2026 FIFA World Cup: South Africa And The Czech Republic Battled To A 1-1 Deadlock; Mexico Clinches Group A After Defeating South Korea; Jonathan David Delivers Hat Trick As Canada Makes Mince Meat Of Qatar; Switzerland Bombs Bosnia

The second games of the participants in the 2026 FIFA World Cup started on Thursday.

GROUP A:

At Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta: 

Teboho Mokoena's goal on a successful penalty kick in the 83rd minute gained for South Africa a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic.

Michal Sadilek scored for the Czechs in the sixth minute.

At Estadio Akron, Zapopan, Mexico: 

Luis Romo scored in the 50th minute as Mexico defeated South Korea 1-0 and won Group A and advanced to the knockout stage.

GROUP A STANDINGS:

1. x- Mexico (2-0-0; GD+ 3; PTS 6)

2.     South Korea (1-1-0; GD 0; PTS 3)

3.     Czech Republic (0-1-1; GD -1; PTS 1)

4.     South Africa (0-1-1; GD -2; PTS 1) 

x-Won Group A and qualified for the knockout stage

GROUP B:

At SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California: 

Johan Manzambi scored twice (74', 90') as Switzerland blitzed ten-man Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1.

At BC Place, Vancouver, British Columbia:  

Jonathan David produced a hat trick (29', 45'+3, 90'+2) as Canada picked up their first-ever World Cup victory a 6-0 whitewashing of Qatar.

GROUP B STANDINGS:

1. Canada (1-0-1; GD +6; PTS 4)

2. Switzerland (1-0-1; GD +3; PTS 4)

3. Bosnia and Herzegovina (0-1-1; GD -3; PTS 1)

4. Qatar (0-1-1; GD -6; PTS 1)