The night of June 18–19 at the 2026 World Cup will be remembered for two of the tournament's host nations: Canada recorded the first victory in their World Cup history — a dominant 6-0 over Qatar — while Mexico became the first team at the tournament to mathematically secure a place in the knockout round, defeating South Korea 1-0. Groups A and B took on a clearer shape after the second round of matches.
Night results
Canada — Qatar 6-0 (Group B)
The match at BC Place in Vancouver (kick-off 22:00 Kyiv time) was a historic occasion for Canadian football. Goalscorers: Larin (16'), David (29', 45+3', 90+2'), Saliba (64'), Manaj own goal (75'). Jonathan David completed a hat-trick and joined Lionel Messi as the only player at the tournament to score three goals in a single match. Qatar finished the game with nine men: Homam Ahmed received a red card in the first half after a VAR review for a foul on Tajon Buchanan, and Assim Madibo was dismissed early in the second half for a reckless tackle on Ismaël Koné, who was carried off on a stretcher with an injury to his lower left leg. Canada registered 32 shots (10 on target) with an xG of 4.46 — Qatar did not manage a single shot on target. Head coach Jesse Marsch held up six fingers as he walked off the pitch after the final whistle.
Mexico — South Korea 1-0 (Group A)
The late match at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara (06:00 Kyiv time) was decided by a goalkeeping error. In the 50th minute, Kim Seung-gyu collided with teammate Lee Ki-hyeok, spilled the ball, and Luis Romo reacted first to calmly slot it into the net. The Koreans pushed late on: in stoppage time Yang Hyun-jun headed goalward, but Mexico goalkeeper Raúl Rangel produced a crucial save. Mexico became the first team at the 2026 World Cup to guarantee their place in the round of 32.
Switzerland — Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 (Group B)
The match in Los Angeles (02:00 Kyiv time) turned on its head in the second half. Goalscorers: Manzambi (71', 90'), Vargas (84'), Xhaka (pen., 90+7'); for BiH, Mahmić scored (90+3'). Substitute Johan Manzambi broke the deadlock with a stunning volley in the 71st minute when the score was still 0-0. Bosnia and Herzegovina were reduced to nine men after Muhremović was sent off for a dangerous tackle. Granit Xhaka converted a penalty in stoppage time.
Czech Republic — South Africa 1-1 (Group A)
The early match in Atlanta (19:00 Kyiv time). The Czechs took the lead after a fine combination — Sadílek finished off a cross in the 6th minute. However, South Africa levelled in the second half through a Teboho Mokoena penalty. The draw leaves both teams in a difficult position ahead of the decisive third round of matches.
Standings
Group A
- Mexico — 6 points (+3 goal difference), through to the round of 32
- South Korea — 3 points (0)
- Czech Republic — 1 point (-1)
- South Africa — 1 point (-2)
Mexico have guaranteed first place regardless of the outcome of the third round. The Czech Republic and South Africa need a win on June 24 to keep their hopes of advancing alive.
Group B
- Canada — 4 points (top on goal difference)
- Switzerland — 4 points
- Bosnia and Herzegovina — 1 point
- Qatar — 1 point
Canada and Switzerland will face each other on June 24 in Vancouver in a match that will determine the group winner. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar will play in Seattle — both teams still have a chance of progressing.
Off the pitch
Ismaël Koné injury (Canada). The Canadian midfielder was carried off on a stretcher after a reckless tackle by Qatar's Assim Madibo in the second half of the match in Vancouver. Reports indicate a serious injury to his lower left leg. Substitute Nathan Saliba, who came on for Koné, scored a goal and provided an assist, and after the match held up his injured teammate's shirt.
Jesse Marsch on Canada's victory. The Canada head coach said after the match: "Nobody will forget this, and no Canadian will forget this day" — and held up six fingers as he left the pitch.
Johan Manzambi (Switzerland) — revelation of the round. The 20-year-old Freiburg winger came off the bench to score twice against Bosnia and Herzegovina, becoming one of the biggest surprises on the eighth matchday of the tournament.
Today, June 19, four matches are scheduled at the 2026 World Cup: USA — Australia (at 22:00 Kyiv time), Scotland — Morocco (at 04:00 Kyiv time the following day), Brazil — Haiti and Turkey — another opponent (details in the evening preview).
