World Cup 2026 live updates: Mexico outlasts South Korea 1-0; Canada routs Qatar 6-0

With two minutes to play in stoppage time, Mexico easily cleared a corner kick from South Korea to keep the Red Devils at bay. That's how it went most of the night for Mexico in its 1-0 win. South Korea had very few chances to score, and what opportunities it did have Mexico was able to deny.

Players of Korea Republic show dejection after the team's 0-1 defeat.  David Ramos / Getty Images

The win gives Mexico six points through a 2-0 start, which is enough to ensure it will play in the knockout round with one group-stage game still to play.

Ismaël Koné, who appeared to sustain a major leg injury during Canada's 6-0 victory against Qatar earlier tonight, will undergo surgery, according to the national team coach, Jesse Marsch.

The game was nearly thrown into chaos in the 88th minute.

After a South Korean cross into the box, Cho Gue-sung hit a header right at the right leg of Mexican goalkeeper Raúl Rangel. It wasn't a clean save, though, and as the ball bounced away from the goal, South Korea's Yang Hyun-jun had a chance while he was falling to tap the ball over Rangel's head, only for Rangel to corral it for a save only literally inches from going into the goal.

On the South Korean sideline, star Son Heung-min looked slack-jawed at the missed chance.

South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu made a mistake earlier that led to Mexico's goal and 1-0 lead, but Kim just kept his team down just one goal by saving a hard shot from Raúl Jiménez to his chest and face in the 71st minute.

Hyun-Jun Yang of South Korea, No. 20, shoots after Mexican goalkeeper Raúl Rangel saved a header from Gue-Sung Cho. Carl Recine / Getty Images

Four minutes later, South Korea created its best chance to score tonight, but a sliding Lee Kang-in could not get his foot on a beautiful cross into the box.

Orbelín Pineda and Obed Vargas — with Vargas taking the place of tonight's goalscorer, Luis Romo — have come on for Mexico in the 71st minute, while South Korea has put on Yang Hyun-jun and Eom Ji-sung.

Paik Seung-ho has been given a yellow card after a tackle that was ruled over the line. It's the second yellow card of the game for South Korea.

Though Son Heung-min has at times ranked among the best goalscorers in the world, South Korea will play the last half-hour and change with him on the bench after it substituted him off for Oh Hyeon-gyu.

Luis Romo of Mexico celebrates with teammates after scoring their team's first goal tonight. Hugo Rivera / Jam Media via Getty Images

And 50 minutes into this game we have a goal. South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu jumped high to corral a pop-fly header, only to have the ball slip out of his mitts as he fell over the top of his teammate. The ball popped loose right in front of Luis Romo, who took advantage of South Korea's miscommunication to drop in a volley for a goal.

If either South Korea or Mexico wins tonight, it will assure itself a place in the knockout round, because the winner would have a 2-0 start to the group stage and put it atop the group with six points. Because the rest of the group, Czechia and South Africa, have just one point each, with one group game to go, that buffer would be enough to guarantee a place in the knockout round for the winner.

Which team is able to create a quality opportunity to score first?

South Korea and Mexico are locked in a 0-0 draw after 49 minutes, including stoppage time. In some matches, a score like that might disguise multiple missed opportunities; not this one, though. It has truly been a defensive struggle as the teams combined for one shot on goal in the first half. Both teams created just 0.11 expected goals.

Estadio Akron in Guadalajara tonight.  David Ramos / Getty Images

The first half will end with four minutes of stoppage time.

Mexican forward Julian Quiñones, left, and South Korean defender Lee Han-beom. Ulises Ruiz / AFP via Getty Images

Thirty-four minutes into this match, there has been a grand total of one shot on goal. Even though Mexico has completed 87% of its passes, only a few have been able to push deep into South Korea's defense. It's telling, meanwhile, that the Red Devils' best chances of scoring have each come on plays in which they were ultimately offside.

A bit of back-and-forth has begun as the first-half hydration break arrives. After South Korea nearly made a run toward the goal, Mexico returned the favor with Roberto Alvarado's pass into Julián Quiñones, who sent a header with some pace into the box before it was saved by Kim Seung-gyu.

