Today at the 2026 FIFA World Cup: June 18

By Deniss Novickis | Published: June 18, 2026, 09:30

The first round of the group stage is over, giving us plenty of useful information in terms of World Cup betting. While some teams can book an early passage to the Round of 32, it's a sink-or-swim situation for the others. Read our article, as we present a World Cup value bet of the day and a risky parlay of the day, provide a prediction on all games of Matchday 8, and give away some interesting facts about the tournament.

Match 25: Czechia - South Africa, 18:00 CET, June 18
Match 26: Switzerland - Bosnia-Herzegovina, 21:00 CET, June 18
Match 27: Canada - Qatar, 00:00 CET, June 19
Match 28: Mexico - South Korea, 03:00 CET, June 19

South Africa were, arguably, one of the worst teams in the first round of matches. Silly mistakes, two red cards, no creativity up front, and the list goes on and on. Now, without two suspended midfielders, they’ll face the Czechs, who were somewhat unlucky to come up with nothing in the match against South Korea. Czechia looked a much more organised team, and their class will tell in Atlanta. I really like the idea of betting Czechia to win at 1.75.

Both teams enter this Group A clash looking for their first win after opening-round defeats. Czechia showed plenty of attacking intent in a narrow loss to South Korea and will again look to experienced figures such as Patrik Schick and Tomáš Souček to lead the way. South Africa were beaten by hosts Mexico but remain in contention in a tightly balanced group. Their pace on the counterattack and physical approach could pose problems, while Burnley forward Lyle Foster remains a key attacking threat. With both sides eager to avoid a second defeat, expect a match played with real urgency and significant implications for the race to reach the knockout rounds.

Group B remains wide open after all four teams opened the tournament with draws, making this one of the most important second-round fixtures. Switzerland were denied victory against Qatar by a late goal and will hope experienced leaders such as Granit Xhaka, Ricardo Rodriguez and Manuel Akanji can help convert control into three points. Xhaka and Rodriguez are both appearing at their fourth World Cup, bringing invaluable tournament experience. Bosnia-Herzegovina impressed in a 1-1 draw with Canada and arrive unbeaten in their last nine internationals. Veteran captain Edin Džeko, now 40, didn’t play against Canada, but now it’s his time to step up. The Bosnians really lack a greater cutting edge in the final third.

This matchup features two teams who earned encouraging draws in their opening games and now have a major opportunity to strengthen their position in Group B. Canada’s attention will again focus on Jonathan David’s attacking influence. Squad fitness remains a talking point, as the captain, Alphonso Davies, is questionable with a hamstring injury. Qatar showed resilience in a 1-1 draw against Switzerland and looked far more competitive than they did at the 2022 World Cup. Led by experienced figures such as Karim Boudiaf and Akram Afif, the Asian champions will aim to frustrate Canada before exploiting opportunities on the break.

One of the standout fixtures of the second group-stage round sees two opening-match winners meet in Guadalajara. Mexico began their campaign with a composed victory over South Africa and will hope home support can provide another boost. The attacking partnership of Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez will try to earn another positive result. South Korea produced an impressive comeback against Czechia and once again rely on a strong core featuring Son Heung-Min, Kim Min-Jae, Lee Kang-In and Hwang In-Beom. Son is appearing at his fourth World Cup and remains the team’s leader, while Korea’s pace and direct attacking style offer a different challenge to Mexico. A victory here will guarantee a place in the Round of 32.

Raúl Jiménez’s presence at the 2026 World Cup is one of football’s most remarkable comeback stories. In November 2020, the Mexico striker suffered a life-threatening skull fracture and brain bleeding following a collision while playing for Wolverhampton. Yet after a lengthy recovery, Jiménez fought his way back to the highest level, continuing to wear protective headgear as a reminder of his ordeal. Now 35, Jiménez is one of Mexico’s most accomplished internationals. His goal against South Africa in the opening match of the World Cup was his first ever at the tournament and his 46th for the national team, moving him within reach of Javier Hernández’s all-time Mexican scoring record of 52 goals.

Diogo Jota's parents are at Portugal's opening World Cup match 🙏 pic.twitter.com/PtRVV2ec3h

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 17, 2026

On June 18, 1998, England defeated Colombia 2-0 at the World Cup in France, with a memorable free-kick goal from David Beckham. The win secured England's place in the knockout stage and marked one of Beckham's most iconic World Cup moments after intense scrutiny following EURO 1996.

David Beckham’s famous free kick vs Colombia 🤩 pic.twitter.com/hocw63Gvd9

— Former Footballers (@FinishedPlayers) February 5, 2025