World Cup Goal Scoring Picks, Odds, Predictions for Thursday, June 18, 2026
Thursday’s matches will bring us to a new and welcome phase in this year’s World Cup — the first of the second group stage matches.
The two host nations playing Thursday find themselves in very different situations. Mexico triumphed over South Africa and now face Group A’s other top team, South Korea, who got a hard-won result against Czechia. Anything short of a Mexico win likely tips the table South Korea’s way, as Mexico will get a sterner final group stage match test.
Canada, meanwhile, could only muster a draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but got a lifeline when Qatar scored a late equalizer against Switzerland to reset that entire group back to level terms. Canada now gets to face Qatar with a chance to take control of its group ahead of facing what might be the most challenging of its group match opponents, Switzerland. The Swiss and the Bosnians will face off with the chance to go atop Canada’s group should the hosts falter.
Here are three goalscorers to consider on Thursday. Make sure to check out our World Cup match trends page for daily odds, insights and betting data for each game.
Thursday’s Best 2026 World Cup Goal Scoring Picks
- Patrik Schick, Czechia
- Jonathan David, Canada
- Raúl Jiménez, Mexico
Patrik Schick, Czechia
Czechia could only muster eight total shots (with four of those on target) in its 2-1 loss to South Korea, finding it difficult to break down their defense. Czechia did get the opening goal, albeit against the run of play, but couldn’t generate an equalizer after falling behind, and come into this match wanting a win to keep its knockout game dreams alive.
Czechia should fare better against South Africa, which showed the porousness of its defense losing to Mexico and lost two players to red cards. Given how South Africa looked and how they’re coming into the match, it sets up well for a goalscorer like Schick to shake off a bad opener and get his account starter.
Jonathan David, Canada
Jonathan David certainly had his chances in the opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but wasn’t able to convert, with sometimes-strike-partner Cyle Larin notching Les Rouges’ only goal just minutes after taking the field.
David is still Canada’s first-choice No. 9 for good reason, and it’ll be hard to keep him scoreless over multiple matches — especially with Ali Ahmed coming back into the mix to bolster Canada’s midfield ball movement and progression. Against Qatar, which showed both vulnerability and resilience against Switzerland in its opener, chances should once again be plentiful for the Juventus striker. Look for him to make good on one of those.
Raúl Jiménez, Mexico
While Raúl Jiménez wasn’t the first player to score at this year’s World Cup — that honor went to teammate Julián Quiñones — he did get on the scoresheet in a relatively easy 2-0 win for Mexico. Yet Mexico didn’t kick into as high a gear as they’ll need to against some of the more formidable opponents awaiting the hosts should they advance deep into the knockout rounds.
Raúl is essential to Mexico’s chances in the tournament, and in South Korea, he’ll be tested more than he was in the opener, though not as much as he will be against some of the more elite defenses awaiting him. Look for him to get a goal in a tight contest and stay on the periphery of the Golden Boot conversation.
Photo Credit: AP/Natacha Pisarenko