An offside on Son Heung-min ultimately nullified the play, but let's not overlook the amazing defensive effort by Mexico 16 minutes into the match. With Son running toward the goal trying to corral a loose ball, he popped the ball high in the air, looking as though it would bounce into the goal. But Edson Álvarez jumped high to boot it away from the goal line with an overhead kick, landing on his back in the process.

Lee Kang-in of South Korea receives a yellow card from referee Gustavo Tejera. David Ramos / Getty Images

Midfielder Lee Kang-in has been given a yellow card only four minutes into the match.

Though both teams are coming off wins, each tweaked its starting 11 from those openers, with Mexico changing three starters. One change was involuntary after captain César Montes earned a red card and was suspended for tonight's game. South Korea made one change, moving in Kim Moon-hwan.

Fans of Mexico stand for the national anthem before the kickoff.  David Ramos / Getty Images

Playing in Guadalajara, Mexico will have home-field advantage. We've already seen one co-host nation win today after Canada's 6-0 rout of Qatar. Can Mexico earn its second win of the tournament? This should be an excellent match against a South Korean side that also has a victory after its comeback last week to beat Czechia.

As World Cup fever sweeps the U.S., some fans say tickets purchased through resale platforms like StubHub never arrived. While refunds were offered, many were left scrambling after booking travel. NBC News’ Allie Canal reports.

Some World Cup fans left empty-handed after ticket purchases fall through

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Canada controlled the ball for nearly 80% of its 6-0 win against Qatar, and its win was never in doubt, starting with the first goal 16 minutes in.

Jonathan David scored three goals, but the match wasn't without a blemish, as Ismaël Koné suffered what appeared to be a potentially tournament-ending leg injury.

Canada is now tied with Switzerland atop Group B, with both teams holding four points after two matches.

Well, this won't be the highest-scoring game of the tournament so far — Germany scored seven times in its first win — but Canada will still match the Germans for the largest winning margin after taking a 6-0 lead with only four minutes left in stoppage time.

Jonathan David of Canada celebrates after scoring a hat trick.  Ercin Erturk / Anadolu via Getty Images

Half of those goals come from Jonathan David, who scored in the 92nd minute to join Lionel Messi as the only players to pull off hat tricks in this World Cup.

Mahmoud Abunada of Qatar takes drinks while receiving medical. Alex Grimm / Getty Images

After allowing a fourth goal of the match, Qatari goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada pointed to his shoulder, which led to a brief assessment by trainers. He stayed in the game, but at the 83rd-minute mark he summoned their help again to look at a leg. He has remained in the game, again.

Canada, meanwhile, keeps sending off its starters in favor of fresh legs, with four non-injury substitutions so far.

Canada is up 5-0 in the 75th minute after Qatar's Mohammad Al Manai went to clear a shot on goal by Jacob Shaffelburg, only to end up deflecting it into the net for yet another goal for Canada.

A crowd that appears dressed almost entirely in Canadian red came to watch a win, and it is certainly getting one of the most dominant performances of this World Cup.

Qatar's yellow card earned Canada a free kick, which Nathan Saliba bent around the defensive wall into the lower right corner of the goal thanks to a bank off the post. Canada now leads 4-0 after 63 minutes.

In a touching tribute, Saliba ran over to the sideline after scoring and held up the jersey of Ismaël Koné, the teammate who left the field on a stretcher minutes earlier after suffering what looked to be a serious leg injury.

Ahmed Fathy is the latest Qatari player to earn a card — this one yellow, after a tackle of Jonathan David — in what has become one of the sloppiest games any team has played in this World Cup thus far. Qatar has earned two red cards and is down to just nine players while trailing 3-0 in the 62nd minute.

After a lengthy bit of stoppage time to deal with the injury of Canada's Ismaël Koné, the match has resumed.

