 shots but displayed some woeful finishing. It won’t be so easy to create chances against a Bosnian defence which looks very well organised and made many a good block or tackle during their draw with Canada. My angle here is a cards one.
Of the European sides in this tournament, Bosnia received the most cards in qualifying and they picked up three more last Friday when they also committed 20 fouls. One of the men carded was centre-back Nikola Katic, who has now been booked in six of his 11 competitive international starts. He was considered for another here at 2.9 but I wanted to get his team as a whole onside. With Switzerland having only seen four cards in their six qualifiers, Bosnia look a solid play for most cards, even though that’s a pretty short price.
However, by doubling that up with under 5.5 cards, we move the odds to 2.5. Getting to six cards looks unlikely given the Swiss’ record, while referee Joao Pinheiro should also keep things under control. While the Portuguese league is famous for its high card count, Pinheiro has clearly shown more restraint on the international scene – he’s failed to show six cards in any of his last 11 senior internationals. Only one of them even saw five.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Canada v Qatar
Group B, Vancouver (ITV, 11pm)
As touched upon above, Qatar should have lost their opener to Switzerland – and by multiple goals – so it’s no great surprise to see Canada firm favourites here. That said, 1.22 isn’t a price I want to be with in any shape or form. I think this could be much more of a slog with Qatar boss Julien Lopetegui no mug – he’ll surely look to bolster his defence after they gave up too many chances at the weekend.
It should be remembered that 10 of Canada’s last 11 games have now gone under the 2.5 goals line. They struggled for much of the game to break down Bosnia’s back line and have long-standing issues in scoring from open play. Five of Qatar’s last six matches have seen under 2.5, too. I’d be lying to say I wasn’t a little concerned by the Qatari defence but, as suggested, I think we can see some improvement on that front here and with all the pressure on Canada in front of their home support, this may not be as easy as the match odds suggest.
Mexico v South Korea
Group A, Guadalajara (BBC, 2am Fri)
Korea were pretty decent in defeating the Czechs on matchday one and they will have the ability to trouble the co-hosts. They should be well acclimatised with the altitude in Guadalajara now having already played here and could test a Mexican side, who faced little threat in their opener against a South African team which ended with nine men. Mexico had Cesar Montes sent off themselves and that creates a betting angle here.
Johan Vasquez now becomes a bigger set-piece target – and Korea really struggled to defend such situations against the Czechs. Having netted twice in warm-up friendlies (both headers), the Genoa defender has now scored in three of his last four matches for club and country. All things considered, 13.0 about him netting here looks chunky.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Best Bets, Thursday June 18
Mokoena over 1.5 shots @ 2.45 with kwiff
Bosnia most cards and under 5.5 total cards @ 2.5 with kwiff
Under 2.5 goals in CAN v QAT @ 1.9 with kwiff
Johan Vasquez 1+ goal @ 13.0 with kwiff
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