World Cup Matchday | Mbokazi and Waterman Seek Knockout Round Qualification in FIFA World Cup 2026

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Group A | Match 54
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
8:00 p.m. CT
Monterrey Stadium – Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon, Mexico

English: FS1 – Tyler Terens & Maurice Edu
Español: Universo/Peacock – Ramses Sandoval & Walter Roque 

English: SiriusXM FC (ch. 157) | iHeartRadio App
Spanish: FDP Radio App

South Africa will look for a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout round with a win against Korea Republic in the final match of Group A.

After a tournament-opening loss to Mexico, the Bafana Bafana bounced back with a draw against Czechia on June 19 in Atlanta. Midfielder Michal Sadílek put the European side up 1-0 just six minutes into the match, threatening to end South Africa’s World Cup run prematurely. But buoyed by a strong defensive effort from Mbekezeli Mbokazi and the backline, South Africa remained down one until midfielder Teboho Mokoena finished a penalty kick to earn a crucial point in Group A play.

The start of the tournament was brighter for Korea Republic, opening with a comeback 2-1 victory over Czechia in Guadalajara. The Asian side remained in the Mexican city to face the hosts on June 19, who settled into a tense affair that went into halftime without any goals. But a bobble in the box five minutes into the second half resulted in a Luis Romo goal that put Mexico up 1-0. South Korea pressed late, but goalkeeper Raul “Tala” Rangel made arguably the save of the tournament with minutes left to deny the visitors and hand El Tri the victory and the top of Group A with one match remaining.

• The match marks the first meeting between South Africa and South Korea in any competition, be it a friendly or in official play.

• South Korea will be only the second Asian side South Africa has faced in World Cup history. The Bafana Bafana played Saudi Arabia to a 2-2 draw in the final Group C match in the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France and have since only played European and South American competition aside from Mexico.

South Africa vs. Korea Republic All-Time:

No prior meetings in official competition

Lineups will be posted approximately one hour prior to first kick in Monterrey.

Group B | Match 51
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
2:00 p.m. CT
BC Place – Vancouver

English: FOX – Jacqui Oatley & Warren Barton
Español: Telemundo/Peacock – Alejandro Figueredo & Jaime Macias

English: Fox Sports on SiriusXM (ch. 83) | iHeartRadio App
Spanish: Latino Mix 93.5 FM  | FDP Radio App

Canada and Switzerland will square off in a winner-takes-all matchup for the top of Group B in Vancouver.

When CANMNT first arrived in British Columbia, the mood was a little different. After a stirring opening ceremony in Toronto, nerves set in as Bosnia & Herzegovina took a lead in an eventual 1-1 draw to open the tournament. But it took only 16 minutes for Canada to find their groove in their second match against Qatar on June 18. Cyle Larin’s opening goal – and his second of FIFA World Cup 2026 – set off a party at BC Place that resulted in a hat trick for Jonathan David and a 6-0 victory for the jubilant hosts. With the top of the group in their hands, the Canadians need only a draw to clinch Group B for good.

The vibes were similarly subdued for Switzerland after a stunning 1-1 draw against Qatar in the Bay Area. The Swiss remained in California, this time at Los Angeles Stadium, for a meeting with Bosnia & Herzegovina. Unlike Canada’s second match, the payoff took over an hour; but just like in Vancouver, the goals came in a hurry following Johan Manzambi’s 74th minute strike. With the game effectively out of reach with a 3-0 score upon the end of 90 minutes, the sides traded stoppage time goals to finish off a 4-1 game and set the stage for an all-or-nothing clash in the Pacific Northwest.

Switzerland vs. Canada All-Time:

SUI: 0 wins, 1 goal
CAN: 1 win, 3 goals
0 draws