Three hosts lift World Cup mood as Mexico advance, Canada hit six, Neymar setback, day eight recap | OneFootball

Hosts Mexico and Canada won on matchday eight, and attention now turns to the United States in Seattle. This is the first World Cup staged across three countries, and the hosts are relishing it.

Canada’s 6-0 over Qatar in Vancouver put them top of Group B, ahead of Switzerland on goal difference, while in Guadalajara Mexico beat South Korea 1-0 to clinch Group A. NY Times notes that Mexico are the first side through.

The USA beat Paraguay 4-1 in their opener last Friday and face Australia on Friday afternoon, a win would all but seal progress. Christian Pulisic’s left-calf issue remains the dominant question, and Mauricio Pochettino offered no update.

Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi is being investigated by French authorities over alleged match-fixing, he has not been charged. A visa request was initially delayed by Canadian authorities, but entry authorisation has now been granted as the squad head to Toronto to face Germany tomorrow in Group E.

Neymar has not travelled to Philadelphia for Brazil’s game against Haiti and is staying in New Jersey to complete his recovery. The 34-year-old is highly unlikely to be ready before the knockout round, and his recall by Carlo Ancelotti was a calculated risk.

Today’s fixtures include Scotland vs Morocco at 6pm ET, 11pm BST, Brazil vs Haiti at 8.30pm ET, 1.30am BST, and Türkiye vs Paraguay at 11pm ET, 4am BST.

Source: NY Times