The second week of the 2026 World Cup begins on Wednesday, June 18, 2026, with the second round of group matches across the hosts. Some teams can already secure qualification to the Round of 32, while Czech Republic and Switzerland, both disappointed after opening losses or draws, will chase their first wins. Mexico could also become the first team to book a place in the knockout stage.
Czech Republic face South Africa at 19:00 in Atlanta. It has been 20 years and six days since Czech Republic’s last World Cup win, a 3-0 victory over the United States at Germany 2006. After exiting the group stage with three points in that tournament, Czech Republic now know that beating South Africa, described as the weakest team in the group, could be enough to advance. South Africa’s last World Cup win came at its home tournament in 2010, when it beat France, finished above France in the table, and was eliminated on goal difference. Both sides will seek a first victory and a healthy goal margin to strengthen their chances.
Switzerland meet Bosnia and Herzegovina at 22:00 in Inglewood. Switzerland were frustrated in their opener against Qatar, where they created many chances, scored only from the penalty spot, and then conceded a 95th-minute equalizer. Bosnia and Herzegovina also opened with a 1-1 draw, against host Canada, though that was a more expected point and their first ever in a World Cup. Both teams need a win to give themselves a push toward the next stage.
Canada play Qatar at 01:00 in Vancouver. After taking their first-ever World Cup point and showing unexpected support from ultras, the hosts are aiming for their first-ever victory. Kyle Larin, a Southampton teammate of Daniel Peretz and the scorer of Canada’s dramatic equalizer in the previous round, is expected to start. Qatar, the defending tournament host, also earned its first-ever World Cup point last round and fielded a surprise lineup based on the domestic league. Having already proved they are not intimidated, they approach the match with nothing to lose.
Mexico face South Korea at 04:00 in Guadalajara in the first clash between two teams that won their openers. Mexico beat South Africa 2-0, without dazzling but with strong home support and determination, and Raul Jimenez is again a key figure. South Korea recovered to beat Czech Republic 2-1 and are seeking revenge for World Cup losses to Mexico in 1998 and 2018, when Mexico advanced and was later eliminated in the next round.
