World Cup 2026: Odds, Best Bets & Multi Bet │ 19 June

Czechia to win ($1.82)

Both teams lost their openers and both know a second defeat all but ends their tournament. 

I favour Czechia because South Africa have been weakened through their own indiscipline. Sithole and Zwane are both suspended after red cards against Mexico, and losing two players from a squad already short on depth is brutal at this level.

Czechia took the lead through Ladislav Krejci’s header in the 59th minute against South Korea, and for a good stretch of that second half they were the better side. They couldn’t hold on - Hwang In-beom equalised and Oh Hyeon-gyu scored the winner in the 80th - but Patrik Schick was a handful up front and Tomas Soucek controlled things from midfield. 

I’m backing Czechia at $1.82 on football betting sites to get it done in Atlanta.

✓ Long Shot: Patrik Schick anytime scorer ($2.60)

✓ Extra Tip: Under 2.5 goals ($1.85)

Switzerland to win ($1.62)

Switzerland had 26 shots against Qatar. They generated 3.24 xG and walked away with a 1-1 draw after Miro Muheim’s own goal in the 94th minute handed Qatar a point they barely deserved. That won’t sit well with Murat Yakin.

I’d be stunned if the Swiss aren’t more clinical here. They qualified through UEFA without losing a match, conceding just twice across six games. 

Bosnia are well-organised - Sead Kolasinac and Edin Dzeko give them experience in important positions - but they created very little against Canada and needed a set-piece header from Jovo Lukic for their only goal. Granit Xhaka controlling tempo from deep is where I see this one being decided. 

At $1.62 on NZ betting sites, this is the leg I’m most confident about.

✓ Long Shot: Switzerland -1.5 ($3.40)

✓ Extra Tip: Breel Embolo anytime scorer ($2.80)

Canada to win ($1.29)

Canada have never won a World Cup match in two previous tournaments. BC Place in Vancouver is the stage they’d choose to change that, and Jesse Marsch’s side were unlucky not to do it against Bosnia. Jonathan David’s early chance went straight at the goalkeeper, and Richie Laryea was cleared off the line by Kolasinac. It took Cyle Larin - two minutes after coming off the bench - to rescue a point.

Qatar’s 94th-minute equaliser against Switzerland was gutsy, but the numbers painted a different picture - 28% possession, six total shots, 0.76 xG. Playing in front of a hostile Canadian crowd, I don’t see them pulling off a repeat. 

I’m aware these are short odds at $1.29, but the talent gap between these squads is obvious.

✓ Long Shot: Jonathan David anytime scorer ($1.90)

✓ Extra Tip: Over 2.5 goals ($1.80)

Mexico to win ($2.00)

I’ve chewed on this one the longest. Mexico won their opener 2-0 against South Africa at the Azteca, with Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez both scoring. But they’ll be without captain Cesar Montes through suspension, and South Korea looked dangerous in their comeback against Czechia.

Son Heung-min hasn’t scored yet at this tournament, but Hwang In-beom produced a goal and an assist in that 2-1 win. South Korea don’t fold. My hedge is that conditions in Guadalajara at Estadio Akron could slow both teams down, and a draw wouldn’t surprise me at all.

But Mexico beat South Korea 2-1 at the 2018 World Cup, and they’re on home soil with a packed crowd. At evens, I think there’s value. Check the betting apps for the latest price.

✓ Long Shot: Both teams to score ($2.10)

✓ Extra Tip: Raul Jimenez anytime scorer ($3.20)