World Cup Day 8: First team could clinch a place in the round of 32

The second week of the 2026 World Cup begins on day 8, with the second round of matches across the host nations starting at 19:00. Some teams can already secure, mathematically and practically, a place in the round of 32. Czech Republic and South Africa, both beaten in their opening games, are chasing their first points, while the slate also includes several matches involving host nations.

Czech Republic faces South Africa at 19:00 in Atlanta. Czech Republic has not won a World Cup match in 20 years and 6 days, since a 3-0 victory over the then-host United States at Germany 2006. After being eliminated in the group stage there with three points, Czech Republic now hopes a win over what is described as the weakest team in the group will be enough to advance. South Africa last won at a World Cup in 2010, when it beat France at the end of the group stage but still went out on goal difference. Both sides are looking for a first win and a big margin that could move them closer to the next round.

Switzerland meets Bosnia and Herzegovina at 22:00 in Inglewood. Switzerland, usually one of the more consistent teams, was frustrated in its first match against Qatar, where it created many chances but scored only from a penalty and conceded a 95th-minute equalizer. Bosnia and Herzegovina also drew 1-1 in the opening round, against host Canada, although that result was its first-ever World Cup point. Both teams need a win to strengthen their bid for the next stage.

Canada plays Qatar at 01:00 in Vancouver. Canada comes in after earning its first-ever World Cup point and is now chasing its first-ever World Cup win. Kyle Larin, who became a national hero with the equalizer last round and plays alongside Daniel Peretz at Southampton, is expected to start. Qatar also took its first-ever World Cup point last round, in its first World Cup away from home, and is fielding a surprise lineup largely built from its domestic league. In the late game, Mexico meets South Korea at 04:00 in Guadalajara, in the tournament’s first clash between two opening-round winners. A victory would send either side into the round of 32, likely from first place. Mexico beat South Africa 2-0, while South Korea came from behind to defeat Czech Republic 2-1, and both teams know a win would all but secure qualification.