World Cup Day 8: Canada, Mexico, and Other Teams Begin Group Stage Second Round

The 2026 FIFA World Cup enters its second round of group stage play on Thursday, June 18, with four crucial matches across Groups A and B. The day features high-stakes games where teams look to recover from opening losses or build on early momentum.

In Group A, Czechia faces South Africa in Atlanta at 12 p.m. ET in a must-win matchup for both sides. South Africa suffered a 2-0 defeat to Mexico in the tournament's opening game and will be significantly weakened, missing midfielders Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane for the remainder of the group stage after both received red cards in their first match. Czechia, which lost 2-1 to South Korea despite scoring first through Ladislav Krejčí in the 59th minute, will aim to maintain composure after conceding an equalizer just eight minutes later.

Group B sees Switzerland facing Bosnia and Herzegovina in Inglewood, California at 3 p.m. ET. The group remains remarkably tight with all four teams holding exactly one point after Switzerland drew with Qatar and Bosnia-Herzegovina earned a late tie against Canada. Switzerland dominated possession against Qatar but struggled to convert chances, ultimately conceding in added time. Bosnia-Herzegovina showed defensive resilience despite allowing Canada 61 percent possession, limiting the Canadians to four shots on goal.

Canada takes on Qatar in Vancouver at 6 p.m. ET, with the Canadians heavily favored at -350 odds. Canada requires a victory to avoid needing a win against Switzerland in their final group match to advance to the Round of 32. Star midfielder Alphonso Davies is available but likely unavailable as he continues recovery from a hamstring injury sustained in the opener.

Mexico closes Day 8 against South Korea at 9 p.m. ET in Guadalajara. Mexico enters on the back of a 2-0 victory over South Africa, with goals from Julián Quiñones in the ninth minute and Raúl Jiménez in the 67th minute marking Jiménez's first World Cup goal. The match carries additional complications, as Mexico's military downed a South Korean drone that flew over a closed training session earlier in the week. South Korea is also dealing with internal tensions after a video leaked showing media members mocking Son Heung-min and his military exemption, prompting the team's media blackout.