Overview
- Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 on Thursday at Estadio Azteca with Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scoring, while two South African red cards left the visitors with nine men and damaged their Group A prospects.
- South Korea recovered from a 1-0 deficit to beat the Czech Republic 2-1 as Feyenoord midfielder Hwang In-beom scored and assisted and was named man of the match.
- Oh Huyeon-gyu came off the bench to score South Korea’s winner despite telling reporters he had a 38°C fever before the game, underscoring sudden fitness questions teams must manage.
- Canada salvaged a 1-1 draw with Bosnia when substitute Cyle Larin scored a late equaliser to give the hosts their first ever World Cup point, while coach Jesse Marsch confirmed Alphonso Davies missed the opener as he continues hamstring rehab.
- Japan’s unbeaten run versus European sides since 2018 and public confidence from players such as Tomiyasu and Itakura frame Sunday’s Netherlands match as a meaningful early test, and tournament travel, venue atmosphere and suspensions will be key variables to watch.