Switzerland, Canada make it to World Cup knockout stage

Switzerland and Canada are the latest teams to qualify for the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup. They achieved this on Wednesday, while Brazil got ready to face Scotland for a chance to join the last 32.

Switzerland clinched the top spot in Group B with a 2-1 win over Canada in Vancouver. Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi scored for Switzerland. Promise David got one back for Canada late in the game, but Switzerland held on to secure all three points.

Even with the loss, Canada made it to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history. They finished second in the group based on goal difference, just ahead of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Before this tournament, Canada had never won a World Cup match. Now, they will face the runners-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.

He talked about the team's move to California for the next round, saying, “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 kept their hopes alive with a 3-1 win over Qatar. They now have to wait and see if they qualify as one of the eight best third-placed teams.

On Thursday, five-time champions Brazil only need a draw against Scotland in Miami to qualify for the knockout stage. A win will guarantee them the top spot in Group C.

Morocco, who played Brazil to a 1-1 draw earlier in the tournament, hopes to beat already-eliminated Haiti by a good margin to surpass the South Americans.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that veteran forward Neymar is fit again. He could play his first match of the tournament from the bench.

“He can play, he’s doing well, he trained very well. I’m very happy with him,” Ancelotti said.

“He brings experience, understanding of the game, and helps the younger players.”

Neymar has not played for Brazil since October 2023. However, winger Raphinha will miss the match due to an injury that will keep him out for about two weeks.

Brazil and Scotland have met four times in the World Cup group stage. Brazil won three of those matches and drew one. Their only draw was in 1974, when Brazil advanced ahead of Scotland on goal difference.

Meanwhile, co-hosts Mexico have secured their place in the knockout stage after winning Group A with two victories. They will face the Czech Republic, who must win to stay in the competition.

South Africa, who bounced back from a loss to Mexico with a draw against the Czech Republic, must beat Son Heung-min’s South Korea to have any chance of moving on.

The final round of group-stage matches continues over the next four days. There are six matches scheduled each day after the tournament expanded to 48 teams.

Group B standings after the final matches:

Switzerland finished first with seven points from three matches, recording two wins and one draw.

Canada took second place with four points from one win, one draw, and one loss, marking a historic achievement in the knockout round.

Bosnia-Herzegovina also ended with four points after one win, one draw, and one loss. They missed automatic qualification on goal difference and must wait for the ranking of third-placed teams.

Qatar finished last in the group with one point from three matches and were eliminated.