2026 World Cup

Mexico beat South Korea to qualify for the round of 16

In the other Group A match, the Czech Republic and South Africa drew 1–1. In Group B, there were comfortable victories for Canada (6–0 against Qatar) and Switzerland (4–1 against Bosnia).

by Marco Bellinazzo

19 June 2026

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

As the second-round matches get underway, the first results of the 2026 World Cup are coming in. In particular, Mexico have mathematically secured their place in the round of 16 in Group A, whilst in Group B, Canada and Switzerland are on the verge of qualifying.

Mexico v South Korea 1–0

It was a closely fought match in Guadalajara. After a goalless first half, Mexico took the lead in the 50th minute through Romo, who capitalised on a misjudged rush off his line by the South Korean goalkeeper to slot the ball home. For the remainder of the second half, the Mexicans set about managing their lead in an organised manner to contain South Korea’s attacks, as the visitors tried to up the tempo, particularly in the closing stages. However, they were unable to find an equaliser.

Czech Republic v South Africa 1–1

It was a tight contest at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta too, with the result hanging in the balance right until the end. The Czech Republic got off to a better start and took the lead as early as the 6th minute through Sadilek, who capitalised on a defensive error by the opposition. After taking the lead, the Czechs maintained control but failed to create many chances to double their lead. South Africa, on the other hand, stayed in the game and grew in confidence as the match went on. The equaliser came in the 83rd minute through Mokoena’s penalty, making the final score 1–1.

On the final day of Group A, South Korea face the Czech Republic, whilst South Africa will be looking to secure qualification against Mexico.

Canada–Qatar 6–0

In Vancouver, at BC Place, Canada took control of the match as early as the first half, making the most of the chances they created. The deadlock was broken in the 16th minute by Larin, who did well to slot home a rebound from the goalkeeper. Shortly afterwards, they doubled their lead: in the 29th minute, David found space in the box and finished with precision. In first-half stoppage time, David himself made it 3–0 in the 45th minute plus 3, effectively sealing the match before half-time.

In the second half, Qatar lost their composure even further, partly due to being two men down, and Canada capitalised on this: Saliba scored in the 64th minute, Manai scored an own goal in the 75th minute, and David scored again in stoppage time to complete his hat-trick. It was a one-sided match.

Switzerland–Bosnia 4–1

At SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, the match remained deadlocked for a long time. In effect, it all came down to the final quarter. Switzerland took the lead in the 74th minute through Manzambi, who had come on as a substitute. The goal broke the deadlock between the two sides, and chances and goals came thick and fast, with Switzerland making better use of the space. In the 84th minute, Vargas doubled the lead following a well-worked move, and in the 90th minute, Manzambi completed his brace.

In stoppage time, Bosnia pulled one back in the 90’+3 through Mahmic, but a few minutes later the Swiss restored their lead with a penalty converted by Xhaka in the 90’+7.

In the final match of Group B, Canada and Switzerland will face each other to secure their place in the round of 16, whilst Bosnia and Qatar will have to aim for all three points in the hope of finishing among the top eight teams from the 12 groups that have qualified for the knockout stages.