Mexico seal knockout place as Canada claim first World Cup win

MEXICO CITY: Mexico became the first side to secure a place in the World Cup knockout stage on Thursday after defeating South Korea 1-0, while Canada moved closer to the last 32 with a commanding win over Qatar.

Mexico’s victory in Guadalajara came after South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu made a costly error that allowed Luis Romo to score the only goal of the match. The result ensured Mexico will finish first in Group A with one game still to play, after South Africa and the Czech Republic had drawn 1-1 earlier in the day.

By topping the group, Mexico are guaranteed to stay on home soil for their last-32 tie, where they will face a third-placed team in Mexico City. South Korea remain second on three points, while both the Czech Republic and South Africa are still in contention with one point each.

Canada close in on qualification

In Group B, Canada recorded their first-ever World Cup win by routing nine-man Qatar 6-0 at BC Place in Vancouver. The hosts had lost all six of their previous World Cup matches across the 1986 and 2022 tournaments, but ended that run emphatically in front of their home crowd, with Prime Minister Mark Carney in attendance wearing a replica Canada shirt.

Jesse Marsch’s team now need only a draw against Switzerland to finish top of the group. Jonathan David scored a hat-trick, while Cyle Larin and Nathan Saliba also found the net. Canada’s sixth goal came through a Mohammad Manai own goal.

The match was overshadowed by a serious injury to midfielder Ismael Kone, who suffered a left leg injury after a challenge from Qatar’s Assim Madibo in the 51st minute. Madibo was first shown a yellow card, but it was later upgraded to a red. Kone was stretchered off, given oxygen and waved to supporters as he left the field.

After the match, Canada coach Jesse Marsch said Kone was in hospital with what was believed to be a broken leg.

"It was right in front of us, and everyone could hear the bone snap", Marsch said.

"I haven't spoken to Ismael yet, but he's at the hospital. He will prepare for a surgery", he added.

"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 further stated.

Switzerland revive campaign

Switzerland also boosted their hopes in Group B with a 4-1 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Johan Manzambi scored twice, while Ruben Vargas and Granit Xhaka added further goals in a strong late spell for the Swiss.

The result revived Switzerland’s campaign and kept alive their hopes of progressing beyond the last 16 for the first time at this World Cup. Bosnia-Herzegovina, who had beaten Italy in a playoff to qualify for the tournament, are now close to elimination with one point from two matches.

Group A remains open behind Mexico

Earlier on Thursday in Atlanta, South Africa kept their qualification hopes alive with a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic. Michal Sadilek gave the Czechs the lead before Teboho Mokoena equalised from the penalty spot for South Africa. The draw left both teams still in the race for the last 32, although both will almost certainly need to win their final Group A game to go through.