Veritas News Hub | Sports Desk | 26th June 2026
Bafana Bafana reach knockout stage for first time after 16-year wait
South Africa made World Cup history on Thursday, qualifying for the knockout stage for the first time after a gritty 1-0 win over South Korea in Monterrey. The victory sealed second place in Group A behind co-hosts Mexico and set up a last-32 clash with Canada in Los Angeles.
Thapelo Maseko proved the match-winner in the second half. The forward controlled the ball inside the box, weaved past a defender, and fired through his legs into the near post to break South Korean resistance.
It was a cagey encounter with few clear chances. South Korea dominated possession but struggled to create danger, while South Africa looked sharper on the break. The win ended Bafana Bafana’s run of group-stage exits dating back to their hosting of the tournament in 2010.
Brazil confirmed top spot in Group C with a commanding 3-0 win over Scotland in Miami. Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr punished defensive errors to score twice before half-time, then Matheus Cunha added a third after another lapse from Steve Clarke’s side in the second half.
Scotland showed more intent on the ball than in previous games but were undone by costly mistakes at the back. Vinicius could have completed a hat-trick as Brazil threatened at will.
The Scots stay on three points after beating Haiti in their opener. They now face an anxious wait to see if that total is enough to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
Morocco secured second place in Group C with a pulsating 4-2 win over Haiti in Atlanta. The Caribbean side stunned the 2022 semi-finalists twice, taking the lead both times, but the Atlas Lions responded each time before late goals from Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine sealed the points.
Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari had earlier put Morocco ahead. Despite elimination, Haiti doubled their all-time World Cup goals tally and pushed Morocco to the limit. The North Africans now face the Netherlands, Japan, or Sweden in the round of 32.
Co-hosts Mexico completed a perfect Group A campaign with a 3-0 victory over Czech Republic in Mexico City. With top spot already secured, coach Javier Aguirre rotated his squad and still got a dominant performance.
Mateo Chavez opened the scoring with his first international goal shortly after the break, before Julian Quinones made it 2-0. The standout was 17-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora, who became the youngest Mexican ever to start a men’s World Cup match and played a key role in the second goal.
Substitute Alvaro Fidalgo added a third, while veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa received a standing ovation when he came on late for his sixth World Cup appearance.
Switzerland claimed first place in Group B after a 2-1 win over Canada in Vancouver. Breel Embolo was the architect, setting up Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi as the Swiss stayed unbeaten and will remain in Vancouver for the next round.
Canada hit back through Promise David and pushed for an equaliser, but Switzerland held firm. The defeat means the co-hosts must leave home soil and travel to Los Angeles, where they will meet South Africa on Sunday.
Bosnia and Herzegovina kept knockout hopes alive with a 3-1 win over Qatar in Seattle. Kerim Alajbegovic’s long-range strike put them ahead before an own goal doubled the lead. Hassan Al-Haydos pulled one back for Qatar before Ermin Mahmic sealed it late.
The result leaves Bosnia level on four points with Canada but behind on goal difference. Their tally could still be enough for a best third-placed spot. Qatar finish bottom of Group B with just one point.
The round of 32 begins this weekend. South Africa vs Canada headlines the African vs host nation tie, while Brazil and Mexico will look to maintain momentum on home soil. With favorites and underdogs both finding their rhythm, the 2026 World Cup is now wide open.
Veritas News Hub will continue to bring you live updates, analysis, and fan reactions as the tournament progresses.
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