The injury is obviously a brutal blow to Canada's starting 11. The one silver lining of this 3-0 lead, however, is that it is so large that Canada most likely won't feel pressure to play captain Alphonso Davies. Though he is available to play today, Davies (hamstring) would probably benefit from another day of rest, and the 3-0 cushion should give Canada no compelling reason to play him.

In the 53rd minute, medical personnel brought a stretcher out onto the field to take off injured Canadian Ismaël Koné, who sustained what appeared to be a very serious leg injury. Teammates jumped to his defense against Qatar's Assim Madibo, then surrounded Koné where he lay on the ground.

Kone eventually gave a thumb's up signal to the crowd and sat up as he was being taken off.

Madibo was first given a yellow card, then a red.

Down one player and three goals, Qatar has a tall order ahead of it in its attempt to draw a point from this match. Canada can move into a tie atop its group with a win if it can close out a victory over the next 45 minutes.

Jonathan David #10 of Canada celebrates after scoring his team's second goal . Lampson Yip / Clicks Images via Getty Images

Well, this has been one of the most one-sided matches of the tournament thus far. Jonathan David has scored twice, with Cyle Larin responsible for the other goal.

Canada has an 8-0 advantage in shots on goal; meanwhile, Qatar is down to 10 men after a red card, the fifth of the tournament so far.

Canada has completed 88% of its passes to 72% for Qatar.

Jonathan David, No. 10, celebrates with teammates Ali Ahmed, left, and Stephen Eustaquio after scoring Canada's third goal. Sarah Stier / FIFA via Getty Images

After a fight for the ball in front of the goal, Canada's Jonathan David scores his second goal of the game for a 3-0 Canadian lead in the 48th minute.

Just a brutal start for Qatar, which now gets a red card and the dismissal of Homam El Amin.

In the 28th minute, this game already has become one giant Canadian celebration. A goal by Jonathan David has extended the lead to 2-0.

As the match reaches the hydration break, Canada has controlled possession for more than two-thirds of this game. It already has three shots on goal to none for Qatar.

Following a corner kick, Cyle Larin scores for Canada on a close-range shot for a 1-0 lead over Qatar. The goal immediately pays dividends for coach Jesse Marsch, who added Larin to today's starting lineup in a change from the team's first match.

These teams aren't waiting to feel each other out. Canada had a great opportunity to score in the seventh minute, when Ali Ahmed delivered a perfect ball to Jonathan David, but Qatari goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada blocked his shot.

Just one minute later, Qatar moved quickly to counter, and Derek Cornelius picked up a yellow card on a tackle trying to stop the break.

Qatar is starting the same 11 that began its draw against Switzerland, but Canadian coach Jesse Marsch has tinkered with his group. Tani Oluwaseyi and Liam Millar are out of the starting lineup, replaced by Cyle Larin, who will play up front, and Ali Ahmed.

In Vancouver, British Columbia, Group B action has begun. The big news for Team Canada is that captain and left back Alphonso Davies is available to play after he injured a hamstring last month for his club, Bayern Munich. He is not in the starting 11, but he could play off the bench.

Canada and Qatar drew their first matches, making this an extremely important opportunity for their hopes of advancing out of the group stage.

Dan Le Batard and the Shipping Container unpack Cristiano Ronaldo's nightmarish showing for Portugal and discuss how he could provide much more value as a match-dependent substitute, which his sports ego won't allow.

For soccer fans like Miko Zhang, China’s failure to qualify for this year’s World Cup is almost beside the point.

Early yesterday, as Argentina sealed a 3-0 victory over Algeria, hundreds of fans gathered on the courtyard lawn of Beijing’s Argentine Embassy to cheer the team on. Some wore the country’s blue-and-white jerseys while lounging on soccer ball-shaped beanbags, while others relished an early barbecue lunch featuring Argentine beef.

“I’m used to it! Maybe in 10 years. For now, we have Messi,” Zhang, 34, told NBC News when asked about China’s absence from the tournament, referring to Argentina superstar Lionel Messi.

China has not qualified for the men’s World Cup since 2002, but soccer remains deeply popular in the country, where more than 44 million watched South Korea’s opening game against Czechia last week, according to data from state broadcaster CCTV.

