Every team has played a game in this oversized World Cup filled with big surprises.The stakes rise quickly as the 48 teams begin playing their second group-stage matches.Cape Verde, Qatar and Congo have earned points for the first time in the World Cup, raising hope for an improbable run to the knockout round.Spain, Portugal and Brazil, among the pre-tournament favorites to win it all, need wins to keep up in their groups after opening with draws. Belgium, the Netherlands, Croatia and Switzerland are in the same boat.On Thursday, hosts Mexico and Canada, along with Switzerland and South Korea, will be among the teams playing for a second time.What to watch on June 17— Czech Republic vs. South Africa, noon EDT in Atlanta (Fox/Telemundo/Peacock)— Switzerland vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina, 3 p.m. EDT in Inglewood, California (Fox/Telemundo/Peacock)— Canada vs. Qatar, 6 p.m. EDT in Vancouver, British Columbia (FS1/Telemundo/Peacock)— Mexico vs. South Korea, 9 p.m. EDT in Guadalajara, Mexico (Fox/Telemundo/Peacock)
Mexico faces South Korea for control of Group AMexico will look to take control of Group A against South Korea following a thrilling start as World Cup host.Four years after a major disappointment in Qatar, the Mexicans roared out of the gate with a 2-0 win over South Africa. The dominant victory thrilled a capacity crowd of 80,824 at famed Azteca Stadium and drew 7.1 million viewers in the United States, making it the most-watched opening match for an English-language broadcast.
