David hits hat-trick as Canada cruise past Qatar. Xhaka's experience helps Swiss hit the high spots
Canada goals: Larin (16), David (29, 45+3, 90+2), Saliba (64), Manai og (75)
Jonathan David’s hat-trick powered Canada to a historic victory over nine-men Qatar at BC Place Vancouver. It is the first FIFA World Cup™ victory for the 2026 co-hosts, who with four points are on the precipice of the knockout round.
Canada coach Jesse Marsch called for the fans and players to make Qatar feel their presence, and both delivered. Cyle Larin, fresh off his goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina, slotted home a rebound. David took it to another level, pulverizing a volley that blazed past Mahmoud Abunada.
Things grew worse for Julen Lopetegui’s men after Homan Ahmed’s half-hour takedown of Tajon Buchanan and red card, and David made them pay by stabbing home right before the break.
It was then down to nine for Qatar when Assim Madibo’s challenge on Ismael Kone resulted in red. Nathan Saliba’s free-kick goal was inevitable, as was the own goal from Mohamed Manai and a late David strike to end a night that Canada will never forget.
Xhaka's experience helps Swiss hit the high spots
The World Cup veteran put the finishing touch on Switzerland's thrilling victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina with an injury-time penalty.
Switzerland sparked their FIFA World Cup 2026™ campaign into life thanks to the country's youngest goalscorer at the global showpiece since Brazil 1950.
Freiburg star Johan Manzambi made an instant impact after coming on as second-half substitute against Bosnia and Herzegovina, giving the Swiss a belated lead just two minutes following his arrival at Los Angeles Stadium before finding the net again in a thrilling 4-1 victory.
When the Swiss were awarded a penalty in the 97th minute, it was thought that 20-year-old Manzambi might be given the opportunity to match the efforts of Argentina legend Lionel Messi and, later, Canada forward Jonathan David and score a hat-trick.
But it was veteran captain Granit Xhaka, taking part in his fourth World Cup, who stepped up to the plate and converted the spot kick to become just the second Swiss player to score at three showpieces following Xherdan Shaqiri.
"Johan is young, he has a big future in front of him. I let experience take precedence and took the penalty this time," the 33-year-old explained afterwards.
The Swiss had been under pressure following a disappointing 1-1 draw with Qatar in their opener. But with Xhaka pulling the strings, they are in a strong position to reach the knockout stages ahead of their crunch clash with in-form Canada in Vancouver on 24 June.
"This victory means a lot because we did not have the start we wanted [against Qatar]. Now we have four points from two games and we played very well," Xhaka added.
"I don't think the second half was much better than the first. The difference was that we scored in the second half and not in the first. Overall, we were good in control... with and without the ball and we created many chances, as we did against Qatar, and we are happy to take the three points. It was very important."
Xhaka felt the second-half substitutions of Manzambi, Ruben Vargas and Djibril Sow transformed the game for the Swiss after they dominated proceedings but struggled to capitalize on their possession. Like Manzambi, Vargas also found the net after his arrival.
"The substitutions were key for me. Everyone needs to be ready and they showed why we have this big squad," he said. "With the quality in the squad there is a lot of competition with each other. The players who came in made a difference for sure."
Mokoena snatches South Africa draw with Czechia
Czechia goals: Sadilek (6)
South Africa goals: Teboho Mokoena pen (83)
Teboho Mokoena’s late penalty cancelled out Michal Sadilek’s early opener as South Africa and Czechia drew at Atlanta Stadium. The result left the sides on one point apiece in Group A of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Miroslav Koubek called for a “fast start” and his men responded. Adam Hlozek crossed from the right and Alexandr Sojka’s canny, first-time touch released Sadilek, who lashed it past Ronwen Williams.
Hugo Broos introduced Relebohile Mofokeng for the second half and, though the 21-year-old duly flickered his genius, a Czechia backline bossed by the impressive Ladislav Krejci appeared set to hold out for victory.
That was until Pavel Sulc was penalised for handball, and Mokoena sent Matej Kovar the wrong way from the spot.
Romo sends Mexico through to knockouts
Luis Romo was the hero for co-hosts Mexico as they defeated Korea Republic to secure the first spot in the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
There was a flyover above a fervent Guadalajara Stadium ahead of this contest, but the game itself took a while to take off and chances were at a premium in the opening period.
Jesus Gallardo signalled Mexico’s intent to take charge of proceedings when he sent a low shot into the side-netting four minutes into the second half though, and the co-hosts were celebrating one minute later when Romo was on hand to prod into the unguarded net after a mix up between Kim Seunggyu and Lee Gihyuk.
Kim went some way to atoning for his part in the goal by staying big to deny Raul Jimenez from close range with a sensational stop in the 75th minute, and his opposite number Raul Rangel then pulled off a scarcely-believable double save from Cho Guesung and Yang Hyunjun with three minutes remaining to wrap up the win for Mexico.
With first place in the bag, Javier Aguirre's side will now meet a third-placed team from one of Group C, E, F, H or I in the Round of 32 in Mexico City on 30 June.