Mexico secures Round of 16 spot as Canada thrash Qatar 6-0

The second round of Groups A and B at the World Cup wrapped up on Thursday with results that are already starting to shape the knockout picture. Mexico qualified with a round to spare, Canada humiliated hosts Qatar, and Switzerland showed their strength in the second half. There are 48 teams in this year’s tournament – and the landscape is taking shape fast.

El Tri close out Group A early

Mexico did not put on a show, but they did what they needed to. The Mexican side beat South Korea 1-0 in Guadalajara with a goal from Luis Romo, a result that secured top spot in Group A and early qualification for the knockout stage. El Tri thus become the first team to advance in the tournament.

Paradoxically, it was the opponent who dominated the stats. South Korea had 58% possession, outshot the Mexicans in total attempts (9 to 8) and faces South Africa in the final round.

Canada show no mercy: 6-0 with a hat-trick and controversy

In Vancouver, the match between Canada and Qatar descended into total imbalance. Jonathan David scored three times. Cyle Larin and Nathan Saliba also found the net, and Mohamed Manai rounded off the scoring with an own goal. Final result: 6-0. Qatar finished the game with two players sent off.

The afternoon, however, had a serious incident. Ismael Kone apparently suffered a serious injury after a hard challenge from Assim Madibo, who was shown a straight red card. The tension spilled beyond the final whistle. With a six-point lead in goal difference over Switzerland, the Canadian side has practically reserved the top of Group B – a draw in the final round will do.

Switzerland breathe easy, Czechia stumble

In Atlanta, the Czech Republic went ahead as early as the 6th minute with a stunning goal from Michal Sadílek, but conceded an equalizer to South Africa from a controversial penalty late on. Switzerland, meanwhile, beat Bosnia in Los Angeles with a second-half turnaround. The score was goalless until the 74th minute, when Johan Manzambi – who had come on just two minutes earlier – opened the scoring. Rubén Vargas added a second, and Manzambi himself made it 3-0. Earmin Mahmic pulled one back for Bosnia in stoppage time, and Granit Xhaka converted a penalty to make it 4-1. The Swiss side dominated comfortably: 7 shots on target, 62% possession, with the opponent reduced to 10 men after Tarik Muharemović was sent off in the 80th minute.