2026 World Cup Recap: Brazil’s Vinicius Runs Riot, Mexico Defeat Czechia 3-0, and South Africa Make History

2026 World Cup matches on June 25 delivered drama across two groups as the group stage reached its climax. Brazil's Vinicius Jr. announced himself as the tournament's breakout star with a brace against Scotland, while Mexico maintained their perfect record with a dominant win over Czechia. South Africa reached the knockout rounds for the first time, Switzerland topped Group B ahead of co-host Canada, Bosnia kept their maiden knockout hopes alive, and Morocco survived a spirited Haiti fightback to advance as Group C runners-up. Switzerland sealed top spot in Group B and a place in the last 32 with a 2-1 victory over co-host Canada, a result that sent both nations through. After a goalless first half, Ruben Vargas opened the scoring within a minute of the restart. Manzambi added a second in the 56th minute after impressive hold-up play from Embolo. Substitute Promise David pulled one back for Canada just 76 seconds after coming on, but Switzerland held firm. Canada, despite the defeat, made history by advancing to the last 32 for the first time, though they will now travel to Los Angeles for their next match. Bosnia and Herzegovina kept their hopes of a first-ever World Cup knockout appearance alive with a 3-1 win over Qatar in Seattle, leaving them level on four points with Canada but third in Group B on goal difference. The breakthrough came in the 29th minute when 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic drifted past two defenders and unleashed a thunderous strike. Six minutes later, Edin Dzeko's volleyed effort deflected off Sultan Al Brake for an own goal. Qatar halved the deficit before the break through Hassan Al-Haydos, but substitute Ermin Mahmic sealed the win in the 80th minute. Qatar finished bottom of the group, while Bosnia must wait to see whether four points are enough for a best third-placed berth. Scotland's World Cup dream hangs by a thread after a 3-0 defeat by Brazil in Miami, a match defined by the brilliance of Vinicius Jr. and the calamity of Scotland's defending. The Real Madrid forward opened the scoring after seven minutes, pouncing on Scott McKenna's mistake, rounding Angus Gunn, and tapping home. In first-half stoppage time, Vinicius headed in at the back post after Scotland failed to clear. Matheus Cunha scored the third goal after the break. Scotland rallied late, but could not find even a consolation. Neymar made a late cameo off the bench to the delight of the Miami crowd. Brazil topped Group C, while Scotland face an anxious wait to see if they sneak through as one of the best third-placed teams. Morocco survived a spirited Haiti fightback to win 4-2 in Atlanta and secure second place in Group C. Haiti, already eliminated, took a shock lead in the 10th minute when Lenny Joseph's flicked finish came off goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and was credited as an own goal. Achraf Hakimi levelled before the break, but Wilson Isidor restored Haiti's lead with a superb 25-yard strike. Morocco equalised again in first-half stoppage time through Ismael Saibari. Substitute Soufiane Rahimi broke Haiti's resistance in the 78th minute with a deflected effort, and Gessime Yassine added a fourth in the 89th minute. Morocco will now face one of the Netherlands, Japan, or Sweden in the last 32. Mexico maintained their 100 per cent record at this World Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Czechia at Mexico City Stadium, confirming their place as Group A winners. The hosts were made to work in a goalless first half but found their rhythm after the break. Left-back Mateo Chavez broke the deadlock with a composed finish past Matej Kovar. Julian Quinones doubled the lead after a sweeping move, and substitute Alvaro Fidalgo added a third in stoppage time with a clinical 18-yard strike. Czechia departed without scoring from open play in the group stage. South Africa made history by reaching the World Cup knockout stages for the first time with a 1-0 victory over South Korea in Monterrey, securing second place in Group A. Thapelo Maseko scored the decisive goal in the second half, cutting inside and firing into the bottom right corner from 15 yards after Tshepang Moremi's lay-off. South Korea, who brought on Son Heung-min at the break, pressed for an equaliser but found no way through a resolute South African defence. South Africa's players celebrated wildly at the final whistle, and they will now face Canada in the last 32. Upcoming matches: Thursday 25 June (all times local) 16:00: Ecuador v Germany (Group E) 16:00: Curaçao v Côte d'Ivoire (Group E) 18:00: Japan v Sweden (Group F) 18:00: Tunisia v Netherlands (Group F) 19:00: Türkiye v USA (Group D) 19:00: Paraguay v Australia (Group D)