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World Cup Betting Tips Today: Predictions & Best Bets for June 18th

Nathan Joyes

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Football Tipster

Publish Date: 16/06/2026

Fact checked by: Jordan Noble

Day eight at the 2026 World Cup sees Mexico back in action looking to stay top of Group A when they come up against South Korea. Elsewhere, both Czechia and South Africa will be desperate for points, while Switzerland and Canada will be hoping to bank their first three points of the World Cup against Bosnia and Qatar respectively. Will there be any shocks in these matches?

Our World Cup tipster Nathan Joyes has shared his analysis on all four matches as well as provided his best World Cup tips.

Czechia vs South Africa

Both these two nations fell flat on their face in round one and quickly need to get points on the board if they want to extend their World Cup stay. A positive for Czechia was that they showed how capable they are from throw ins and set pieces, and once again that will be their not-so-secret weapon against their African opponents.

South Africa simply showed Mexico too much respect on the opening night and if they want to make it to the knockout stages they'll need to be far more attacking. However, defensively they were awful and with both Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane suspended, it's become a lot more difficult for Bafana Bafana.

Czechia will be expected to employ similar tactics having taken the lead vs South Korea, and will hope their back five can be more alert in round two. If they stay disciplined, there's no reason why they can't take advantage of a poor South African side.

Therefore, I'm sticking up Czechia to win at 3/4 BetMGM.

Switzerland vs Bosnia & Herzegovina

Switzerland were shocked by Qatar in the final minute to deny them a round one win and they will need to put in a much better performance if they are to beat the Bosnians. The Swiss won a first half penalty, which was neatly dispatched by Breel Embolo, but it was alarming how little they created across the 90 minutes.

Bosnia were another side in this group to take the lead an walk away with a point but they would have taken that before a ball was kicked against the co-hosts. Once again, the Bosnians dug in deep to not lose the match and have shown in their last three competitive matches they are an extremely difficult nation to break down.

The "visitors" took the lead after Canada failed to concentrate at Bosnia's first corner, and while Switzerland didn't impress, they remained rather switched on defensively in their opening 45 minutes. Bosnia's defence was largely exceptional in their match, while Switzerland will be wary about making an early error and putting qualification in doubt. This match should spring into life, but perhaps in the second half.

My main tip is first half draw at 6/5 with BetMGM.

Canada vs Qatar

The hosts will know this will be their best chance to win three points and seal a place in the knockout stage but it won't be plain sailing for the Canadians. Qatar were completely underestimated by the Swiss and confidence grew as the game went on. Whether that has given the Asian outfit false confidence, we'll have to wait and see, but Canada have yet to win a World Cup match in their entire history.

This may be their best chance - ever - but they won't be feeling as confident after Qatar fought back against the group favourites. Canada's price is short at 2/7 - mainly to do with home advantage - but they should have enough to beat a Qatar side that won't be taken lightly two matches in a row.

However, the main angle here could be with the corners. Canada won nine of their own vs Bosnia, as well as conceding four. Qatar's match produced one less (13) and the line looks low once again. Both nations will know a win will get them through, and so we could see the Canadian's once again be direct while Qatar chip away at the corners on the counter.

My main tip is to back over 9 corners at 4/5 with BetMGM.

Mexico vs South Korea

An exciting match between Mexico and South Korea could well decide who finishes top of Group A. Mexico breezed past South Africa while South Korea fought back bravely to beat Czechia - so who comes out on top in this one?

Both sets of players will now be more acclimatised to the conditions - although the altitude will certainly still favour the hosts. Mexico were great with not only keeping the ball but their high-press. If South Korea make any errors, they will likely be punished.

However, that being said, Mexico's defence wasn't tested in round one. Against a stronger nation, they'll be put to the sword against a South Korean side that possesses more quality than South Africa but are also a more hard working side in and out of possession.

Many will believe this could be a chess match with top spot up for grabs, but both nations will fancy their chances, and an early goal could really open this up. There's plenty of attacking quality on display and this should be a cracker for the neutral.

Therefore, my main tip is BTTS Yes at 6/5 with BetMGM.