MIAMI/VANCOUVER/SEATTLE/ATLANTA/MEXICO CITY/MONTERREY, JUN 25 (IANS): Brazil sealed top spot in Group C with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Scotland, while Switzerland and Canada progressed from Group B, Morocco secured second place in Group C, Mexico completed a flawless group-stage campaign, South Africa reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, and Bosnia and Herzegovina kept their hopes alive with a win over Qatar on a dramatic day at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Brazil cruise past Scotland to win Group C
Five-time world champions Brazil advanced to the Round of 32 as Group C winners after a commanding 3-0 victory over Scotland at Miami Stadium.
The Brazilians dominated from the outset and were inspired once again by Vinicius Junior, who scored twice in the first half before Matheus Cunha added a third after the break. The match also witnessed the much-anticipated return of Neymar, who appeared as a late substitute in his fourth consecutive World Cup.
Brazil needed only six minutes to break the deadlock. Scotland defender Scott McKenna, making his first World Cup appearance, was caught in possession under pressure from Rayan. The loose ball fell kindly to Vinicius Junior, who rounded goalkeeper Angus Gunn and slotted home.
The goal ensured Vinicius became only the fifth Brazilian player to score in all three group-stage matches of a World Cup campaign, joining the elite company of Jairzinho (1970), Romario (1994), Ronaldo (2002) and Rivaldo (2002). Significantly, Brazil went on to win the title on each of those previous occasions.
Vinicius thought he had doubled his tally midway through the half after dispossessing Jack Hendry and finding the net, but a VAR review ruled that he had fouled the Scottish defender in the build-up.
Scotland briefly grew into the contest after that reprieve but were punished again in first-half stoppage time. Bruno Guimaraes delivered a teasing cross into the area that evaded Gunn’s outstretched hand, allowing Vinicius to head home his second goal of the evening.
Brazil continued to create chances after the break, forcing Gunn into several impressive saves. The Scottish goalkeeper denied Rayan and twice thwarted Vinicius, but the pressure eventually told when Guimaraes set up Matheus Cunha, who drilled a low shot inside the near post to make it 3-0.
Scotland fought hard for a consolation goal, but goalkeeper Alisson Becker preserved Brazil’s clean sheet. He first saved Lewis Ferguson’s free-kick and later denied Scott McTominay on two occasions.
The introduction of Neymar late in the match added another celebratory moment for Brazilian fans as the Selecao completed the group stage unbeaten and without conceding a goal. Brazil will now face the runners-up from Group F in Houston on June 30.
Scotland, meanwhile, remain third in the group on three points and must await other results to determine whether they can qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
Switzerland and Canada progress from Group B
At BC Place in Vancouver, Switzerland defeated co-hosts Canada 2-1 to secure first place in Group B, while both teams booked their spots in the knockout stage.
Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi scored for the Swiss, while Promise David netted a late goal for Canada. After a tightly contested first half, Switzerland broke through shortly after the restart. Young midfielder Manzambi provided the assist as Vargas struck a shot that clipped the post before crossing the goal line.
The Swiss doubled their advantage in the 57th minute. Breel Embolo delivered an inviting cross from the left and Manzambi produced a composed finish to make it 2-0. The 20-year-old continued his impressive tournament after scoring twice as a substitute in Switzerland’s previous 4-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Defender Manuel Akanji praised the youngster after the match.
“We need players like him who are creative. He sees things others don’t see and can do things many players cannot,” Akanji said. Canada reduced the deficit in the 76th minute when substitute Promise David scored with his first touch after entering the match. Although disappointed by the defeat, the Canadians celebrated a historic achievement. For the first time in three World Cup appearances, Canada have progressed beyond the group stage. They had previously lost all three matches in both Mexico 1986 and Qatar 2022.
“We are disappointed not to get at least a draw, but we showed a new level of attacking football throughout the group stage,” David said.
Switzerland have now advanced from the group stage in six of their last seven World Cup campaigns. They will remain in Vancouver for their Round of 32 match on July 3, while Canada travel to Los Angeles to face the runners-up from Group A.
Bosnia claim first World Cup victory since 2014
Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated Qatar 3-1 in Seattle to record their first World Cup win in 12 years and keep alive hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.
The victory moved Bosnia into third place in Group B behind Switzerland and Canada, though their qualification fate depends on results elsewhere.
Bosnia began strongly and repeatedly tested Qatar goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada during an impressive opening spell.
Their breakthrough came courtesy of a moment of brilliance from 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic. The youngest player ever to represent Bosnia at a World Cup collected the ball on the left flank, beat two defenders and curled a magnificent right-footed strike into the top corner. The Dragons doubled their lead through an own goal. Veteran striker Edin Dzeko’s half-volley struck defender Sultan Al-Brake and deflected into the net via goalkeeper Abunada.
Qatar responded before halftime when captain Hassan Al-Haydos finished from close range after excellent work by Edmilson Junior down the left wing.
The Asian side pushed for an equaliser in the second half, with coach Julen Lopetegui introducing all-time leading scorer Almoez Ali in search of goals.
