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  • FIFA World Cup preview: knockout stakes rise as Spain, Portugal, Switzerland take center stage 

    FIFA World Cup preview: knockout stakes rise as Spain, Portugal, Switzerland take center stage 

    The knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues with three intriguing Round of 32 fixtures on Thursday, as Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Austria, Croatia, and Algeria battle for places in the last 16. With the group stage now behind them, every match becomes a do-or-die affair as the race for football’s biggest prize intensifies.


    Spain vs. Austria 

     

    3:00 AM (PHT)

     

    Spain heads into the knockout phase unbeaten after topping Group H, capping its group-stage campaign with a goalless draw against Uruguay to finish first. 

     

    Austria, meanwhile, secured second place in Group J after a thrilling 3-3 draw against Algeria in its final group match, a result that sent both nations through to the Round of 32. Austria enters the contest with six goals scored in the group stage—one more than Spain setting up an entertaining clash between two confident sides.

     

    Key player: 

    Lamine Yamal (Spain)

     

    Portugal vs. Croatia 

     

    7:00 AM (PHT)

     

    Portugal faces Croatia in one of the day’s marquee encounters. The Portuguese advanced as Group K runners-up after drawing DR Congo 1-1, beating Uzbekistan 5-0, and settling for a scoreless draw against group winner Colombia. 

     

    Croatia also finished second in Group L after bouncing back from a 4-2 loss to England with victories over Panama (1-0) and Ghana (2-1). Both sides possess experienced squads capable of making a deep tournament run.

     

    Key player:

    Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

     

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    Switzerland vs. