The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues Thursday, and so do our 2026 World Cup picks. We have four more matches on tap today. It’s also the first time we’ll see clubs play their second match of the World Cup.
At 12:00 p.m. ET on FOX, Czechia and South Africa meet in Group A play in Atlanta. At 3:00 p.m. ET, also on FOX, Switzerland and Bosnia-Herzegovina meet in Inglewood, California, in Group B action.
At 6:00 p.m. ET, Canada and Qatar square off in Vancouver on FS1, while Mexico and South Korea tangle at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico at 9:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
All of the matchups are available on Telemundo and FOX One, too. Let’s build our bankroll with our top 2026 World Cup picks and predictions for Thursday, June 18th’s game Czechia vs. South Africa.
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Thursday’s Best 2026 World Cup Picks & Predictions: Czechia vs. South Africa
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Czechia (-115) vs. South Africa (+340) | Draw (+250) | O/U 2.5 (+112/-140)
Czechia opened play with a 2-1 setback against South Korea. After a scoreless first half, Ladislav Krejči gave Czechia a 1-0 lead before South Korea replied just eight minutes later. At the 80th-minute mark, South Korea struck for the game-winning tally.
Czechia managed just 38% possession and was outshot 6-to-4. Czechia was just 70% accurate on chances, too, while committing 16 fouls. South Korea was much better with 56 duels won, to just 38 for Czechia.
South Africa headed into hostile territory for its opening match at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, and it suffered a 2-0 loss to the World Cup co-hosts.
Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane picked up red cards, and they’re suspended for this match, making it even more of an uphill battle. South Africa had just 40% possession and posted just 81% passing accuracy. It also won only 33 duels, compared to 47 for Mexico.
Both sides lost in the opening match, and both can ill afford another setback. Even a draw would put them at a disadvantage going forward. Three points are a must, and with Patrik Schick, Czechia has a good shot at getting the job done. Keeper Ronwen Williams is tough, however. Look for a 1-0 kind of a win for Czechia, so we’ll be going low on the total.
Picks: Czechia Moneyline (-115) & Under 2.5 Goals (-140)
