After seven days, 70 goals and 24 games, the opening round of fixtures has wrapped up. Stars were bright: Messi, Mbappe, Haaland, and Kane with signature performances. Nations had their first triumphs: Canada earning their first World Cup point courtesy of a brilliant Cyle Larin goal, Curaçao scoring a goal in their first ever tournament appearance, and Cabo Verde earning a shocking draw against favorites Spain. Most importantly, Tim Payne – the tournament's 'least known player' – played.
Today, Round Two begins. Czechia will look to recover from their opening loss while facing South Africa. Switzerland – licking fresh wounds after conceding a 90+4th minute equalizer against Qatar – play a defensively stout Bosnia & Herzegovina. Canada will face Qatar, attempting to build on a positive, controlling performance last game and earn their first ever win, while Mexico and South Korea will do battle in what will likely be the tastiest game of the game slate.
Today's games
Czechia vs. South Africa
Time: 9:00am (Pacific)
Where: Atlanta, GA @ Mercedes-Benz Stadium
TV: Fox, Telemundo
Online: Fox One, Peacock
Switzerland vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina
Time: 12:00pm (Pacific)
Where: Inglewood, CA @ SoFi Stadium
TV: Fox, Telemundo
Online: Fox One, Peacock
Canada vs. Qatar
Time: 3:00pm (Pacific)
Where: Vancouver, BC @ BC Place
TV: FS1, Telemundo
Online: Fox One, Peacock
Mexico vs. South Korea
Time: 6:00pm (Pacific)
Where: Zapopan, JAL @ Estadio Akron
TV: Fox, Telemundo
Online: Fox One, Peacock
What’s interesting today?
- Oh, Canada! Despite earning just a point in the opening round against Bosnia & Herzegovina, they showed extremely well. Starting in place of star man Alphonso Davies, Richie Laryea made an example of just how far the Canadian program has come in terms of establishing reliable depth, constantly putting the Bosnian wingers on notice. After a more-or-less even first half, Canada truly controlled the second after the entrance of former MLSers Cyle Larin and Ali Ahmed, who both made instant impacts. A win for either side would mean almost certain advancement to the knockout rounds.
- Speaking of advancement odds: Over the last 30 years or so, in continental and world competitions where half or more of third place teams advanced out of the group stage, 95% of teams earning 4 points advanced to the knockouts, while 65% of teams earning just 3 points managed to move on. With 8 of 12 third place teams moving on this tournament, this second round of fixtures will be absolutely vital to early comfort, while maintaining high intensity for teams desperate for a win in the third round.
- Second time's the charm: Only having met once before (a 2:2 draw in 1997), Czechia and South Africa will both look to make a big impact this game: Czechia needing a result after a stinging late loss to South Korea after generally being defensively sound, and South Africa facing the weakest attack in their group. The latter will be without Themba Zwane and Sphephelo Sithole – the two defensive minded midfielders were ejected in the tournament's opening game – but that might mean South Africa really try to lean into the attack. With so much on the line, this could be a game that turns into a desperation firefight.
- Though Switzerland are not necessarily the most exciting team, they can be hard to beat. Across their last 17 group games at the World Cup or Euros, they've only lost twice... though eight of the other 15 were draws. Bosnia, on the other hand, have only appeared once before at a World Cup – scoring four goals, winning one match and losing the remaining two. After both teams let leads slip away and had to suffer draws, they'll look to make amends for their fans by finding a way to three points.
- Co-hosts Mexico will participate in a battle of potent attacks vs. South Korea – featuring the likes of LAFC's Son Heung-Min, Lee Kang-in of PSG and Wolves' Hwang Hee-Chan. Not to say Mexico don't have firepower of their own: Raul Jiménez has scored in each of Mexico's last two games against South Korea (2025, 2020) and Julian Quiñones looks to be one of the breakout players of the tournament. Neither team has ever won all three games in their group, and both will look to make a statement to do just that. I'd expect goals, especially with Mexico's captain and starting centerback César Montes missing through suspension, and their squad being light on natural central defenders to begin with.
Player Spotlights
Just a few players to keep an eye out for.
- South Africa: Ronwen Williams. The 34 year-old goalkeeper for Mamelodi Sundowns (of Club World Cup fame) will need to be at his best with his team missing two defensive-minded midfielders due to suspension if Bafana Bafana are to have a chance at a result vs Czechia.
- Canada: Alphonso Davies. Whether he'll play or not is another question, but according to reporting from The Athletic's Joshua Kloke, Head Coach Jesse Marsch says he'll be available. Undeniably Canada's best player, if he's on the field his gravity alone will make a difference creating space for teammates.
- Mexico: Obed Vargas. Without Montes, the most likely solution seems to be that Edson Alvarez will slot into central defense. In his stead, it just might be the former Sounder's job to hold down midfield ahead of Alvarez and help dictate possession against a tough South Korean attack.
