World Cup Day 8 Betting Parlay Picks: Canada Bids for the Top of the Table
Canada returns to the pitch on Thursday evening looking to claim their first ever World Cup victory and the top of the Group B table as they take on Qatar in Vancouver. The Canadians settled for a 1-1 draw in their tournament-opening clash with Bosnia and Herzogovina, and now find themselves knotted in a four-way tie heading into the second Group B matchday.
Thursday’s action begins midday in Atlanta, where Czechia and South Africa are set to clash in a Group A matchup. That is followed by a crucial date between Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzogovina in Los Angeles, with the day’s action closing out in Mexico City, where South Korea and Mexico will battle for sole possession of first place in Group A.
Let’s take a look at the best betting picks for all four Thursday matchups.
Don’t forget to check out Sports Interaction’s complete list of World Cup game odds, World Cup futures and World Cup specials and props.
Czechia vs. South Africa– Group A
Location: Atlanta Stadium
Time: 12 p.m. ET
How to watch in Canada: TSN, TSN+
Czechia is coming off a disappointing 2-1 loss to South Korea in their first group stage contest, and now face pressure to pick up points against a South Africa squad that was overmatched in last week’s 2-0 loss to Mexico.
However, the Czechs face a South Africa squad that has struggled to produce offence of late, scoring just three total goals in five matches across all competitions this year. Bafana Bafana will also hit the pitch shorthanded after seeing Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane during the side’s undisciplined meltdown late in last week’s loss.
Expect to see the Czechs play with desperation in a bid to pad their goal desperation and remain in contention for a spot among the top two on the table, in what should prove to be the mismatch of the day.
Czechia vs. South Africa betting pick: Czechia win to nil (+170)
Parlay pick: UNDER 2.5 goals + Czechia win (+260)
You can see our full Czechia vs. South Africa game preview and score prediction here.
Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina – Group B
Location: Los Angeles Stadium
Time: 3 p.m. ET
How to watch in Canada: TSN, TSN+
Switzerland are a massive -180 favourite on Group B matchday odds entering their date with Bosnia and Herzegovina. But to pay out on those short odds, they must find a way to overcome the Dragon’s shutdown defence that effectively frustrated Canada in their tournament-opening draw last week.
Apart from their recent 5-1 rout of Jordan, the Swiss have done little up front, scoring just two total goals over their three other contests since late March, and came up short in a 1-0 loss in their lone previous date with the Dragons a decade ago.
The Dragons have not fared much better on offence, scoring more than one goal just once in seven matches. Injuries are also a concern for Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly on defence.
Look for the Swiss to finally break out offensively.
Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina betting pick: OVER 2.5 (-110)
Parlay pick: Switzerland to win and BTTS (+260)
You can see our full Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina game preview and score prediction here.
Canada vs. Qatar – Group B
Location: Vancouver Stadium
Time: 6 p.m. ET
How to watch in Canada: TSN, TSN+
After securing a point against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada look to take the next step by claiming their first-ever World Cup victory in Thursday evening’s date with Qatar.
The Reds dominated play early in last week’s clash with the Dragons, but struggled to find the mark and needed a late goal from veteran Cyle Larin to earn their fourth draw in their past five outings. Canada are a heavy -325 favourite to earn the win and set up a likely showdown with Switzerland for the top of the table in next week’s group stage finale.
The challenge for Qatar will be to maintain the momentum they gained from last week’s draw with the Swiss. But after surrendering 27 shots in last week’s draw, the Maroons have a mountain to climb to keep pace with a Canadian side playing in front of hometown fans.
Canada vs. Qatar betting pick: Canada win to nil (-110)
Parlay pick: Jonathan David anytime goalscorer + Canada win (+125)
You can see our full Canada vs. Qatar game preview and score prediction here.
Mexico vs. South Korea – Group B
Location: Guadalajara Stadium
Time: 10 p.m. ET
How to watch in Canada: TSN, TSN+
First place on the Group A table will be on the line when they scene shifts to Guadalajara for Thursday’s finale, as Mexico take on South Korea. Both these squads are coming off schedule-opening victories with Mexico manhandling South Africa in a 2-0 victory while South Korea eked out a 2-1 come-from-behind win over Czechia.
While South Korea are clearly the greatest obstacle to the Tricolor’s bid for a first-place finish, they must contend with a Mexican side that has won seven straight on home soil, and kept clean sheets in seven of their nine outings so far in 2026. The Taegeuk Warriors have also enjoyed little success in recent dates with Mexico, picking up just a single point over their past four head-to-head clashes.
However, it’s worth noting that the total topped 2.5 in all four of those clashes, setting the stage for another high-scoring affair on what is forecast to be a sultry night in Guadalajara.
Mexico vs. South Korea betting pick: OVER 2.5 (+125)
Parlay pick: Son Heung-min 3+ shots and BTTS (+185)
You can see our full Mexico vs. South Korea game preview and score prediction here.