Canada, Switzerland, Jesse Marsch, Alphonso Davies and Promise David.
Canada’s final Group B World Cup match in Vancouver.

Canada reached the men’s World Cup knockouts for the first time but lost 2-1 to Switzerland, missing the chance to top Group B. The result sends Canada to Los Angeles instead of a home knockout match in Vancouver.

Switzerland struck twice after half-time before Promise David pulled one back, while Canada failed to find the draw needed for first place. Marsch admitted he should have changed shape earlier and said Alphonso Davies will be ready next.

Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and head coach Javier Aguirre.
Mexico’s 3-0 World Cup win over Czechia at the Estadio Azteca.

Guillermo Ochoa came on in the 78th minute as Mexico beat Czechia 3-0, giving the 40-year-old minutes at his sixth World Cup. Mexico completed a perfect group stage and topped Group A with three wins.

Aguirre used the cameo as a tribute to Ochoa, who received a huge ovation and helped start the move for Mexico’s third goal. The veteran became Mexico’s oldest World Cup player and plans to retire internationally after the tournament.

FIFA, the European Football Clubs group and leading Premier League clubs.
Ahead of planning for the 2029 Club World Cup.

FIFA has agreed a joint venture with the European Football Clubs group that could lead to a 48-team Club World Cup in 2029. The plan may open more places for Premier League clubs and other major European sides.

European clubs want country caps eased after several champions missed the 32-team edition, while FIFA seeks stronger commercial value. The move follows prize-money success for Chelsea, although unresolved solidarity payments from the previous tournament remain a sticking point.

Mauricio Pochettino, United States players Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson.
Ahead of the United States’ final World Cup group match against Türkiye.

Mauricio Pochettino said the United States will not start four players on yellow cards against Türkiye, with top spot already secured and the round of 32 ahead. Christian Pulisic is available again, while Cristian Roldan remains a doubt.

The decision protects Adams, Balogun, Richards and Robinson from suspensions before yellow cards are wiped after the group stage. Pochettino wants a rotated side to stay aggressive, while managing injuries and preparing for a likely Bosnia-Herzegovina knockout test.

Bosnia-Herzegovina and Qatar.
After their final Group B match.

Bosnia-Herzegovina beat Qatar 3-1 to finish third in Group B on four points, putting them on the brink of the knockout stage. They are now widely projected to face the United States in the round of 32.

The result leaves Bosnia almost certain to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams after earlier games against Canada and Switzerland. Their route now likely sends them to San Francisco for a high-profile meeting with the USMNT.

Mauricio Pochettino and the United States.
Before the USMNT’s final group match against Turkey.

Mauricio Pochettino says Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson will not start against Turkey because all four are on yellow cards. The United States have already secured top spot in Group D.

Pochettino said the risk of suspension for the round of 32 is unnecessary, especially with group position settled. Christian Pulisic is available after a calf issue, while Cristian Roldan remains a doubt with a quad problem.

Austria and Algeria.
Before their final World Cup Group J match.

A strange Group J scenario could make finishing third more attractive than second for Austria and Algeria. Argentina have already won the group, while both teams are locked above eliminated Jordan before their final match.

The runner-up is likely to face Spain, while third place may produce a weaker route. Because the match is last in the group stage schedule, both sides could know exactly which result gives a better draw.

France, Iraq, FIFA
Monday

France’s World Cup match against Iraq became the tournament’s first weather-affected game after thunderstorms delayed the second half in Philadelphia. Stadium gates had also opened late, with supporters earlier told not to travel because of severe weather.

Under local thunderstorm protocol, play must stop when lightning is detected within eight miles of the stadium. A 30-minute countdown is required before resumption, and the clock resets if another strike is detected inside the safety radius.

Lionel Messi, Argentina
Monday

Lionel Messi became the outright leading scorer in men’s World Cup history with two goals in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria. He moved to 18 tournament goals, passed Miroslav Klose, and sent Argentina into the round of 32.

Messi missed an early penalty but recovered with a first-half finish from Facundo Medina’s cutback and a stoppage-time second. Argentina now have six points from two games, with Messi scoring all five of their tournament goals so far.

Mexico, United States and Germany
After the latest group-stage results

Mexico, the United States and Germany have qualified for the World Cup round of 32, while Haiti, Turkey and Tunisia have been eliminated. The expanded format is starting to shape early knockout paths and third-place calculations.

Mexico sealed top spot, the United States won Group D after beating Paraguay and Australia, and Germany secured Group E. Several groups remain open, with third-place qualification making final-round scenarios more complex across the tournament.