World Cup 2026: Day 9 – Friday 19 June

 



Undoubtedly the pick of yesterday’s results saw co-hosts Canada hit Qatar for six, while Switzerland won convincingly against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Mexico saw off South Korea and Czechia could only pick up a point against South Africa.

Let’s take a deeper dive into yesterday’s results…

 

Yesterday’s results:

Czechia 1-1 South Africa

An opportunity missed, perhaps, for both sides. After both sides played out disastrous opening matches, they were both desperate to set the record straight, but had to share the points in Atlanta.

The only shot on target in the first half saw Slavia Prague’s Michal Sadilek fire the Czechs in front after good link-up play with Alexandr Sojka.

South Africa were much the better side in the second half, but were guilty of some poor decision-making, especially from set pieces.

They did eventually get a leveller from the penalty spot through Teboho Mokoena after Thapelo Maseko’s cross struck the arm of substitute Pavel Sulc.

A point apiece leaves both sides in real danger of crashing out of the World Cup in the group stages.

 

Mexico 1-0 South Korea

Co-hosts Mexico booked their place in the knockout stages with a hard-fought victory over South Korea in Guadalajara.

The only goal came five minutes into the second half, as Julian Quiñones’ cross was dropped by South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu into the path of Luis Romo who kept his composure to volley Mexico ahead.

South Korea enjoyed 58% possession but were unable to make it count, despite having two late chances which were both saved well by goalkeeper Raul Rangel, and Mexico’s incredible run on home soil continues.

 

Switzerland 4-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina

For 74 minutes of this Group B encounter, it looked like a tepid affair between these two European nations – but four goals and a red card ensured that this quickly became one of the more eventful matches of the tournament so far.

It was young substitute Johan Manzambi who came on and changed the game in Switzerland’s favour, scoring two minutes after entering the action, before Bosnia’s Tarik Muharemovic saw a straight red card.

Switzerland ended the game with a flourish with goals from Ruben Vargas, Manzambi, grabbing his second, and a late Granit Xhaka penalty put some gloss on the scoreline. Ermin Mahmic scored Bosnia’s only goal with a thumping volley four minutes before Xhaka’s penalty.

 

Canada 6-0 Qatar

Undoubtedly the pick of the results from yesterday: six goals and two red cards in a totally one-sided affair in Vancouver, for Canada’s first-ever World Cup victory.

Cyle Larin and Jonathan David fired the hosts two up after 20 minutes before Homam Elamin saw red for a professional foul on Tajon Buchanan. David added his brace on the stroke of half time.

Assim Madibo saw red five minutes into the second half for a challenge which left Ismael Kone requiring oxygen, but was able to applaud the fans as he was stretchered off.

His replacement Nathan Saliba scored a free kick from range, before Mohamed Al-Mannai’s own goal and David’s hat-trick goal ensured the joint-biggest win of this World Cup so far.

 

 

Today’s fixtures:

 

Group C

Scotland v Morocco

11pm (UK Time)

Boston

Sam’s prediction: 0-2

Brazil v Haiti

1:30am (UK Time)

Philadelphia

Sam’s prediction: 6-0

 

Group D

USA v Australia

8pm (UK Time)

Seattle

Sam’s prediction: 2-2

 

Türkiye v Paraguay

4am (UK Time)

San Francisco

Sam’s prediction: 2-0

 

Some exciting fixtures on Day 9. Scotland look to build on their historic victory over Haiti but will have their work cut out against the AFCON champions Morocco (or was it Senegal? It’s up for debate), while the other match in Group C sees a David and Goliath clash between Brazil and Haiti.

USA v Australia is set to be a tasty encounter in Group D. Both got off to a winning start and USA look very good at the moment, but I’ve learned that you should not underestimate Australia – they look a decent unit at the moment.

Türkiye will look to seal their first win at a World Cup since finishing third in 2002 as they face Paraguay in San Francisco.

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