What a game. What started as a slow first half finished with a dramatic final 20 minutes and a flurry of goals.

Substitutions brought fresh life to Switzerland's team in the second half, and those subs scored three goals in a matter of minutes — two by Johan Manzambi and one by Rubén Vargas.

In stoppage time, Bosnia and Herzegovina's Ermin Mahmić scored a goal to respond. But in the final moments, the referee called a penalty kick, and Xhaka, the Swiss captain, scored to cement the game.

In the end, Switzerland maintained 62% possession with seven shots on goal, compared with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s three.

Switzerland lands a fourth goal with a penalty kick.

Granit Xhaka slams it into the right corner of the net.

With stoppage time nearly expired, Switzerland was just awarded a penalty kick after a foul in the box.

Not ready to accept a blowout loss, Bosnia and Herzegovina's Ermin Mahmić lands one in the net in stoppage time! All four goals in this game have come from players who entered as substitutes.

Manzambi came on as a substitute in the 71st minute, and now has scored two goals. Switzerland leads 3-0 in the final moments of this game.

Johan Manzambi, Switzerland's rising star, had just been subbed onto the field a few minutes before he scored the game's first goal, replacing Dan Ndoye.

Looks as if that fresh energy paid off. Just 20 years old, Manzambi plays for the Bundesliga club SC Freiburg. He became the youngest Switzerland player to score at a World Cup since 1950.

Switzerland's not done yet! Rubén Vargas hammers it in the from the left straight into the back of the net! It's 2-0!

The referee pulled out a red card for Bosnia and Herzegovina's Tarik Muharemović for sliding down and tripping Switzerland's Breel Embolo as he was racing toward the Bosnian box. Switzerland was given a free kick just outside the box, but Bosnia and Herzegovina’s goalkeeper made the save.

Bosnia and Herzegovina will have to play the rest of the game with only 10 players. There's just under 10 minutes remaining, plus whatever stoppage time is added.

Switzerland's aggressive charge has finally paid off! Gorgeous shot by Johan Manzambi, who volleyed it into the net. The goalie got a hand on it, but the shot was too strong.

In the 67th minute, Bosnia and Herzegovina had a golden chance with Amar Dedić ripping a shot from the far center, but it's blocked by Swiss goalkeeper Kobel.

Now it's time for a hydration break.

Another yellow card is called, this time for Switzerland's Nico Elvedi for a foul.

First card of the game: Bosnia and Herzegovina's Amar Dedić gets a yellow for pulling Dan Ndoye's shirt as he chased him down field.

Another yellow card came a few minutes later, called on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Edin Džeko.

Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro shows a yellow card to Bosnia-Herzegovina's defender Amar Dedic, left, during the 2026 World Cup Group B football match against Switzerland on Thursday. Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images

Woah! Switzerland's Dan Ndoye won’t stop!

In a power move, he flipped a bicycle kick from the left and fired it toward the goal where it's blocked by Bosnia and Herzegovina’s keeper Vasilj. In the end, the referees ruled that Switzerland was offsides on the play, so it wouldn't have counted regardless. But what a thrilling sequence right there.

Switzerland's Dan Ndoye fired a shot from the left corner of the box, but it was caught by Bosnia and Herzegovina's keeper Vasilj. Ndoye has been active today.

And we're back! Second half is underway. We'll see if either Switzerland or Bosnia and Herzegovina can score a goal.

Bosnia and Herzegovina came back with renewed energy after the hydration break, creeping further into Swiss territory, but the team couldn't quite execute. Switzerland’s offense thus far has been more precise and organized. 

Switzerland has maintained 69% possession and 89% accurate passes. Both teams have had one shot on goal, both saved.

We're a few minutes away from halftime. The game still scoreless.

Bosnia and Herzegovina's Amar Memić tried to power a kick into Switzerland's goal, but no dice, as it's caught by Switzerland's goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.

We're at the 30-minute mark and Switzerland has maintained possession of this game, as Bosnia and Herzegovina gives a steeled defense.

