Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – Switzerland and Canada became the latest teams to book their places in the World Cup knockout rounds on Wednesday as Brazil aimed to seal their passage to the last 32. A hectic final round of group games got under way with six matches scheduled for Wednesday, with Switzerland defeating Canada 2-1 in Vancouver to clinch top spot in Group B. The Canadians advanced to the second round of the World Cup for the first time in their history despite the defeat, clinching the runners-up berth on goal difference ahead of third-placed Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi scored the goals to seal Switzerland’s victory over Canada, while Promise David pulled a goal back in the final 15 minutes to set up a tense finish. Prior to the 2026 tournament, Canada had never won a match at the World Cup, but with their second-placed finish in the pool, they will play the runner-up from Group A on Sunday in Los Angeles. “I know our team has heart, right? But I know that we have a group that will give everything to every moment,” said Canada coach Jesse Marsch.
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On having to move to California for Canada’s next game, Marsch said: “It’s been awesome, and that’s the disappointment; we just want to continue the energy that’s taken place here in Canada.” Bosnia-Herzegovina, who defeated Qatar 3-1 to finish third in the group, face a nervous wait to see if they will be among the eight best-ranked third-placed teams who advance to the last 32.
Elsewhere Thursday, five-time World Cup winners Brazil need only a point against Scotland in Miami to advance to the knockout rounds, but will be looking to take all three to claim first place in Group C. Morocco, who held Brazil to a 1-1 draw in an early highlight of the tournament, will aim to rack up goals against already-eliminated Haiti in order to try and pip Brazil to top spot in the group. Brazil’s bid to finish the group stage with momentum has been boosted by the return to fitness of veteran striker Neymar, who could make his first appearance of the tournament off the bench, according to coach Carlo Ancelotti.
“He can play, he’s doing well, he trained very well. I’m very happy with him,” said the Italian coach, adding the forward “brings experience, understanding of the game, and helps the younger players.” Neymar has not played for Brazil since October 2023. His inclusion in the matchday squad will help make up for the absence of winger Raphinha, who is out injured for around two weeks. This will be the fifth time Brazil meets Scotland in the World Cup group stages, winning three and drawing one of their previous meetings. That draw came in their first tournament meeting in 1974 when Brazil progressed ahead of Scotland on goal difference.
On a dizzying day of action when the final games in each group will be played simultaneously, co-hosts Mexico know they are already guaranteed of playing in the knockout round. The Mexicans won Group A after two victories and will play the Czech Republic, who need a victory to stand any chance of going through to the last 32.
South Africa improved dramatically in their last game to draw with the Czechs after a pitiful performance in the tournament curtain raiser against Mexico when they had two men sent off and lost 2-0. They need to beat Son Heung-min’s South Korea, who themselves are targeting the knockout phase. The action on Wednesday is the first of four days of six games, the result of a tournament expanded for the first time to 48 teams.
© 2024 AFP
