Mexico have become the first team to book their place in the World Cup knockout stage — and with their co-hosts Canada also making their mark with a huge win yesterday, attention now turns to whether the United States can continue to make home advantage count.This is the first World Cup to be held across three countries and so far the hosts are loving it. Canada recorded their first-ever win at the men’s World Cup finals, thrashing Qatar 6-0 in Vancouver yesterday to move into top spot in Group B, above Switzerland on goal difference.In the day’s final game, Mexico secured top spot in Group A with a hard-fought victory against South Korea in Guadalajara.The USMNT, having beat Paraguay 4-1 in their opening game last Friday, face Australia in Seattle on Friday afternoon knowing victory would all but guarantee their place in the knockout round. The availability or otherwise of Christian Pulisic remains the big talking point, with coach Mauricio Pochettino giving nothing away yesterday.The other big news of the day concerned Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi, who, as The Athletic revealed on Wednesday, is being investigated by French authorities in relation to alleged match-fixing. He has not been charged with any crime.Canadian authorities initially delayed Wahi’s visa authorisation, requesting more information, as Ivory Coast prepared to fly to Toronto today for tomorrow’s Group E game against Germany. But Ivory Coast’s football federation issued a statement on Thursday saying, “The necessary authorisations for his entry into Canadian territory have now been obtained.”Matchday 8 results:Group A: Czech Republic 1-1 South Africa