So far, Switzerland outnumbers Bosnia and Herzegovina's attempts for a goal. But there's still time.

Manuel Akanji of Switzerland chases after the ball under pressure from Ermedin Demirovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match on Thursday. Dean Mouhtaropoulos / Getty Images

Switzerland's Remo Freuler saw his opportunity and drove in a kick, but it whizzed just past the goal post.

Now the teams are on a hydration break.

In the 19th minute, Switzerland's Dan Ndoye saw a pocket and drove the ball toward the goal, but it was caught by Bosnia and Herzegovina's goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.

Bosnia and Herzegovina striker Edin Dzeko is one of eight players at this World Cup, who entered the tournament at 40-years old or older. The list includes some pretty impressive names. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, Croatia's Luka Modric, Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, and Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha, who's an early star of the tournament.

Switzerland has been driving hard for a goal.

In the 10th minute, Switzerland's Granit Xhaka passed to Dan Ndoye in the box who tried for a shot but it went off the post. That move was followed by two more attempts in Bosnia and Herzegovina's box, but none into the net.

The first half has kicked off. Both teams recorded draws in their first matches. Can one of them come away with a win today in Los Angeles? It's only the second matchup of this World Cup between two European countries, after England and Croatia played yesterday.

Joe Prince-Wright, Nick Mendola, and Andy Edwards heap praise on the stars of the tournament, who have all shown up in a big way during the opening round of group stage matches.

The final whistle may have ended the match, but the celebration was just getting started for England supporters in North Texas.

Fans packed The Londoner in Addison following England’s 4-2 World Cup victory over Croatia, turning the pub into a sea of cheers, chants and celebration. The crowd remained energized long after the match ended, reflecting the tournament atmosphere that has spread well beyond the stadium.

For Stephanie Castle, who traveled from London, the experience was unforgettable.

“Every time I watch them I feel so proud. I’m so proud to be English and now I’m here in a place like this where everybody else is cheering for the team as well and they deserve it,”said Castle.

This match finally picked up in the second half, reflecting the desperation each side had after losing their opening matches.

South Africa dominated in possession, and it finally paid off in the second half when Bafana Bafana got a penalty after a handball in the box.

For Czechia, its offense never quite picked up after its first goal.

Ultimately, both sides did enough to pick up a much-needed point and stay alive in group play.

Evidence Makgopa had a nice look at the goal, but he rushed his shot and was stopped by Matej Kovár.

That was close! A left-footed strike by Lukás Provod from the left side of the box swung just wide right of the goal.

Will either side break the tie in the final few minutes?

South Africa staying on the attack after the penalty.

Relebohile Mofokeng just took a right-footed shot from outside the box that was swinging toward the left side of the net, but it was saved by a diving Matej Kovár.

We have a tie game!

After the handball in the box on Czechia's Pavel Sulc, Teboho Mokoena stepped in for a penalty, closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and buried a shot into the left side of the net to make this a 1-1 match with under 10 minutes to go.

Massive chance now for Bafana Bafana.

Can South Africa do anything with all this time on the ball?

South Africa recorded its first shot on target in the 74th minute, via a soft header from Evidence Makgopa. It barely had any juice as it fell into the goalkeeper’s arms, but a shot on goal nonetheless.

Krejcí’s foul leads to a free kick for South Africa.

South Africa leads in possession 61% to 39%, but it hasn’t meant much. Czechia leads in expected goals, shots on goal, chances created and, of course, actual goals, leading this match 1-0.

Noah is surely watching the game right now, as South Africa faces off against Czechia.

The action is picking up a bit, as South Africa is on the hunt for an equalizer.

Penso, 39, became the first American woman to referee a men’s World Cup match during this Czechia vs. South Africa contest. Penso is only the second woman to referee a men’s World Cup match, and the first since 2022.

Her two assistants, Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt, are also American women.

Mofokeng is only 21 years old and considered a rising star. Maybe he can create some momentum and chances for the team. He made his debut for Bafana Bafana in 2024 during World Cup qualifying.

