⏪ Mexico hold on to win Group A; Canada hit Qatar for six; Swiss rally | OneFootball

THURSDAY'S FIXTURES

And with this, we bid you farewell. Thanks for tuning in with us!

A win is a win.

It's the first time since 2022 that El Tri have topped their group. Wowza.

FULL-TIME: Mexico 1-0 Korea Republic

A first goal at a major tournament for Luis Romo sees Mexico win Group A. They will now play a Round of 32 match in Mexico City!

Johan Vásquez now with a massive block mid-air in the dying moments for Mexico.

Going back to the Mexico save here...

CHANCE!

It's an inch-perfect cross and an unmarked Lee Han-beom is left open at the back post but he jumps up and heads the ball incredibly off target. Was that the moment?

Wow we have the first corner of the game coming in the 91st minute!

Chivas admin going crazy after the save

OH MY WHAT A CHANCE!

We're honestly not sure how that doesn't go in. Cho Gue-sung's header from essentially point-blank range is somehow saved by Raúl Rangel's low hand and foot.

Meanwhile, it's been over 90 minutes with Korea Republic not registering a shot on target according to the commentary.

Big roar from the crowd as native César Huerta comes off the bench

Still nothing on target for Korea as of yet...

CHANCE!

That could have been done and dusted for Mexico, but Raul Jimenez's effort from a tight angle is blocked by Kim.

Final hydration break is over, so it's time for the final frames here. Can Korea Republic find a way back in?

Here's a look at the moment.

That opener goal has understandably lit a fire under Mexico, they're hunting for a second.

Oh this is interesting now, Son is coming off the pitch after just 56 minutes of football.

He won't be the one to save his side. So who can?

GOAL! Mexico 1-0 Korea Republic

Wow, what has happened here? The co-hosts have broken through after an error from goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu.

He comes out to claim the ball, falls on a team-mate and Luis Romo sends the ball into an empty net.

CHANCE!

It's Jesús Gallardo down the left wing after a lucky deflection allows Mexico to maintain possession. But he sends his attempt into the side netting.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY!

Both teams will be feeling the heat as we enter the second 45. Who will break the deadlock?

Opta said it all...

HALF-TIME: Mexico 0-0 Korea Republic

We have nothing to show for you after the first 45 minutes, but it's a lot of boos from the home crowd.

CHANCE!

It's Lee Jae-sung with a rare attemp for Korea Republic, but his sliding effort doesn't connect with enough of the ball to poke it all the way home.

Looking at the stats here, Mexico have had just three as we approach the first half while Korea Republic have none.

Quiet.

Plenty of boos are ringing in the stadium in Zapopan every time a player in purple touches the ball.

We're half an hour through this with nothing to separate the sides so far.

That's a second attempt with a ball over the top for Korea Republic to try and break Mexico's back line. The game plan becomes clear.

Korea Republic with some compact and organized defending, coupled with Mexico attempting to control the match and play through short and quick movements.

Good match so far for any neutral fans out there!

CHANCE!

This time at the other end, it's Julián Quiñones with a header, but unfortunately for him, it's right at goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu.

Here's a look at the save from Alvarez.

Though we did see the flag go up eventually

HUGE CHANCE!

Son is sent on his racehorse and fines some space on his own. The LAFC star then attempts to chip Raúl Rangel and it works, up until Edson Álvarez clears the ball on the line.

It's a sea of green!

It's Mexico who are pushing forward in the opening frames. Unsurprisingly, really, as co-hosts.

KICK OFF!

And we're underway in Zapopan, Mexico for the Group A action. Who do you have coming out on top tonight?

Will Sonny have a statement night?

Shoutout Sinc!

And now it's time to turn our attention to the next match. Here is how Mexico and Korea Republic line up.

What a list!

Some scenes after full-time here, as the players are fighting.

FULL-TIME: Canada 6-0 Qatar

That's the first-ever men's World Cup victory for Canada, and they've done it in some style. Intensity from the first whistle inside a thunderous crowd. And it includes a Jonathan David hat-trick.

Subtle celebrations from David given today's events.

What a sentence!

GOAL! Canada 6-0 Qatar - 90+2'

And there we have it. It's a hat-trick for Jonathan David, and six on the night for Canada. Some response from the No. 10 after heavy criticism in the tournament.

We have nine minutes of stoppage time now...

Qatar are understandably trying to run out the clock here.

They're pushing to get David his hat-trick it seems.

A little look at the Nova Scotian Messi

Meanwhile, according to MisterChip, Qatar are the first team in World Cup history to suffer two red cards and an OWN GOAL in a single game.

