Four matches headline Thursday’s World Cup action on June 18, spanning across all three host countries. From a noon kickoff in Atlanta to a prime-time showdown between co-hosts Mexico and South Korea in Guadalajara, every match carries real stakes as the tournament’s second round of fixtures heats up.
Czechia vs South Africa
- When & Where: 12:00 PM ET | Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, Georgia, USA)
- TV: FOX, Telemundo
- Betting Favorite: Czechia -120
- Betting Underdog: South Africa +370
- Odds of a Tie: +250
Czechia return to the World Cup for the first time since 2006, and their attacking hopes rest on Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick and West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek. Schick, who scored 26 goals in 54 international appearances, remains the most dangerous finisher in the squad, while Hoffenheim forward Adam Hlozek adds pace and versatility in the final third. South Africa are back on the biggest stage for the first time since hosting in 2010, led by captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and the electric right winger Oswin Appollis, whose eleven international goals make him one of the tournament’s most underrated threats.
Both teams lost their opening matches, making this a pivotal clash for advancement. Bafana Bafana’s attacking struggles — particularly the finishing inconsistency of target forward Lyle Foster — could be exploited by a Czechia side that earned their spot through two penalty shootouts in five days during UEFA qualifying playoffs.
Switzerland vs Bosnia-Herzegovina
- When & Where: 3:00 PM ET | SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, California, USA)
- TV: FOX, Telemundo
- Betting Favorite: Switzerland -180
- Betting Underdog: Bosnia & Herzegovina +500
- Odds of a Tie: +300
Switzerland enter as heavy favorites after a strong qualifying campaign and a squad packed with European club talent. Granit Xhaka anchors the midfield from his role at Sunderland, while the attack runs through versatile forward Breel Embolo. The Swiss drew their opening match 1-1 against Qatar and want a result here to keep their knockout-round ambitions alive. Bosnia-Herzegovina, making just their second World Cup appearance after Brazil 2014, also tied their first match and would do well to earn a point here.
Edin Džeko, the 40-year-old Schalke striker who helped the club earn promotion back to the Bundesliga, is making his final World Cup appearances and remains a physical presence up front for Bosnia. A loser here will face an uphill battle to advance.
Canada vs Qatar
- When & Where: 6:00 PM ET | BC Place (Vancouver, Canada)
- TV: FS1, Telemundo
- Betting Favorite: Canada -350
- Betting Underdog: Qatar +1100
- Odds of a Tie: +450
Canada are the overwhelming favorites playing on home soil in Vancouver, and their attacking depth gives them a clear edge. Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies is the squad’s biggest star, combining blistering pace with an ability to influence play from deep. He is nursing an injury, though, and didn’t make it off the bench against Bosnia & Herzegovina. Juventus striker Jonathan David, who has been prolific at club level, leads the front line. Canada drew their opening opening match and desperately need all three points in front of what promises to be a raucous home crowd at Vancouver Stadium.
Qatar, the 2022 World Cup hosts, rescued a dramatic late point after equalizing against Switzerland in the 94th minute in their opening fixture and face a steep challenge today on the road. Without a result here, both teams risk early elimination from a group that also includes Switzerland and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Mexico vs South Korea
- When & Where: 9:00 PM ET | Estadio Akron (Guadalajara, Mexico)
- TV: FOX, Telemundo, Universo
- Betting Favorite: Mexico +105
- Betting Underdog: South Korea +300
- Odds of a Tie: +225
The marquee match of the day pits co-hosts Mexico against South Korea in Guadalajara, where the home crowd will create one of the tournament’s most electric atmospheres. Mexico won their opener under veteran manager Javier Aguirre, who has rebuilt the squad around a 4-3-3 system featuring Wolves striker Raúl Jiménez as the focal point and dynamic wingers Julian Quiñones and Roberto Alvarado stretching defenses. Midfielder Álvaro Fidalgo has emerged as a key creative presence in the middle of the park.
South Korea also won their first match and boast one of Asia’s most talented squads, headlined by LAFC star Son Heung-min — potentially playing in his final World Cup. Bayern Munich center-back Kim Min-jae provides defensive solidity, while the midfield creativity of Hwang In-beom gives South Korea the ability to control possession against any opponent. With both teams sitting on three points after their opening victories, another win for either side would secure a birth to the Round of 32.
All referenced odds are subject to change.
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