Let’s see if we get some more action over these next 45 minutes.

South Africa just had its best chance right before halftime, as Thapelo Maseko tried to uncork a left footer off a rebound, but his shot was blocked by a Czechia defender.

Otherwise, it was a pretty sleepy half following the Czechia goal. South Africa is dominating possession (63% to 37%) and has made over 100 more accurate passes than Czechia. But the chances have been few and far between for both sides.

South Africa has thoroughly dominated possession since the Czechia goal.

That’s Mokoena’s second yellow, he will miss the team’s next game.

We’re 30 minutes into a match that’s been low on scoring opportunities since the early goal by Czechia. Let’s see if either side plays with some more urgency as we approach halftime.

While South Africa has taken the lead in possession time, Czechia leads in expected goals and chances created. Most importantly, Czechia leads on the scoreboard, 1-0.

In addition to scoring the match’s only goal so far, Czechia leads in shots and chances created. South Africa is finally starting to control the ball more, but hasn’t been able to put real pressure on the goal.

Teboho Mokoena of South Africa is challenged by Vladimir Coufal and Tomas Holes of Czechia. Alex Slitz / Getty Images

Czechia is up 1-0 in the sixth minute after a strike from Michal Sadílek inside the box.

The play started with a throw-in that eventually reached Sadílek on the far post, and he buried his second career international goal.

Both teams lost in their first match. Let’s see if either side can pick up a win in Atlanta.

For Bafana Bafana:

For Czechia:

Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi will not travel to Canada for this weekend’s World Cup clash with Germany, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) said today, a day after the player was linked to an investigation into suspected sports corruption in a Ligue 1 match.

The FIF said they had full confidence in Wahi and that he was not travelling for Saturday’s match in Toronto because authorizations for his travel to Canada had not been obtained.

French authorities said unusual betting patterns were detected around a yellow card Wahi received in a Ligue 1 match while playing for Nice last month.

“To date, the FIF has not been officially notified of any legal or administrative proceedings concerning him,” the FIF said in a statement.

“During this particularly difficult period, the FIF offers its full support to the player and reaffirms its confidence in him. Elye Wahi remains an important member of the Ivory Coast national team.

Canada has a chance to take a decisive step toward the knockouts against unfancied Qatar, with all four teams in their group level on 1 point after the Qataris earned a surprise tie with Switzerland. A win would ease the pressure on the Canadians, who impressed and earned a first World Cup point in an opening game tie with Bosnia, ahead of a tricky final game against the talented Swiss. 

The FIFA Fan Festival at Boston’s City Hall Plaza has been canceled today due to the possibility of severe weather.

“Due to the likelihood of high winds and concerns about public safety we will be closed today, Thursday June 18th,” the FIFA Fan Festival posted on its website. “We apologize for the inconvenience and encourage you to enjoy the sport safely where you can. If you missed out today please register for a later day. Thank you for your understanding.”

The organizing committee, Boston 26, said its priority is to ensure the safety of fans, staff, volunteers and emergency service personnel.

Trysta Krick and Jay Croucher preview the upcoming World Cup match between Mexico and South Korea, where the host country will have a home advantage for the second day of Group A play.

Co-hosts Mexico and Canada are back in action as the second round of fixtures begins in Groups A and B. Mexico and South Korea have the chance to cement a place in the Round of 32, while South Africa and Czechia will be desperate to avoid an early exit.

The game of the tournament so far saw England renew its rivalry with Croatia in a six-goal thriller. This time, England triumphed, energizing its bid to end 60 years of hurt on the international stage. Thomas Tuchel was appointed with the simple task of coaching England to a World Cup win, and England showed early signs of his tactical acumen, but also his ability to inspire his players. 

Midfielder Declan Rice spoke glowingly of the halftime talk that helped spur England from a 2-2 tie at half-time to the 4-2 win, as the Three Lions roared out of the blocks in the second half. Earlier, a pair of Harry Kane goals — his ninth and 10th at World Cups — had twice put England ahead, only for some sloppy defending and smart attacking play to give Croatia a route back.