We cover three FIFA World Cup group stage fixtures taking place on Thursday the 18th and Friday the 19th of June from a betting angle. Switzerland face Bosnia & Herzegovina in Group B while Canada meet Qatar. Mexico and South Korea then clash in what should be a competitive Group A encounter.
Switzerland vs Bosnia & Herzegovina
Switzerland opened their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Qatar despite entering the match as overwhelming favourites. The Swiss struggled to convert possession into goals but still extended their unbeaten run and remain a side that is difficult to break down. They found the net in the 17th minute through Embolo Breel before the equaliser came in extra time.
Bosnia & Herzegovina also began the tournament with a share of the spoils after drawing 1-1 against Canada. The Europeans will be pleased with the result and scored the first goal of the game when Lukic Jovo struck within the first half but could not hold out in the end to pick up a win.
Head-to-Head
The only previous meeting between the nations came in an International Friendly during 2016 where Bosnia & Herzegovina secured a 2-0 victory over Switzerland.
Betting – Click here to bet
Switzerland 1.57
Draw 4.25
Bosnia & Herzegovina 6.25
Verdict
Bosnia & Herzegovina have proven difficult opponents and possess enough quality to remain competitive, but Switzerland generally perform well against teams outside the elite tier and should improve after a disappointing opening draw. I expect the Swiss to control large portions of the contest and claim an important three points without conceding.
BET: Match Result and Both Teams to Score, Switzerland and NO at 2.35
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Canada vs Qatar
Canada were held to a 1-1 draw by Bosnia & Herzegovina in their first group fixture. The side found themselves under pressure due to conceding early on, but they dug deep to force a stalemate when Larin Cyle beat the keeper with less than 15 minutes to play.
Qatar produced one of the surprises of the opening round after earning a 1-1 draw against Switzerland. They defended resolutely throughout the encounter and will take confidence from claiming a point against one of the stronger teams in the group, however, they were fortunate to get the draw, and it was a Swiss player who scored an own goal 4 minutes into overtime to settle the score.
Head-to-Head
The sides have met once before in an International Friendly during 2022 where Canada recorded a comfortable 2-0 victory.
Betting – Click here to bet
Canada 1.29
Draw 5.75
Qatar 11.00
Verdict
Qatar exceeded expectations in their opener, but this represents another difficult assignment. Canada possess greater creativity across the pitch and have consistently shown they can limit opponents defensively. I am expecting a tight game with Canada winning while keeping a clean sheet.
BET: Result and Both Teams to Score – Canada and No at 1.87
Mexico vs South Korea
Mexico made a strong start to their campaign with a professional 2-0 victory over South Africa. They looked organised at both ends of the field and never appeared in danger of dropping points throughout the contest having picked up a goal in each half.
South Korea are fresh off the back of a 2-1 win after defeating the Czech Republic in Round 1. The Koreans showed good attacking intent and displayed resilience to see out the result, coming from behind and converting chances into match winning shots.
Head-to-Head
Recent meetings between these nations have generally produced entertaining football. Their latest encounter ended in a 2-2 draw during 2025, while Mexico have won the three meetings prior to that with 4-0, 2-1 and 3-2 scorelines.
Betting – Click here to bet
Mexico 2.00
Draw 3.25
South Korea 4.25
Verdict
Both sides opened their campaigns with victories, and neither will want to suffer defeat here. Mexico appear slightly stronger defensively while South Korea possess enough pace and flair to threaten going forward. With both teams in good spirits and closely matched on paper, goals at both ends look likely and I am backing both teams to score.
BET: Both Teams to Score – Yes at 2.10
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
