Ismael Kone of Canada waves to crowd despite suffering an horrific injury during their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B against Qatar.
Mexico became the first nation to secure a place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 1-0 victory over South Korea, while co-hosts Canada edged closer to the last 32 by thrashing Qatar.
A catastrophic error from South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu gifted the decisive goal to Mexico's Luis Romo, allowing El Tri to hang on for a tense victory in Guadalajara. The result guarantees Mexico top spot in Group A with a game to spare, following Bafana Bafana's 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic earlier in the day. Finishing at the summit ensures Mexico will keep home advantage for the round of 32, with a knockout fixture scheduled against a third-placed team in Mexico City.
South Korea remain second in the group on three points, while the Czech Republic and South Africa are still mathematically alive on one point apiece.
Elsewhere on Thursday, Canada moved to the brink of the knockout rounds after overwhelming nine-man Qatar 6-0 to secure their first-ever World Cup victory in Group B. In the same group, Switzerland reignited their campaign with a resounding defeat of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Los Angeles.
