World Cup Predictions Today 18 June: Back Cyle Larin In Today's Best Bets

As the FIFA World Cup Group Stage continues on Thursday, here are our World Cup predictions today and best bets for four exciting fixtures.

With qualification for the knockout rounds beginning to take shape, every point is becoming increasingly valuable. Several nations will already be feeling the pressure heading into their second group matches, while others will be looking to build on positive starts and move a step closer to the last 32.

Thursday's schedule features four intriguing contests across Groups A and B, including a potentially decisive clash between Mexico and South Korea.

World Cup Predictions Today – 18 June

Czech Republic vs South Africa - Group A

Prediction: Czech Republic 2-0 South Africa

The Czech Republic enter this contest as favourites, according to the latest World Cup Group A odds, thanks to their greater attacking quality and tournament experience.

Patrick Schick remains one of Europe's most reliable international goalscorers, while the Czechs possess enough physicality and organisation to control large periods of the game.

South Africa have proven difficult to break down, but creating chances consistently against stronger opposition remains a challenge.

We expect the Czechs to edge proceedings and claim a valuable victory.

Switzerland vs Bosnia-Herzegovina - Group B

Prediction: Switzerland 2-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina

This has all the ingredients of a closely contested encounter.

Switzerland are traditionally one of the most organised teams in international football and rarely make life easy for opponents. However, Bosnia-Herzegovina possess enough attacking talent to trouble any defence on their day.

The Swiss should enjoy more possession and create the better opportunities, but Bosnia's attacking threat means both sides look capable of finding the net.

Canada vs Qatar - Group B

Prediction: Canada 2-1 Qatar

Canada continue to develop into one of the strongest sides in the CONCACAF region and a win here will do their World Cup Group B odds no harm.

Playing on home soil should provide an additional boost, while their pace and athleticism could cause Qatar significant problems.

However, Qatar remain technically gifted and are capable of exploiting defensive mistakes. We expect a competitive game, but Canada's quality in forward areas could prove decisive.

Mexico vs South Korea - Group A

Prediction: Mexico 2-2 South Korea

The last of our World Cup predictions today features arguably the most entertaining fixture of the day in a potentially crucial Group A showdown.

Mexico will be backed by passionate support and possess plenty of quality through Raul Jimenez and Santiago Gimenez.

South Korea, meanwhile, boast the creativity of Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in, making them a threat throughout the match.

Both teams should create chances, and an open contest could produce one of the highest-scoring games of the group stage so far.

World Cup Best Bets Today

Below, we have picked out our World Cup best bets for each of today's four group games.

All odds are taken from Betnero at 09:00am UK time on Thursday, 18 June 2026.

Czech Republic To Win To Nil - 2.83

Our first selection is backing the Czech Republic to win without conceding.

The Czechs look the stronger side on paper and should control the game. South Africa may struggle to create enough opportunities, making a Czech victory and a clean sheet an attractive option.

Switzerland vs Bosnia-Herzegovina - Both Teams To Score - 2.10

Next, we are backing both teams to find the net.

Switzerland are expected to score, but Bosnia-Herzegovina possess enough attacking quality to contribute themselves.

Canada vs Qatar - Cyle Larin First Goalscorer - 4.25

Having scored in their opener, Canada striker Cyle Larin remains one of the country's most dangerous attackers.

His movement inside the box and clinical finishing make him a strong candidate to open the scoring, which could dramatically boost the Canada World Cup odds.

Mexico vs South Korea - Over 3.5 Goals - 4.00

Finally, we are backing over 3.5 goals in what looks like the most entertaining match of the day.

Both sides possess genuine attacking quality, and neither is likely to settle for a draw. With our prediction standing at 2-2, backing at least four goals offers strong value at generous odds.