AfriPulse
World Cup 2026 Live Scores
By Newspot Nigeria Sports Desk
Day Eight of the 2026 FIFA World Cup opened the second round of group-stage matches with major movement in Groups A and B, as Canada recorded a historic victory, Switzerland came alive late, Mexico edged South Korea and South Africa rescued a valuable point against Czechia.
Canada produced the performance of the day with a 6-0 demolition of Qatar in Group B. Jonathan David led the rout with a hat-trick, while Cyle Larin and Nathan Saliba also scored before a Qatar own goal completed the heavy defeat.
The result was Canada’s first-ever victory at the men’s FIFA World Cup and one of the most dominant displays of the tournament so far. Qatar finished with nine players after Homam Ahmed and Assim Madibo were sent off, with Madibo’s red card coming after the tackle that left Canada midfielder Ismaël Koné seriously injured.
Canada’s joy was therefore mixed with concern, as Koné was stretchered off after receiving lengthy treatment. Nathan Saliba later honoured him after scoring, giving the night an emotional layer beyond the scoreline.
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Switzerland also made a major statement in Group B, beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 after a late attacking surge. Johan Manzambi came off the bench to score twice, while Ruben Vargas and Granit Xhaka also found the net for the Swiss.
Bosnia had frustrated Switzerland for long periods, but the match changed late in the second half after the Swiss breakthrough and a red card to Bosnia’s Tarik Muharemovic. Ermin Mahmic scored a consolation for Bosnia, but Switzerland had already done enough to move level with Canada at the top end of the group.
In Group A, Czechia and South Africa played out a 1-1 draw in Atlanta. Michal Sadilek gave Czechia an early lead, but South Africa fought back through a late Teboho Mokoena penalty after a handball decision.
The draw keeps both Czechia and South Africa alive, but neither side can afford another slip in their final group match. South Africa showed resilience after falling behind early, while Czechia will feel it missed a chance to claim all three points.
Mexico closed the day with a 1-0 victory over South Korea in Group A. The result gives Mexico back-to-back wins and puts the co-hosts in a strong position to progress from the group.
South Korea, after winning its opening match, remains in contention but will now face pressure in its final group fixture. Mexico, meanwhile, has taken control of Group A with six points from two matches.
Day 8 Results
🇨🇿 Czechia 1-1 South Africa 🇿🇦
🇨🇭 Switzerland 4-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇦
🇨🇦 Canada 6-0 Qatar 🇶🇦
🇲🇽 Mexico 1-0 South Korea 🇰🇷
Key Talking Points
Canada recorded its first-ever men’s World Cup victory.
Jonathan David scored a hat-trick in Canada’s 6-0 win over Qatar.
Qatar finished with nine players after red cards to Homam Ahmed and Assim Madibo.
Ismaël Koné was stretchered off after the challenge that led to Madibo’s red card.
Switzerland scored four late goals to beat Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Johan Manzambi came off the bench to score twice for Switzerland.
South Africa rescued a point against Czechia through a late penalty.
Mexico defeated South Korea to move clear at the top of Group A.
By The Numbers
14 goals scored across four matches.
3 wins and 1 draw on the day.
1 hat-trick from Jonathan David.
2 red cards shown to Qatar.
2 clean-sheet wins from Canada and Mexico.
6 points for Mexico after two Group A matches.
4 points each for Canada and Switzerland in Group B.
Standout Performance
Canada 6-0 Qatar
Canada’s victory was the story of Day Eight. It was historic, emotional and ruthless, with Jonathan David’s hat-trick giving the co-hosts a landmark World Cup moment in front of their home crowd.
The night also carried a difficult moment after Ismaël Koné’s injury, but Canada’s response showed unity and purpose. The win puts them in a strong position in Group B and gives their supporters a night they will not forget.
Day 8 Verdict
Day Eight belonged to Canada, but Switzerland and Mexico also took major steps forward. Canada’s six-goal rout changed the mood around Group B, Switzerland’s late burst put Bosnia under pressure, and Mexico’s narrow victory over South Korea gave the co-hosts control of Group A.
— Newspot Nigeria
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