However, Bosnia sealed victory when substitute Ermin Mahmic’s shot took a deflection and found the back of the net. The result represented Bosnia’s first World Cup victory since defeating Iran 3-1 at Brazil 2014 — remarkably by the same scoreline and also on Matchday Three.
Qatar, meanwhile, finished bottom of Group B with one point. Although eliminated, they improved on their 2022 campaign when they lost all three matches as hosts.
Morocco survive Haiti scare to finish second
Morocco recovered from two separate deficits to defeat an adventurous Haiti side 4-2 in Atlanta and secure second place in Group C.
The Atlas Lions entered the match knowing victory would guarantee progression and ultimately overcame a spirited Haitian challenge to set up a Round of 32 clash against the winners of Group F. Haiti made a dream start by scoring their first World Cup goal since 1974. Jean-Kevin Duverne delivered a low cross into the penalty area and Lenny Joseph produced a clever backheel that ricocheted off goalkeeper Yassine Bono and into the net.
Morocco responded by increasing the pressure and eventually equalised through Achraf Hakimi. The defender reacted quickest after goalkeeper Johny Placide parried Bilal El Khannouss’ effort.
The Caribbean side stunned Morocco once more when striker Isidor unleashed a spectacular long-range strike to restore Haiti’s lead. Yet Morocco responded again before halftime. Hakimi provided a cutback for Saibari, who calmly side-footed home to level the scores at 2-2. The second half saw Morocco gradually take control as Haiti’s energetic start began to fade. Their comeback was completed just over ten minutes from time when Soufiane Rahimi’s effort from a corner kick took a deflection and beat Placide.
Youngster Gessime Yassine added a fourth goal in the closing stages to secure the victory and ensure Morocco advanced as Group C runners-up.
Although Haiti exited the tournament, their entertaining performances earned widespread admiration during their first World Cup appearance in more than five decades.
Mexico complete perfect group stage
Co-hosts Mexico maintained their perfect record by defeating Czechia 3-0 in Mexico City to finish Group A with maximum points.
Already assured of first place before kick-off, El Tri nevertheless produced another impressive performance to record a third consecutive victory and a third consecutive clean sheet.
The achievement marked the first time Mexico have won all three group-stage matches at a World Cup and their first set of group-stage clean sheets since 1970. Czechia started brightly and nearly took the lead when Denis Visinsky flashed an effort narrowly wide. However, Mexico gradually assumed control and opened the scoring through Mateo Chavez. The winger latched onto a pass from Raul Jimenez, surged past a defender and calmly slotted the ball into the net.
Six minutes later the lead was doubled. Jorge Sanchez’s initial effort was saved by Matej Kovar, but Julian Quinones reacted quickest to the rebound and converted.
Mexico continued to dominate after halftime. Chavez used his pace to break clear before finishing confidently, while Quinones added another goal from close range shortly afterward. One of the loudest cheers of the night arrived in the 78th minute when legendary goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa entered the match. The appearance marked his 153rd international cap and participation in a sixth World Cup.
Alvaro Fidalgo completed the scoring in stoppage time after Santiago Gimenez’s effort was blocked, rifling home to cap a memorable evening for the hosts. “The most important thing is staying calm. We have humility and a strong work ethic. We are not satisfied yet because we have bigger goals ahead,” Ochoa said after the match.
Mexico will now head into the knockout stage full of confidence after one of the most successful group-stage campaigns in the nation’s World Cup history.
South Africa eliminate S Korea to make history
South Africa reached the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time after edging Korea Republic 1-0 in Monterrey.
The decisive moment came in the second half when substitute Thapelo Maseko scored the only goal of the match.
South Africa started positively and created several opportunities before the break, but Korean goalkeeper Kim Seunggyu produced fine saves to deny Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa. Seeking victory, Korea coach Hong Myungbo introduced star forward Son Heung-min and made further attacking changes after halftime. However, the tactical gamble left gaps at the back, and South Africa capitalised. Teshpang Moremi surged down the left wing and delivered a low pass across the edge of the area. Maseko controlled expertly before firing a precise shot inside the near post.
At 22 years and 225 days old, Maseko became South Africa’s second-youngest World Cup goalscorer. “It feels like a dream. Many people doubted us, but this team showed how strong and capable it is,” Maseko said after the historic victory.
The win secured South Africa second place in Group A and a Round of 32 meeting with Canada in Los Angeles on June 29.
For Korea Republic, hopes of qualification remain alive but depend on whether their points total is enough to secure one of the available best third-placed spots. As the group stage nears its conclusion, Brazil, Switzerland, Canada, Morocco, Mexico and South Africa have all secured their places in the knockout rounds, while Bosnia await a favourable outcome elsewhere to continue their World Cup journey.
Matches on June 27
Group I – Norway vs France 12:30 AM
Group I – Senegal vs Iraq 12:30 AM
Group H – Cabo Verde vs Saudi Arabia 5:30 AM
Group H – Uruguay vs Spain 5:30 AM
Group G – Egypt vs Iran 8:30 AM
Group G – New Zealand vs Belgium 8:30 AM