We are into new territory now with the final group games kicking off in pairs.
Thursday’s double dose of early morning action comes from Group A with 2am starts UK time for South Africa vs South Korea at Estadio Monterrey and the Czech Republic’s showdown with Mexico at Mexico City Stadium.
Mexico have already confirmed top spot and South Korea are in the driving seat for second place, with a two-point lead over both Czechia and South Africa.
It is Group E’s turn to entertain us on Thursday evening, with two games kicking-off at 9pm.
Confirmed group winners Germany take on Ecuador at New York New Jersey Stadium, while World Cup newcomers Curacao tackle Ivory Coast at Philadelphia Stadium. Second place is Ivory Coast’s to lose as they presently sit two points above third and fourth place.
Below we look ahead to the four final group games being played on Thursday with some selections from NetBet Sport’s wide range of World Cup odds. And these picks can be used in conjunction with Acca Boost, which can increase your potential winnings by up to 50%!
*All odds are subject to change
South Africa vs South Korea: Outcome And Both To Score – South Korea And No @ 2.40
South Africa need to win if they are to retain any hope of qualifying but winning hasn’t been in their DNA for some time. Since beating Zimbabwe 3-2 in December, they have lost three and drawn three, scoring just four goals in that time. The South Koreans overcame Czechia with a 2-1 comeback victory in their opening match, for a third win in a row. But against co-hosts Mexico they slipped to a 1-0 defeat despite having more shots (8-7), a better xG and bossing possession. A point here would be enough to confirm second place, even if Czechia pulled off an unlikely win against Mexico, due to their head-to-head record.
Czech Republic vs Mexico: Both Teams To Score – Yes @ 1.93
The Czech Republic have to go for broke, needing a win to give themselves a chance of at least qualifying as one of the eight best third-place teams. They only have themselves to blame for being in this position, throwing away leads in both of their games so far to earn just one point. They arrived at the 2026 World Cup on the back of a six-game unbeaten run. They need forward Patrik Schick to step up and improve on his recent strike rate of two goals in his last nine internationals. Mexico have the luxury of being able to give some squad players a run out, having already confirmed top spot. Victories over South Africa (2-0) and South Korea (1-0) extended their winning run to five games and their unbeaten streak is now 10 matches. They have only conceded TWO goals in that time and look in spectacular shape for the knockout stage. Hard to call as Mexico could ring the changes, but with the Czech Republic needing a win and the co-hosts not wanting to disappoint a home crowd, we’ll go for both teams to score.
Curacao vs Ivory Coast: Player Will Score and His Team Will Win – Amad Diallo @ 2.25
Curacao have already exceeded expectation on their World Cup debut by earning a point in the 0-0 draw with Ecuador. Goalkeeper Eloy Room made 15 saves in that match, the most recorded since 1966 in a tie that did not feature extra-time. It brought an end to a four-game losing streak in which Curacao had conceded 18 goals. A point for Ivory Coast would cement their qualification in second place. Ivory Coast almost caused an upset with a win over Germany but two late goals from substitute Deniz Undav spoiled the party. It halted Ivory Coast’s four-game winning streak but they should get back on track here. They have an exciting young talent In Manchester United winger Amad Diallo, 23. He has scored three goals and provided two assists in his last seven internationals, including the last-minute winner against Ecuador.
Ecuador vs Germany: Anytime Goalscorer – Deniz Undav @ 2.88
Ecuador face the daunting task of having to beat Germany to stand any chance of being among the third-place qualifiers. The last-minute defeat by Ivory Coast was a setback but the draw with minnows Curacao effectively killed their chances of progressing. Germany are sitting pretty as winners of Group E and boast an 11-game winning streak. They have unearthed a hidden gem in Undav, who has scored three goals in two substitute appearances in the tournament so far. With the Germans able to employ some squad rotation here he should be rewarded with a start. Having made his international debut in 2024, he has only recently fought his way back into the squad and has been prolific, plundering nine goals in 11 games for his country.
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