Football

Co-host nations Canada and Mexico continued their impressive starts to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Canada recording its first-ever World Cup victory and Mexico becoming the first team to secure a place in the Round of 32.

In Vancouver, Canada men’s national soccer team delivered a dominant 6-0 victory over Qatar national football team. Star striker Jonathan David led the way with a hat-trick, helping Canada secure a landmark result in front of home supporters.

The victory marked Canada’s first win in World Cup history. Prior to the 2026 tournament, Canada had participated in only two previous World Cups, in 1986 and 2022, losing all six matches and scoring just two goals combined.

Despite the celebratory result, Canada suffered a major setback when midfielder Ismaël Koné sustained a serious leg injury following a challenge that resulted in a red card for Qatar’s Assim Madibo. The injury cast a shadow over an otherwise historic evening for the Canadian side.

Elsewhere in Group B, Switzerland national football team defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team 4-1, strengthening its position in the standings. Canada and Switzerland now appear well positioned to advance to the knockout rounds.

In Group A, co-hosts Mexico national football team became the first nation to qualify for the Round of 32 after defeating South Korea national football team 1-0. Midfielder Luis Romo scored the decisive second-half goal, sending Mexican supporters into celebration.

Meanwhile, Czech Republic national football team and South Africa national football team played to a 1-1 draw after a late South African penalty rescued a point.

Attention now turns to the United States, where United States men’s national soccer team faces Australia men’s national soccer team in a key Group D matchup.

The Americans enter the contest with confidence after a convincing 4-1 victory over Paraguay national football team in their opening match. However, head coach Mauricio Pochettino has warned against underestimating Australia, which opened its campaign with a 2-0 win over Turkey national football team.

A major question ahead of the match is the fitness of U.S. captain Christian Pulisic, who was substituted in the opening game with a calf injury. Pochettino indicated that while Pulisic’s availability remains uncertain, the star midfielder is making a strong effort to return and should be available soon if he misses the Australia clash.