Brazil and South Africa advance as three World Cup groups are decided

The third and final round of the World Cup group stage began overnight Thursday with several decisive results, as three groups were wrapped up and the knockout picture started to take shape. Brazil, Switzerland and Mexico all finished top of their groups, while South Africa produced one of the tournament’s biggest surprises by beating South Korea to reach the Round of 32.

In Group B, Switzerland clinched first place with a 2-1 win over host Canada. Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi put the Swiss in control early in the second half, and Promise David pulled one back for Canada, which still advanced in second place in front of its home crowd. In the other match, Bosnia and Herzegovina beat Qatar 3-1 to finish on four points and qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.

Brazil also did what it needed in Group C, defeating Scotland 3-0 to seal first place. Vinicius Junior led the way with two goals, though a third strike of his was disallowed after VAR intervention, and he now has four tournament goals. Matheus Cunha added the third. Morocco beat Haiti 4-2 in the same group, coming from behind twice before turning the match in the second half to finish second on seven points, level with Brazil but behind on goal difference.

The night’s biggest drama came in Group A, where South Africa started bottom of the table and needed a win to stay alive. Chafplo Maseko scored on a counterattack in the 63rd minute, and South Africa held on for a disciplined 1-0 victory over South Korea to finish second and advance. South Korea, which only needed a point, ended third and must wait to see whether it reaches the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed sides. Mexico completed the group phase with a perfect record, beating Czechia 3-0 through goals by Mateo Chavez Garcia, Julian Quinones and Alvaro Fidalgo. Mexico finished with nine points, three wins, and no goals conceded.