The group stage drama continued at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as several nations booked their places in the knockout rounds while others saw their hopes hanging by a thread.
Brazil produced a dominant display against Scotland, South Africa made history with a famous victory over South Korea, and Mexico secured top spot in Group A with a convincing win over Czechia.
Elsewhere, Bosnia and Herzegovina boosted their qualification hopes, Switzerland finished top of Group B, and Morocco edged an entertaining six-goal thriller against Haiti.
Alajbegovic wondergoal keeps Bosnia dreaming
Bosnia and Herzegovina strengthened their chances of reaching the last 32 with a deserved 3-1 victory over Qatar in Seattle.
The standout moment came just before the half-hour mark when teenage star Kerim Alajbegovic produced a stunning strike that is already being talked about as one of the goals of the tournament.
Bosnia added further goals through an own goal and a clinical finish from Ermin Mahmic, while Qatar captain Hassan Al Haydos scored a consolation effort.
Veteran striker Edin Dzeko also marked his 150th international appearance as Bosnia finished third in Group B with renewed confidence.
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Swiss seal top spot despite Canadian resistance
Switzerland secured first place in Group B after overcoming hosts Canada 2-1 in Vancouver.
After a quiet first half, Ruben Vargas broke the deadlock immediately after the restart before Johan Manzambi doubled the lead with a powerful finish.
Canada fought back through substitute Promise David and pushed hard for an equaliser, but Switzerland held firm to finish top of the standings.
The Canadians still progress to the knockout stage despite the defeat.
Morocco survive Haiti scare
Morocco wrapped up second place in Group C with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Haiti.
The Atlas Lions were made to work hard by a spirited Haitian side, but late goals from Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine ultimately secured all three points.
The result ensured Morocco advanced alongside group winners Brazil after an impressive group-stage campaign.
Vinicius inspires Brazil to statement win
Brazil confirmed top spot in Group C with a commanding 3-0 victory over Scotland in Miami.
Vinicius Junior was the star of the show, scoring twice and causing problems throughout the match. Matheus Cunha added Brazil’s third as the South Americans punished a series of Scottish mistakes.
Scotland now face an anxious wait to discover whether they can progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
Historic night for Bafana Bafana
South Africa created history by reaching the World Cup knockout stages for the first time after defeating South Korea 1-0.
Thapelo Maseko scored the decisive goal in a memorable victory, while South Korea were unable to respond after captain Son Heung-min started on the bench.
The result secured second place in Group A and set up a last-32 meeting with Canada.
Mexico finish strongly against Czechia
Mexico completed an impressive Group A campaign with a 3-0 victory over Czechia.
The win ensured El Tri finished top of the group ahead of South Africa and continued their unbeaten start to the tournament.
Czechia, meanwhile, were left to reflect on a disappointing end to their campaign after failing to find a way back into the contest.
Today’s fixtures (BST)
The final round of matches in Groups D, E and F takes place today and into the early hours of Friday morning.
Group E
Curacao vs Côte d’Ivoire – 9pm BST, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, USA
Ecuador vs Germany – 9pm BST, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA
Group F
Tunisia vs Netherlands – 12am BST, Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, USA
Japan vs Sweden – 12am BST, AT&T Stadium, Texas, USA
Group D
Paraguay vs Australia – 3am BST, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, USA
Turkiye vs USA – 3am BST, SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, USA
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SportJustSport writers 
Aidan Leo