New Delhi: The second round of group stage matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026 got underway with a series of entertaining contests, highlighted by Mexico becoming the first nation to secure qualification for the knockout stage.
The day’s action began with South Africa keeping their hopes alive after battling to a 1-1 draw against Czechia. The Europeans made a dream start when Michal Sadilek found the net in the sixth minute and looked set to claim all three points. However, South Africa fought back late in the contest and were rewarded when Teboho Mokoena converted a penalty seven minutes from time. The goal was South Africa’s first at a FIFA World Cup in 16 years and earned them a valuable point.
Switzerland produced one of the standout performances of the day with a commanding 4-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The star of the match was 20-year-old Johan Manzambi, who scored twice in a dominant second-half display. His achievement also placed him in the record books as the youngest Swiss player to score two goals in a World Cup match.
Canada delivered the biggest win of the day, overwhelming Qatar 6-0 in front of home supporters. Forward Jonathan David stole the spotlight with a brilliant hat-trick, becoming only the second player to achieve the feat at the tournament. Despite the convincing victory, Canada’s celebrations were tempered by an injury to key midfielder Ismael Kone, who is expected to miss the remainder of the World Cup after undergoing surgery.
The final match saw co-hosts Mexico edge past South Korea 1-0 in Guadalajara to become the first team to book a place in the Round of 32. Luis Romo scored the decisive goal early in the second half, sparking celebrations among the home crowd and ensuring Mexico’s progress to the knockout phase with a game to spare.
With qualification battles intensifying across the groups, the second round of matches has already begun shaping the road to the knockout stages.
