FIFA World Cup 2026 (Group A Results)
Mexico 1-0 South Korea
South Africa 1-1 Czechia
Friday Fixtures (EAT)
USA vs Australia – 10:00 PM
Scotland vs Morocco – 1:00 AM
Guadalajara, Mexico: Co-hosts Mexico became the first team from Group A to book a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 after edging South Korea 1-0 on Thursday night.
Luis Romo scored the only goal of the match at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara as El Tri secured a second consecutive victory to move to six points and guarantee progression to the knockout stage.
The win capped another impressive performance from the Mexicans, who have now maintained a perfect record in the tournament and strengthened their credentials as one of the strongest teams among the host nations.
South Korea, meanwhile, remain on three points and will head into the final round of group matches needing a positive result to secure qualification.
Earlier, South Africa boosted their hopes of reaching the knockout stage after battling to a 1-1 draw against Czechia.
Bafana Bafana fell behind in the sixth minute when Michal Sadilek gave Czechia an early lead, but midfielder Teboho Mokoena rescued a valuable point with a late penalty.
The result leaves South Africa and Czechia level on one point, keeping both nations firmly in contention for qualification heading into the decisive final group matches.
With Mexico already through, attention now shifts to the battle for the second qualification spot.
South Africa will face South Korea in a must-win encounter, while Czechia take on group leaders Mexico. Victory for Bafana Bafana would significantly improve their chances of progressing, while South Korea need only a draw to advance.
Czechia can also qualify, but they must overcome Mexico and hope South Korea lose against South Africa.
Canada Secure Historic Win
In Group B, Jonathan David continued his outstanding tournament by scoring a hat-trick as Canada demolished nine-man Qatar 6-0 to register the country’s first-ever FIFA World Cup victory.
The emphatic win moved the Canadians to the top of Group B on goal difference, level on four points with Switzerland.
Switzerland also strengthened their qualification hopes with a convincing 4-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The final round of Group B fixtures promises high drama, with Canada and Switzerland set to clash in a winner-takes-all showdown for top spot, while Qatar and Bosnia and Herzegovina battle to keep their knockout hopes alive.
Group A Standings
- Mexico – 6 pts
- South Korea – 3 pts
- South Africa – 1 pt
- Czechia – 1 pt
Group B Standings
- Canada – 4 pts
- Switzerland – 4 pts
- Qatar – 1 pt
- Bosnia and Herzegovina – 0 pts
USA Face Pressure as Key Fixtures Loom
Attention now turns to Friday’s fixtures, where co-hosts USA will be desperate to get their campaign back on track against Australia in Seattle.
The Americans know another setback could seriously complicate their qualification ambitions, while the Socceroos will be looking to build momentum and edge closer to the knockout rounds.
Elsewhere, Scotland face Morocco in what could prove a decisive Group C contest. Both sides remain firmly in the hunt for qualification and are expected to produce a closely fought encounter.
Five-time world champions Brazil return to action against Haiti in Saturday’s early fixture. The South Americans will be aiming to maintain their strong start and move closer to sealing a place in the next round.
The day’s final fixture sees Paraguay take on Türkiye in a crucial Group D showdown, with both nations aware that dropped points could leave their qualification hopes hanging in the balance.
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