Mexico Reach 2026 World Cup Knockout Stage, Canada, Switzerland Shine

Co-hosts Mexico became the first team to secure a place in the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after beating South Korea 1-0 in Guadalajara.

After a dull first half that drew boos from the home crowd, the breakthrough arrived five minutes after the halftime break.

Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu spilled the ball following a collision with team-mate Lee Gi-hyuk, allowing Luis Romo to tap into an empty net.

South Korea pushed for an equaliser late on, but Raul Rangel produced two vital saves to deny Cho Gue-sung and Yang Hyun-jun. Mexico almost doubled their lead through Raul Jimenez and substitute Obed Vargas, but Kim kept the scoreline respectable.

The victory maintains Javier Aguirre’s side’s perfect record and guarantees top spot in Group A. South Korea remain well placed to advance and will face South Africa in their final group fixture, while Mexico take on the Czech Republic.

Canada recorded the biggest win of the tournament so far with a commanding 6-0 victory over nine-man Qatar, although the result was overshadowed by a serious injury to midfielder Ismael Kone.

Cyle Larin opened the scoring before Jonathan David struck three times in a ruthless display from the co-hosts. Qatar’s problems deepened when Homam El Amin was sent off for a professional foul, while Assim Omer Madibo later received a red card after a challenge that left Kone requiring lengthy treatment before being stretchered off.

Nathan Saliba dedicated his goal to the injured midfielder by holding up Kone’s shirt after scoring a free-kick. Canada added further goals through an own goal from Mohammad Al Mannai and David’s stoppage-time strike to complete his hat-trick. The emphatic victory lifted Canada to the top of Group B and moved them closer to the last 32.

Switzerland also boosted their qualification hopes with a 4-1 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, thanks largely to substitute Johan Manzambi’s stunning impact off the bench.

The 20-year-old scored twice after replacing Dan Ndoye, breaking the deadlock with a first-time volley less than three minutes after coming on.

Bosnia’s task became even harder when Tarik Muharemovic was sent off for bringing down Breel Embolo. Ruben Vargas curled in a second before setting up Manzambi for his brace, while Granit Xhaka added a late penalty.

Ermin Mahmic grabbed a consolation goal with an impressive volley for Bosnia. Reflecting on his match-winning display, Manzambi said: “It’s probably the best moment of my career so far. We knew why we didn’t start well and we had to be patient but we’re a good team and I think we showed that.”

Switzerland now sit top of Group B, while Bosnia remain bottom.

South Africa kept their World Cup hopes alive after Teboho Mokoena’s late penalty secured a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic.

The Czechs made the perfect start when Michal Sadilek fired home after just five seconds, the fastest goal of the tournament so far.

South Africa struggled to create meaningful chances for much of the contest but found a route back into the match when Thapelo Maseko’s effort struck Pavel Sulc’s arm inside the penalty area.

Mokoena calmly converted from the spot in the 83rd minute to earn a share of the points. The result leaves qualification finely balanced in Group A, with both sides still in contention ahead of their final group matches.

South Africa will face South Korea, while the Czech Republic take on hosts Mexico.