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MATCH 1 — GROUP A | 17:00 (Nigerian time)
Czechia vs South Africa | Atlanta, Georgia
Last results:
- Czechoslovakia fell 2-1 to South Korea. They led 1-0 in the 59th minute thanks to Ladislav Krejci, but conceded twice in the closing 30 minutes, including a winner from Oh Hyeon-gyu in the 80th minute.
- South Africa fell 2-0 to Mexico on June 11. Two of their players, Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane, were dismissed. They became the first nation to receive two red cards in a World Cup game since 2006.
What to Expect:
- Both teams have zero points. The loser is effectively eliminated. A draw is likely to eliminate both.
- South Africa will play without Sithole and Zwane owing to suspension.
- Czech forward Patrik Schick is expected to play despite being controversially substituted against South Korea.
- This is a must-win knockout match in disguise.
- Both Czech coach Miroslav Koubek and South African coach Hugo Broos are beyond the age of 70.
MATCH 2 — GROUP B | 20:00 (Nigerian time)
Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
Final results:
- Switzerland and Qatar tied 1-1 on June 13. They took the lead thanks to Breel Embolo, but Miro Muheim's 94th-minute own goal ended their hopes.
- Bosnia and Canada drew 1-1 on June 12. Jovo Lukic put them ahead in the 21st minute, but Canada equalised late on through replacement Cyle Larin.
What To Expect:
- All four clubs in Group B have one point. Every match counts.
- Switzerland had 26 shots against Qatar, their most in a World Cup match, but were unable to cling on.
- Edin Dzeko, aged 40 and with 73 international goals in 148 caps, is expected to start.
- The two teams' sole previous meeting was a friendly in 2016. Bosnia won 2-0.
MATCH 3 — GROUP B | 23:00 (Nigerian time) Canada vs Qatar | BC Place, Vancouve
Final results:
- On June 12, Canada and Bosnia tied 1-1. Cyle Larin scored as a substitute in the 78th minute. Canada earned its first World Cup point after going winless in 1986 and 2022.
- Qatar and Switzerland drew 1-1 on June 13. Qatar earned its first World Cup point after losing all three games as hosts in 2022.
What to expect:
- Canada plays at home and is heavily favored.
- Jonathan David, Canada's all-time leading scorer with 39 international goals, spearheads the attack.
- Alphonso Davies is dealing with a hamstring injury and may not start.
- Qatar has not won a single match since qualifying for the competition. They have gone seven games without a win.
- Qatar's biggest chance comes from their top match-winner, Akram Afif, who can punish Canada on the counter.
MATCH 4 — GROUP A | TOMORROW MORNING 02:00 (Nigerian time)
Mexico vs South Korea | Estadio Akron, Guadalajara
Final results:
- On June 11, Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the tournament's opening match. Julian Quinones scored in the ninth minute. Raul Jimenez added a second in the 66th minute. Defender Cesar Montes was dismissed late.
- South Korea defeated Czechia 2-1 on June 11. They rallied from behind, with Hwang In-beom equalizing in the 67th minute and Oh Hyeon-gyu scoring the winner in the 80th. Hwang was the man of the match.
What to expect:
- Both teams have three points. The winner finishes first in Group A and is one step away from advancing to the round of 32.
- Cesar Montes is suspended from Mexico owing to a red card. Edson Alvarez moves into central defence.
- Son Heung-min attempted six shots against Czechia without scoring. He has scored twice in his last three meetings against Mexico, including the 2018 World Cup.
- Raul Jimenez has scored in each of his last two matches against South Korea.
- Mexico has won all five of its World Cup games against Asian countries.
- Since reaching the semi-finals in 2002, South Korea has never won consecutive World Cup matches.