And a little bit more history for the Canucks tonight. Shaff's goal makes it the most goals scored in a men’s World Cup game from a CONCACAF team.

GOAL! Canada 5-0 Qatar - 75'

It's an own-goal from Mohammed Manai after substitute Jacob Shaffelburg forces the error minutes after coming on the pitch.

With nine men, this was always going to get worse for Qatar. Canada has another goal.

The scene in the stadium following Kone's injury has drastically changed the mood, but Saliba's goal was something special.

We're back to the hydration break now. Current scoreline sees Canada sit top of the group.

GOAL! Canada 4-0 Qatar - 64'

It's Nathan Saliba now getting involved, with a direct free kick finding the back of the net for a fourth time before holding up Kone's jersey.

The mood has switched in Vancouver, but we're back reporting the goals now.

Kone is, in fact, removed from the pitch on a stretcher. A horrible moment for all involved. Thoughts go out to the player.

Assim Madibo has now been shown a direct red card for the challenge. Qatar down to nine men.

Some terrible scenes here, the stretcher is out and Ismael Kone appears to have suffered a major injury.

There's an incredible confidence running through the hosts. Following Switzerland's 4-1 victory, they will want to add more goals and keep the differential in mind.

Qatar is doing much better to man-mark Canada so far. Counting up to eight or nine at times.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY

Canada are 45 minutes away from a first World Cup win for the men's national team.

Look at what it means!

The ice-man has arrived...

HALF-TIME

Three goals to the good for the Canucks. How will Lopetegui keep the hosts from running away with this?

GOAL! Canada 3-0 Qatar 45+3'

Now the pressure has cracked the visitors again. Larin is alert and thumps a stunning header toward the goal.

It's saved initially by Mahmud Abunada (with an impressive arm), but David is there to pounce for his second.

CHANCE!

Qatar are now holding on by the skin of their teeth with another clearance off the line.

Meanwhile, it's an early substitute for Julen Lopetegui, who calls off striker Yusuf Abdurisag. Qatar just trying to get to full-time while keeping the score 2-0.

This really is a different Canada from their opener in Toronto. Marsch must have had a mouthful between then and now.

Massive involvement from Akram Afif in the 37th minute, as he clears the ball off the line.

RED CARD QATAR

Oh wow, big news here.

Tajon Buchanan is taken down in the box and Canada are initially awarded a penalty.

But VAR gets involved, calls it back, and instead shows a direct red card to Homam Ahmed.

David had just two goals for his country in his last 10 games prior to his World Cup strike.

GOAL! Canada 2-0 Qatar - 28'

Just like Larin, after receiving heaps of criticism for not scoring goals recently, Jonathan David now pops up and needs just one moment to volley it home for Canada.

The stadium is rocking.

Some celebration, plugging out the haters, too.

For anyone who isn't Canadian, Larin has a (very popular) shawarma sponsorship here.

The big man once again for the Canucks.

GOAL! Canada 1-0 Qatar - 10'

Jesse Marsch made the change in the starting XI, and the big man delivers again. It's Cyle Larin reacting quickest in the box for his second of the tournament after the ball was spilled.

It's a wave of sound from the supporters in Vancouver. Nothing yet for the hosts but Qatar are feeling the pressure 15 minutes in.

CHANCE CANADA

The first big opportunity goes Canada's way and Jonathan David stings the palms of Mahmoud Abunada.

KICK OFF

National anthems complete and we're underway at BC Place.

Just 10 minutes to go until Canada and Qatar kicks off in Vancouver. How will this Group B game unfold?

Maybe there was something special in the last hydration break.

Bayern Munich fans will be eager to see the talents of Alphonso Davies on the pitch. Canada's star man returns to the bench after missing out on their opener.

Have Switzerland shown us this year's young player of the tournament already?

Okay maybe some people still kinda like hockey.

Speaking of the Canucks, check out how fans have shown their support in Vancouver. What a moment!

That victory puts Switzerland at the top of Group B (for now). Will Canada or Qatar win and catch up to the Rossocrociati?

The Swiss subs certainly made their mark late on...

FULL TIME: Switzerland 4-1 Bosnia

A late Swiss goal flurry helps the European side to secure their first 2026 World Cup victory. Bosnia capitulated after Muharemović's sending off.

GOOOAL SWITZERLAND

Xhaka holds his nerve and slams the spot-kick into the bottom corner.

PENALTY SWITZERLAND

Is there time for a Switzerland fourth? Sow gets a touch on the ball before Memić slides in and catches the midfielder.

GOOAL BOSNIA!

The comeback is unlikely, but what a consolation that is from Amar Memić. An absolutely belting first-time volley from the edge of the area into the net. What a way to mark his first international goal.

