All three World Cup 2026 hosts advance to knockout stage

First time in World Cup history, three co-hosts. All three reach knockout stage. Canada joins US, Mexico after final Group B match.

Before final matchday, Mexico, US secure advancement. Both top Group A, D. Focus shifts to Vancouver. Canada hosts Switzerland for Group B top spot.

Promise David (center) celebrates goal reducing score with Nathan Saliba (left) and Jonathan David in Canada 1-2 loss to Switzerland, final Group B match, World Cup 2026, BC Place, Vancouver, June 24. Photo: AP

Vancouver stadium packed. Canada enters match leading group. Need draw to keep top spot. Coach Jesse Marsch targeted top spot since taking over. Goal within reach after scoreless first half.

Things change after halftime. Switzerland surge. First attack of second half, Johan Manzambi crosses from right. Ruben Vargas controls, shoots bottom left past Crepeau. Goal at 39 seconds of second half. Earliest second-half goal at World Cup since Daniel Agger own goal in 2010.

Switzerland opening goal against Canada

Situation worsens in 57th minute. Embolo beats offside trap, passes Alistair Johnston, cuts back to Manzambi. 20-year-old Swiss midfielder shoots first-time. Shot not powerful, but Crepeau lets ball slip through hands into net.

Manzambi makes it 2-0 for Switzerland

Manzambi remains exciting discovery for Switzerland. After scoring two off bench against Bosnia and Herzegovina, player adds goal, assist against Canada. Total: three goals, one assist in 100 minutes. 20-year-old midfielder becomes third U21 player involved in four goals at single World Cup, after Thomas Muller (2010), Kylian Mbappe (2018).

Down 0-2, Canada wakes up. Marsch makes substitutions. Subs make instant impact. 76th minute, Nathan Saliba controls long ball, assists Promise David for right-foot volley. Score 1-2. Beautiful goal from assist to finish.

Promise David reduces score for Canada

Canada joins Switzerland, Germany for most goals by substitutes at World Cup 2026 (three goals). David goal not enough. 1-2 loss costs co-hosts top spot to Switzerland. Still, they achieve main goal: knockout stage ticket as runners-up. Canada faces Group A runners-up, likely South Korea, in round of 16 in Los Angeles, June 28.

During Vancouver match, Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Qatar in Seattle affects Group B standings.

Bosnia & Herzegovina play with determination. Only win keeps qualification hopes alive. After missed chances, European side opens scoring in 29th minute. 18-year-old midfielder Kerim Alajbegovic dribbles past Qatar defenders, shoots into top corner. One of best goals of group stage.

Bosnia & Herzegovina open scoring against Qatar

Five minutes later, Bosnia & Herzegovina double lead. Sultan Al Brake scores own goal trying to block Edin Dzeko pass. 40-year-old striker substituted in 64th minute. Unhappy, throws water bottle, argues with coach Sergej Barbarez.

Qatar looks close to collapse, but Asian side finds hope before halftime. 42nd minute, Edmilson Junior assists Hassan Al Haydos for close-range finish. Score 1-2. Qatar almost equalizes in first-half stoppage time, Pedro Miguel hits post. Julen Lopetegui team fails to capitalize on momentum.

Qatar goal

In final 10 minutes, Bosnia & Herzegovina seal win. Sub Ermin Mahmic scores to make it 3-1 in 80th minute. Mahmic second goal of tournament. Becomes top scorer for Bosnia & Herzegovina in World Cup history.

Win puts Bosnia & Herzegovina at four points, third place. Keeps hopes alive to advance among best third-place teams. Qatar finishes with one point, eliminated. Second Asian team out, after Jordan. Qatar, Jordan are reigning Asian Cup champions, runners-up.

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