Mexico Secures World Cup Last 32 Spot, Canada Celebrates First Ever Win

Mexico Becomes First to Reach World Cup Knockout Stage

Mexico secured their place in the last 32 of the World Cup after a narrow 1-0 win against South Korea on Thursday. The deciding moment came from an error by South Korea's goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, allowing Luis Romo to score the only goal in Guadalajara.

This victory ensures Mexico will finish top of Group A with one game remaining. Earlier that day, South Africa and the Czech Republic drew 1-1, leaving the Czech Republic and South Africa still in contention but trailing behind Mexico and South Korea.

Canada Celebrates Historic Victory Over Qatar

Meanwhile, tournament co-hosts Canada came close to securing a spot in the knockout rounds after an emphatic 6-0 win over a depleted Qatar, who played with nine men for part of the match. This marked Canada's first ever World Cup win and ended a run of six previous losses at the tournament spanning the 1986 and 2022 editions.

The match took place at Vancouver’s BC Place, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney among the enthusiastic supporters. Jesse Marsch's squad dominated thanks to a hat-trick by Juventus striker Jonathan David, along with goals from Cyle Larin, Nathan Saliba, and an own goal by Mohammad Manai.

Injury Overshadows Canada’s Triumph

Unfortunately, the celebration was dampened by a serious injury to midfielder Ismael Kone. He suffered a suspected broken leg following a harsh tackle from Qatar’s Assim Madibo. Initially shown a yellow card, the challenge was later upgraded to a red card. Kone was stretchered off and required oxygen while waving to fans.

"It was right in front of us, and everyone could hear the bone snap," said Canada coach Jesse Marsch. "I haven’t spoken to Ismael yet, but he’s at the hospital. He will prepare for surgery. Everybody’s shaken by the nature of the injury because Ismael is a big part of the heart of our team. It will be a big loss for us."

Switzerland Rallies With Convincing Win

Also in Group B, Switzerland bounced back with a commanding 4-1 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in Los Angeles. Johan Manzambi scored twice while Ruben Vargas and Granit Xhaka added late goals to keep Swiss hopes alive for advancing beyond the last 16 for the first time.

Bosnia-Herzegovina, who upset Italy in the playoffs to qualify, now sit with just one point from two games, facing a likely early exit.

Group A: South Africa Holds Czech Republic to Draw

In Atlanta, South Africa kept faint hopes alive with a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic. Michal Sadilek gave the Czechs the lead before Teboho Mokoena converted a late penalty to secure a point for South Africa.

Both teams remain in the hunt for the last 32 but will need victories in their final group matches to advance.