Mexico became the first team to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage, Switzerland defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1, while South Africa earned a late 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic.
Mokoena’s Late Penalty Rescues South Africa Against Czech Republic
Teboho Mokoena converted a late penalty as South Africa earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in their Group A FIFA World Cup clash.
The Czech Republic made the perfect start, taking the lead after just five minutes and seven seconds through Michal Sadilek, whose powerful strike became the fastest goal of the tournament so far.
South Africa struggled to find their rhythm for much of the contest, failing to register a shot on target until the 74th minute. However, Bafana Bafana were handed a lifeline in the 83rd minute when Pavel Sulc handled Thapelo Maseko’s effort inside the penalty area.
Mokoena calmly slotted the resulting spot-kick into the left corner to earn South Africa a valuable point.
The draw leaves both teams with work to do in their final group matches, with qualification for the knockout stage still within reach. South Africa will face South Korea, while the Czech Republic take on co-hosts Mexico in their final Group A fixtures.
Switzerland Cruise Past 10-Man Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1
Super-sub Johan Manzambi produced a sensational cameo as Switzerland defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1 in their Group B FIFA World Cup clash, with all four Swiss goals coming during a dramatic final 20 minutes.
The 20-year-old Manzambi made an instant impact, opening the scoring in the 74th minute with a first-time volley less than three minutes after coming off the bench. Switzerland’s task became easier when Bosnia were reduced to 10 men after Tarik Muharemovic received a straight red card for fouling Breel Embolo.
Ruben Vargas doubled the lead with a curling finish before setting up Manzambi for his second goal in the 90th minute. Granit Xhaka completed the rout from the penalty spot in stoppage time after Djibril Sow was brought down inside the box.
Bosnia-Herzegovina managed only a late consolation through Ermin Mahmic, who scored with an impressive volley following a corner.
Despite dominating possession for much of the match, Switzerland struggled to break down Bosnia’s resolute defence until Manzambi’s introduction changed the course of the contest. Dan Ndoye came close on several occasions, including an acrobatic bicycle kick that was tipped over the crossbar, while veteran Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko threatened without finding the net.
The victory takes Switzerland to the top of Group B with four points, putting them on course for a place in the last 32, while Bosnia-Herzegovina remain bottom of the group with just one point.
Mexico Reach World Cup Knockout Stage with Hard-Fought Win Over South Korea
Co-hosts Mexico became the first team to secure a place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging past South Korea 1-0 in Guadalajara.
The decisive moment came five minutes into the second half when midfielder Luis Romo capitalised on a goalkeeping error. South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu spilled the ball following a collision with defender Lee Gi-hyuk, allowing Romo to tap into an unguarded net.
South Korea came close to equalising late in the match. In the 87th minute, Cho Gue-sung’s close-range header was brilliantly saved by Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel, who also denied Yang Hyun-jun on the rebound. Earlier, Son Heung-min thought he had given his side the lead after delicately chipping Rangel, but the effort was ruled out for offside despite Edson Alvarez clearing the ball off the line.
Mexico, buoyed by their passionate home crowd despite being jeered at half-time after a lacklustre opening period, pushed for a second goal. Raul Jimenez was denied from a tight angle in the 75th minute, while substitute Obed Vargas forced another excellent save from Kim with a powerful late strike.
The victory maintained Mexico’s perfect record in Group A and guaranteed Javier Aguirre’s men top spot in the group. As group winners, Mexico will play both their Round of 32 and potential Round of 16 matches in Mexico City.
South Korea, despite the defeat, remain well placed to qualify for the knockout rounds following their opening victory over the Czech Republic. They will face South Africa in Monterrey in their final group-stage fixture, while Mexico conclude their campaign against the Czech Republic in Mexico City.