GOOAL SWITZERLAND

Manzambi adds a late third to complete an excellent substitute display, tucking in from Vargas' cut back.

Here are the lineups for Canada vs Qatar, coming up next.

GOOOAL SWITZERLAND!

The Swiss are firmly in control now with just under 10 minutes to go and Ruben Vargas sweeps a first-time shot into the bottom corner.

RED CARD

Oh dear, things go from bad to worse for Bosnia as Tarik Muharemović carves down Breel Embolo just outside the area. The defender was the last man and is giving his marching orders by the ref.

Perfect timing...

GOOOAL SWITZERLAND

Is that the moment? Johan Manzambi watches a high ball all the way on to his foot and unleashes a thunderous volley into the net. A big impact from the young sub.

Drinks break over and the final stage of Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina is underway.

Hydration break arrives just as Bosnia start to build some momentum. 20 minutes left for either side to find a much-needed winner.

CHANCE BOSNIA

Amar Dedić thumps a swerving shot from 25-yards towards the bottom corner and Kobel can only push it away.

BIG CHANCE!

Wow, what an effort from Dan Ndoye, who goes for the spectacular with an overhead kick from a few yards out. Vasilj is equal to the effort and tips over the bar.

CHANCE SWITZERLAND

Switzerland have dominated possession since the break and Ndoye's strike towards the near post is gathered by Vasilj.

SECOND HALF

Back to it in Los Angeles. Will we see a winner in this half?

Slim pickings in the opening 45 minutes.

HALF TIME: Switzerland 0-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina

Switzerland have the better chances in the first period, but it ends all square in Los Angeles.

Bosnia are growing in confidence and Džeko fires towards goal, but his shot is blocked by the Swiss defence.

Bosnia threaten for the first time in a while as Amar Dedić's shot from distance finds the arms of Gregor Kobel.

A fine atmosphere in Los Angeles this evening.

CHANCE SWITZERLAND

It's all Switzerland just before the drinks break and Remo Freuler's low shot from 25-yards fizzes just past the post.

CHANCE SWITZERLAND

Bosnia give the ball away inside their own half after some slack passing and Ndoye rifles a dangerous shot at goal. Vasilj is in a good position and holds comfortably.

Switzerland have taken control of the game in the last 10 minutes and continue to probe for the opener.

CHANCE SWITZERLAND

Xhaka threads an excellent through ball to Dan Ndoye, whose low shot skims wide and ends up in the side-netting.

Granit Xhaka goes for the long-range strike towards goal but it's deflected wide for an early corner.

KICK OFF

Today's second game gets underway.

Just 10 minutes to go until kick off. Who will come out on top in this encounter?

Edin Džeko returns to the Bosnia lineup this evening and breaks into the top 10 list for oldest World Cup players ever.

Here's how Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina lineup for this Group B encounter.

Coming up next, we have our second game of the evening as Switzerland take on Bosnia and Herzegovina.

These sides both played out 1-1 draws in their respective opening fixtures and will be looking to push on with all three points in LA.

FULL-TIME! Czechia 1-1 South Africa

A result that isn't ideal for either side and leaves them with work to do in their final game.

Seven minutes added for either side to find what would be a massive winner.

South African World Cup celebrations are special. It is the first time they've gotten to do so for 16 years.

The starting line-ups for the all-European showdown between Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This was the call which led to the award of the penalty.

That also makes it 5/5 for successful penalties at this World Cup.

GOAL! Czechia 1-1 South Africa

Mokoena equalises from the penalty spot!

PENALTY SOUTH AFRICA!

A handball in the area and having looked so unlikely to level, they now have a massive chance.

Some very vociferous boos greet the second hydration break of the contest.

The Bosnians are almost in the building for the second game of the day!

Keep an eye out for Merlin later!

The second half between Czechia and South Africa is underway.

The Messi family have released a statement on his father Jorge's recent health concerns.

HALF-TIME! Czechia 1-0 South Africa

Elsewhere off the park, one of the stories of the tournament keeps on giving.

Czechia's not so subtle secret weapon.

GOAL! Czechia 1-0 South Africa

With just over six minutes on the clock, Sadílek capitalises on poor South Africa defending to fire home!

KICK-OFF!

We're underway between Czechia and South Africa.

The national anthems are being sung in Atlanta. Not long to go.

A reminder these are the starting line-ups for the first game of the day between Czechia and South Africa, both of whom suffered defeats on matchday one.

What are your predictions for Thursday? Let us know in the comments!

This is what we have to look forward to today.

Welcome to OneFootball's coverage of Matchday 8 at the FIFA World Cup!