Mexico secured their place in the knockout round of the 2026 World Cup on Thursday following a 1-0 victory over South Korea, while Canada ignited celebrations with a historic 6-0 thrashing of nine-man Qatar.

In Guadalajara, a costly mistake by South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu gifted the decisive goal to Mexico’s Luis Romo.

The victory guarantees "El Tri" the top spot in Group A with one match remaining, ensuring they will play their last-32 fixture in Mexico City against a third-placed team.

Earlier in the same group, South Africa and the Czech Republic kept their qualification hopes alive by playing to a 1-1 draw in Atlanta.

Teboho Mokoena’s late penalty canceled out Michal Sadilek’s opener, leaving both teams needing wins in their final group matches to advance.

South Korea currently sits in second place with three points.

In Group B, co-hosts Canada achieved their first-ever World Cup victory in spectacular fashion at Vancouver’s BC Place, playing in front of a crowd that included Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Under coach Jesse Marsch, the Canadians overwhelmed Qatar, with Juventus striker Jonathan David netting a hat-trick, supported by goals from Cyle Larin and Nathan Saliba, alongside an own goal from Mohammad Manai.

The win leaves Canada needing only a draw against Switzerland to top the group.

However, the victory was dampened by a severe left-leg injury to midfielder Ismael Kone, who was stretchered off after a challenge from Qatar’s Assim Madibo, who was subsequently shown a red card.

Kone was given oxygen as he left the field and coach Jesse Marsch confirmed the gravity of the incident post-match.

"It was right in front of us, and everyone could hear the bone snap," Marsch said.

"I haven't spoken to Ismael yet, but he's at the hospital. He will prepare for a surgery. Everybody's a little shaken by the whole experience because of the nature of the injury, and also because Ismael is a big part of the heart of our team. It will be a big loss for us."

Meanwhile, at the SoFi Stadium, Switzerland revived their tournament campaign by defeating Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1.

Johan Manzambi scored twice, with Ruben Vargas and Granit Xhaka also finding the back of the net in a late surge.

The result leaves Bosnia, who upset Italy in the playoffs to qualify, on the brink of an early exit with only one point from two matches.

Source: AFP