World Cup 2026: Mexico Perfect, South Africa Make History, Scotland on Brink

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup served up another dramatic day of action on Thursday, with co-hosts Mexico completing a perfect group stage, South Africa making history, and Scotland hanging on by a thread after Brazil’s ruthless display.

Match Results — Thursday, June 25, 2026

MatchScoreGroupKey Story
Mexico vs Czech Republic3-0AMexico finishes with 9/9 points
South Africa vs South Korea1-0ABafana Bafana reach knockouts for first time
Brazil vs Scotland3-0CVinicius Jr scores again; Scotland in danger
Morocco vs Haiti4-2CMorocco through as runners-up
Netherlands vs Tunisia2-0 (live)FNetherlands cruising to group win
Japan vs Sweden0-0 (live)FWinner takes second place

Key Moments

Mexico 3-0 Czech Republic

Teenager Gilberto Mora (17 years, 253 days) became the youngest Mexican to start a World Cup match, and he delivered. His pass set up the second goal for Julian Quinones, while Mateo Chavez opened his international account with a composed finish. 40-year-old legend Guillermo Ochoa received a thunderous ovation entering as a late sub for his sixth World Cup campaign.

South Africa 1-0 South Korea

Thapelo Maseko slotted home a second-half winner through the legs of Jens Castrop to send South Africa to the knockout stage for the first time in their history. They will face Canada in Los Angeles on Monday.

Brazil 3-0 Scotland

Vinicius Jr scored again — his third in three group games — and Matheus Cunha smashed home a third after Bruno Guimaraes dispossessed Kenny McLean. Scotland now sits third in Group C with a -3 goal difference, and Opta gives them just a 38% chance of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams.

USA 2-0 Australia

The USMNT secured Group D top spot with a confident 2-0 win over Australia, advancing to the knockout rounds. They will face a third-placed team from Group B, E, F, H, or I.

Norway 3-2 Senegal

Erling Haaland scored twice, declaring simply: “I am really good at scoring goals.” Norway stays alive in Group I.

Group Standings Snapshot

Already through to last 32:

  • Mexico (Group A winners, 9 pts)
  • South Africa (Group A runners-up)
  • Switzerland (Group B winners)
  • Brazil (Group C winners)
  • Morocco (Group C runners-up)
  • United States (Group D winners)
  • Netherlands (Group F — virtually through)

On the brink:

  • Scotland (3 pts, -3 GD — need results to go their way)
  • South Korea (3 pts — waiting on third-place table)
  • Sweden/Japan (currently playing for Group F second place)

Looking Ahead — Next Matches

MatchDateStage
England vs PanamaJune 26Group L
Germany vs EcuadorJune 26Group E
South Africa vs CanadaJune 28Last 32 Knockouts
Brazil vs Group F runner-upJune 29Last 32 Knockouts

FAQ

How many teams advance from the group stage?
32 of 48 teams advance — the top two from each of 12 groups, plus the eight best third-placed teams.

Can Scotland still qualify?
Yes, but they need results elsewhere to go their way. With 3 points and a -3 goal difference, they are one of several third-placed teams competing for eight spots.

Who does Mexico play in the knockout stage?
As Group A winners, Mexico will host a third-placed team from Group C, E, F, H, or I at the iconic Azteca Stadium.

What is new about this World Cup format?
This is the first 48-team World Cup. Each group has four teams, but only one is eliminated per group. The expanded knockout bracket runs through to the final on July 19.

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