Table of Contents
Chris Fallica FOX Sports Wagering Expert
"Bear Bets" are real wagers that Chris "The Bear" Fallica is actually making.
The superstars were super on Tuesday.
Kylian Mbappé scored twice, Erling Haaland did the same, and Lionel Messi topped them both with his first World Cup hat trick.
Welcome to the World Cup.
Moving forward, here's what I'm eyeing for Match Day 8.
This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.
World Cup Best Bets — Thursday, June 18
Czechia vs. South Africa
South Africa was very poor in the opener against Mexico, while Czechia had a lead over South Korea, then oddly subbed off its best scorer, Patrick Schick, and its most creative player, Pavel Sulc. Of course, it resulted in South Korea scoring twice and a 2-1 defeat. Loser is eliminated here, and I do expect Czechia to win. It at least offered something in the opener. I’ll bet that Sulc is involved in a goal.
Fallica's Pick:
Pavel Sulc Anytime Goal or Assist (+175)
Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Look for Dan Ndoye to put pressure on Bosnia in this one (Getty Images).
The Swiss did everything but finish — literally and figuratively — against Qatar. If they continue to get a high number of the high-quality shots they did in the opener, eventually they’ll get some good fortune. Bosnia was pretty meh in the opener and managed a point against Canada, but looked very vulnerable when Canada brought on Cyle Larin. Breel Embolo, Dan Ndoye and Switzerland will ask a lot of questions.
Fallica's Picks:
Switzerland Win to Nil (+120), Switzerland Over 14.5 Shots (-110)
Canada vs. Qatar
Can Cyle Larin provide enough boost for Canada to get its first-ever World Cup win (Getty Images)?
I’d expect Jesse Marsch to include Cyle Larin in the starting XI, as Canada was a completely different team once he came on. Qatar was extremely lucky to get a point vs. Switzerland, and if it isn't any better here, it will take a sound beating.
Fallica's Picks:
Canada Win to Nil (-125), Canada Over 16.5 Shots (-125)
Mexico vs. South Korea
Both teams won their openers, and with a point, are certainly through with one more. I'm kind of apathetic here as to what to expect. Was Mexico’s performance amplified because South Africa is bad? I could see this 1-0 either way or even 0-0. I won't go crazy here.
Fallica's Pick:
Both Teams to Score — No (-135)
share
recommended

2026 World Cup Round of 16 Odds: Which Teams Will Make It?
How to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Scores, Schedule, Dates for Every Match
4 Takeaways From Mexico's World Cup Roster Selection

2026 World Cup Quarterfinal Odds: Which Squads Will Make Final 8?
2026 World Cup Odds: Who Will Score the Most Goals For Their Countries?
2026 World Cup Power Rankings: Every Team Ranked From 48 to 1

2026 World Cup: France Alone Atop Oddsboard After Opening Win
2026 World Cup Odds: Which Player Will Lead the Tournament in Assists?
4 Players Who Could Steal The Show At The 2026 World Cup
Arrow pointing to the leftArrow pointing to the right
Item 1 of 3
Get more from the FIFA Men's World Cup Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more in this topic
Betting Gambling
FIFA Men's World Cup
Soccer
Chris Fallica
NEXT STORY
Top 100 Players In The 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ranked
recommended

2026 World Cup Round of 16 Odds: Which Teams Will Make It?
How to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Scores, Schedule, Dates for Every Match
4 Takeaways From Mexico's World Cup Roster Selection

2026 World Cup Quarterfinal Odds: Which Squads Will Make Final 8?
2026 World Cup Odds: Who Will Score the Most Goals For Their Countries?
2026 World Cup Power Rankings: Every Team Ranked From 48 to 1

2026 World Cup: France Alone Atop Oddsboard After Opening Win
2026 World Cup Odds: Which Player Will Lead the Tournament in Assists?
4 Players Who Could Steal The Show At The 2026 World Cup
Arrow pointing to the leftArrow pointing to the right
Item 1 of 3Original Article










