Mexico became the first team to secure a place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging South Korea 1-0 on Thursday, while Canada moved within touching distance of qualification with a dominant victory over Qatar.
A costly goalkeeping mistake proved decisive in Guadalajara, where Mexico claimed all three points and guaranteed top spot in Group A with one match still to play.
The result ensures the tournament co-hosts will remain in Mexico City for their Round of 32 fixture.
South Korea remain second in the group with three points, but qualification is still wide open as both the Czech Republic and South Africa retained hopes of advancing following their 1-1 draw earlier in the day.
In Group B, Canada produced one of the most impressive performances of the tournament so far, crushing Qatar 6-0 in Vancouver to register the country`s first-ever World Cup victory.
Juventus forward Jonathan David starred with a hat-trick, while Cyle Larin and Nathan Saliba also found the net. Qatar`s misery was compounded by an own goal as Canada strengthened their position at the top end of the standings.
The emphatic victory, however, was overshadowed by a serious injury to Canadian midfielder Ismael Kone.
The midfielder was stretchered off after a heavy challenge early in the second half and was later taken to hospital.
Canada coach Jesse Marsch said initial assessments suggested Kone had suffered a broken leg, describing the injury as a major setback for the team.
Elsewhere, Switzerland revived their World Cup campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in Los Angeles.
Johan Manzambi scored twice, while Ruben Vargas and Granit Xhaka also got on the scoresheet as the Swiss bounced back strongly after a difficult start to the tournament.
The defeat left Bosnia facing an uphill battle to reach the knockout phase, with only one point collected from their opening two matches.
Meanwhile, South Africa kept their qualification hopes alive after earning a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in Atlanta.
Michal Sadilek gave the Czechs the lead before Teboho Mokoena converted a late penalty to rescue a point for South Africa.
The result leaves both teams still in contention, although victory in their final group matches may be required to secure a place in the next round.
With Mexico already through and several groups still tightly contested, the race for the World Cup knockout stage is beginning to intensify.
-20260618075143.jpg)
-20260618123640.webp)
