Round 2 is done: seven teams — Mexico, the USA, Germany, Argentina, France, Norway and Colombia — have already secured their places in the Round of 16. But for the rest of the field the tournament is entering its hottest phase: Round 3 kicks off tonight at 22:00 Kyiv time, and several groups are offering a genuine tactical puzzle.
Group B: Canada vs Switzerland — a head-to-head between the leaders
The most compelling match of the evening is a direct duel between two sides running neck and neck. After two rounds Canada and Switzerland both have 4 points, with Canada sitting first on goal difference. The road to this point speaks for itself: Canada thrashed Qatar 6–0, Switzerland beat Bosnia 4–1. Both sides are effectively already in the knockouts, but topping the group determines a potential Round of 16 opponent — and that matters strategically. Bosnia and Qatar each have 1 point and will play each other in the parallel fixture: the winner could theoretically contend for a best third-place ranking spot, though from 1 point that is almost impossible.
Group C: Brazil are favourites, but Scotland refuse to give up
At 01:00 Kyiv time (already the early hours of 25 June), Scotland vs Brazil and Morocco vs Haiti kick off simultaneously. Current standings: Brazil and Morocco on 4 points each, Scotland — 3, Haiti — 0. The Scots find themselves in an unfamiliar role: sitting on 3 points after two rounds, they can theoretically finish top — but only by beating Brazil and seeing Morocco lose to Haiti. Brazil, following a 3–0 win over Haiti, look solid, although a 1–1 draw with Morocco in the opening round is a reminder that the "pentacampeons" have yet to find their optimal rhythm. Morocco, who beat Scotland 1–0, are the most balanced side in the group.
Group A: Mexico are through, but the second ticket is still up for grabs
At 04:00 Kyiv time (early hours of 25 June) — Czech Republic vs Mexico and South Africa vs South Korea. Mexico, on 6 points, have already guaranteed their progression. The battle for second place is between South Korea (3 points), South Africa (1 point) and Czech Republic (1 point). A draw is enough for South Korea to secure their Round of 16 berth. Czech Republic and South Africa need wins and will be counting on help from the parallel match.
Scenarios
- Switzerland beat Canada → Switzerland top Group B, Canada finish second. Bosnia or Qatar get a shot at a best third-place ranking spot, but from 1 point that is almost out of the question.
- Switzerland vs Canada draw → Canada stay top (better goal difference after the 6–0 rout of Qatar), Switzerland finish second. The most likely scenario given the balance of the sides and the lack of motivation to take risks.
- Brazil lose to Scotland + Morocco beat Haiti → Morocco finish first, Scotland second, Brazil third and enter the race for the eight best third-place finishers. Unlikely, but mathematically possible.
The race for the eight best third-place finishers
After two rounds, the best third-place standings are led by sides on 3 points — including Scotland (3), Paraguay (3) and Austria (3). Teams on 1–2 points still have a chance, but only with a win in Round 3 and favourable results elsewhere. Tonight's Group B and C matches could significantly reshape this table: if Bosnia beat Qatar, they will move up to 4 points and almost guarantee themselves a place among the eight best third-place finishers.
Tonight the match to watch above all is the head-to-head between Switzerland and Canada: topping Group B could have a direct impact on the Round of 16 bracket. At the same time the late-night Group C block will show whether Scotland are capable of doing what nobody expects of them. Tomorrow morning brings the final act for Groups A, E and F, where Germany, the Netherlands and Japan already know what they need to do.
Photo: Данііл Агарков · Editorial (source)
