World Cup Betting Tips Today: Predictions & Best Bets for June 11th

The 2026 World Cup is here and for the first time in its history there's a repeating opening fixture. Mexico, this time co-hosts, will face South Africa in Mexico City hoping to beat them for the first time since 2000.

Five hours later, Czechia come up against South Korea in Zapopan with both nations looking to secure some early points in Group A.

Here to guide you through the tournament from the first whistle until the last is Nathan Joyes, who will provide analysis on each game as well as provide his best World Cup tips.

We've waited long enough, so let's get stuck into the opening fixtures.

Mexico vs South Africa

All eyes will be on the Mexicans who are the clear favourites to use their high altitude and home advantage to secure top spot in Group A.

Playing 2,240m above sea level - where a large proportion of Mexico's players operate throughout the season - is a huge factor for their short price. The air is thinner, and any opponent not used to the conditions will struggle as the game progresses.

But Mexico's environment isn't the sole reason for their odds-on price. This is a squad stacked with creative quality. Julian Quinones scored 33 goals as he won the Saudi Pro League golden boot this campaign, while Armando Gonzalez fired for fun for Guadalajara (24 in 35).

Throw in Raul Jimenez, who's scored 21 Premier League goals in his last two seasons, Mexico aren't going to struggle to score.

South Africa, on the other hand, are the complete outsiders to progress to the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup - but it's hard to rule them out entirely at this stage.

Preparation hasn't quite gone to plan. Draws against Panama, Nicaragua and Jamaica may show a certain level of defensive discipline, but their inability to beat nations of this quality is a real concern.

Mexico's fluid attack should find gaps in their defence - but South Africa's low block will be difficult to break down, who'll look to hold on for as long as possible.

Whether they will or not is another question, especially as they begin to tire in the high altitude. The intelligent bet here may be to not chase goals, and to back Mexico to win combined with unders.

South Africa will know that if they try to go toe-to-toe with Mexico, they'll be exposed. And with this new format, three points should be enough to qualify for the next round. A point here would be an excellent result for the visitors.

Yet Mexico have enough attacking quality to start with a bang. Still, there's two games that come quick and fast and the hosts won't need to go chasing a big scoreline with this expanded tournament.

Therefore, I've landed on Mexico and under 3.5 goals at 9/10 with BetMGM.

South Korea vs Czechia

Qualification came easy for South Korea but this is a completely different ball game as they rarely come up against European opponents.

They faced Austria back in March and lost 1-0 despite outperforming them across all the key metrics.

Heung-Min Son remains their leading talisman who will play his final World Cup, who will be hoping both Hyeon-Gyu Oh and Hee-Chan Hwang can support the LAFC forward in attack.

Operating with wing-backs, South Korea drop to five at the back without possession and look to burst forward on the counter utilising PSG's Kang-In Lee to release his forwards. In the opening 45 vs Czechia, we could see South Korea be more reserved as they find their feet in Zapopan.

Their opponents, who qualified via the play-offs, beat Kosovo and Guatemala as part of their preparation for the World Cup.

The former, who line up with five at the back, was a good test to try and see how they could unlock a crowded back line. It didn't take long before Patrik Schick opened the scoring inside 11 minutes, but Guatemala equalised five minutes before half-time.

Similar to South Korea's result vs Austria, which was stalemate at half-time, this is the main bet that appeals in round one.

Neither nation will want to show their hand too early, and both operate with similar formations with wing-backs and five out of possession. Chances, therefore, may be limited and there's value in a drab half-time draw.

My main tip is the half-time draw at 5/4 with BetMGM.

Betting Tips

Mexico are the clear favourites and should take control of their opening match, but there's value not chasing goals. In Group A's second match, formations dictate this bet and a half-time stalemate certainly appeals.

Mexico vs South Africa: Mexico to win and under 3.5 goals at 9/10.
South Korea vs Czechia: Half-time draw at 5/4.

Be sure to check out our best World Cup offers throughout the tournament.