What a week of FIFA World Cup matches! The United States, Mexico, and Canada hosted a packed slate of group stage matches in the second weekend of the tournament. In case you missed the action, here’s a recap to keep you on track with all the action so far and what's to come.
South Africa vs Czechia
South Africa finished with a 1-1 draw against Czechia last Thursday in Atlanta Stadium.
Michal Sadilek started Czechia off with an early 1-0 lead, striking a low left-footed 15 meter goal in the 6th minute. Bafana Bafana took charge late in the second half with a converted penalty from Teboho Mokena, marking his first goal of the tournament. Although Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya did not make an appearance for South Africa in this competitive draw, Philly fans can continue to support Makhanya and the rest of the squad as they head into their final group-stage match against Korea Republic, who fell to Mexico 1-0 Thursday afternoon in Estadio Guadalajara.
Mexico kicked things off with a goal in the 50th minute from Luis Romo. Although Korea Republic attempted to gain an advantage, Mexican goalkeeper Raúl Rangel preserved the lead for El Tri, including a double save in the 87th minute from Cho Gue-sung and Yang Hyun-jun. This loss marked Korea’s first loss in the 2026 Fifa World Cup, putting them at second in Group A.
If Czechia draws or loses to Mexico, South Africa may have the chance to overtake the Reds for second in their group, securing their qualification to the Round of 32. Be sure to tune into South Africa against Korea Republic Wednesday, June 24th at 9:00 p.m. ET in Estadio Moterrey for a potential must-win scenario.
USA vs Australia
The United States finished victorious in their 2-0 win against Australia at Seattle Field.
The U.S. forced another early own, this time against Australia as Cameron Burgess made the final touch in the 11th minute, putting the United States up 1-0. Doubling the advantage, Alex Freeman for the U.S. headed a shot in the 43rd minute. With the 2-0 victory, the Stars and Stripes secured their place in the Round of 32 with one game left in the group stage. This marks the squad’s first clean sheet in ten matches.
Next up, the United States will play Türkiye on Thursday, June 25th at 10:00 p.m. ET in Los Angeles Stadium. As for the Socceroos, they will face Paraguay, battling for a second place spot in Group D.
Haiti vs Brazil
Philadelphia hosted one of the best atmospheres in the group stage yet, as Brazil defeated Haiti 3-0 in their latest Group C at Philadelphia Stadium on Friday night.
Seleção started hot with a 23rd minute low left-footed strike from Matheus Cunha, followed by a pair of goals from Vinicius Junior.
Despite Brazil's three goal lead in the first 45 minutes, Haiti fought hard until the final whistle, picking up three yellow cards throughout the course of the match.
Philadelphia Union midfielder Danley Jean Jacques made his mark in another strong showing, disrupting Brazil’s momentum throughout the contest. Although Haiti has been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage, they will finish off their Group C campaign against Morocco Wednesday, June 24th at 6:00 p.m. ET in Atlanta Stadium.
Germany vs Côte d'Ivoire
Germany secured an intense 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in Toronto Stadium.
Côte d'Ivoire’s Franck Kessié put them in a 1-0 lead at the 30-minute mark. Germany didn’t fall to the pressure, answering with an equalizer in the 68th minute from substitute Deniz Undav. To seal the deal, Germany’s Felix Nmecha scored a late left-footed goal naming the European nation victors.
Sitting at second in Group E, Les Éléphants take on Curaçao in their host city, Philadelphia. Winning this match-up will likely secure their progression to the knockout stage, keeping La Familia Azul from advancing.
Philly will be booming with excitement to welcome back Ivory Coast to face Curaçao Thursday, June 25th at 6:00 p.m. ET in Philadelphia Stadium.
France vs Iraq
The City of Brotherly Love hosted a Group I showdown between France and Iraq, where Les Bleus earned a convincing 3-0 victory at Philadelphia Stadium.
The match began with a goal in the 14th minute from Kylian Mbappé set up by Michael Olise. After a two-hour thunderstorm delay, Les Bleus carried the electricity with them for the remainder of the match. Mbappé scored again in the 54th minute followed by another just 12 minutes later from Ousmane Dembele, marking his first World Cup goal ever.
Leading Group I, France will take on Norway on Friday, June 26th at 3:00 p.m. Et in Boston Stadium. This top-two placement match could reshape Norway’s journey in the knockout rounds, contributing to the outcome of their competitors in the Round of 16.
As group stage play comes to an end throughout the week these matches are ones to watch as teams make a final push for a spot in the knockouts. Excitement continues to build not only in Philadelphia, but throughout North America as fans eagerly await to watch teams secure a match in the Round of 32.
Other Week 2 Highlights:
- Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in his first match against Uzbekistan, becoming the first player to score in six FIFA World Cups.
- Argentina’s Lionel Messi surpassed Brazilian football legend Marta, becoming the all-time top goalscorer in both men’s and women’s totals FIFA World Cup history.
- Colombia’s James Rodríguez scored a late winner against Congo DR, keeping Colombia in contention in Group C.
- Lionel Messi (Argentina v. Austria), Kylian Mbappé (France v. Iraq), and Erling Haaland (Norway vs Senegal) netted braces.
- Lamine Yamal scored his first-ever World Cup goal (Spain vs Saudi Arabia)
