FIFA World Cup 2026: Mexico on a high! Hosts secure last-32 berth

Mexico’s Luis Romo (No. 7) is congratulated by teammates after scoring against South Korea at the Guadalajara Stadiumon Thursday. PIC/AFP

Co-hosts Mexico became the first team to reach the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 win over South Korea here on Thursday, while Canada edged closer to the last 32 after thrashing Qatar.

After a dreary first period, Luis Romo's goal just after half-time, thanks to a goalkeeping error, put Mexico through as Group ‘A' winners with one league match to go.

Mexico stopper Raul Rangel made a superb double save in the dying minutes to preserve his team's lead.

Coach Javier Aguirre reserved special praise for Rangel and the supporters in Guadalajara. "His save was just amazing. I'd like to thank our fans. They're fantastic. Mexico jerseys were everywhere. Everywhere you turned it was green shirts," he said.

Canada's Jonathan David (right) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Qatar in Vancouver on Thursday. PIC/AFP

Meanwhile in Group ‘B', Canada moved to the brink of a historic Round-2 entry after overwhelming nine-man Qatar 6-0 to secure their first ever World Cup victory.

Jesse Marsch's side ran riot to secure a win that leaves them needing only a point against Switzerland to finish top of Group B.

A hat-trick from Juventus striker Jonathan David, one goal apiece from Cyle Larin and Nathan Saliba, and a Mohammad Manai own goal sealed Canada's win.

The victory was marred though by a serious left leg injury to midfielder Ismael Kone, who was stretchered off after being clumsily upended by Qatar's Assim Madibo in the 51st minute.

Madibo was initially shown a yellow card for the challenge which was subsequently upgraded to red.

Coach Marsch said Kone was being treated in hospital for a suspected broken leg and would require surgery. "Everybody's a little shaken by the whole experience because of the nature of the injury, and also because Ismael is a big part of the heart of our team. It will be a big loss for us," he said.

Manzambi two hot as Swiss beat Bosnia 4-1

Substitute Johan Manzambi scored twice as Switzerland beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1. Ruben Vargas and Granit Xhaka were the other scorers for the Swiss side while Ermin Mahmic netted for Bosnia.

100
Mexico's winning percentage against South Korea at the World Cup; they have won all three meetings between the two sides

One
No. of World Cup goals scored by Luis Romo

One
This was Canada's first ever FIFA World Cup win; they were winless in their previous two appearances (1986 and 2022)

60
No. of years since a player from a host nation scored a World Cup hat-trick; Canada's Jonathan David is the first since Geoff Hurst did so for England at Wembley in 1966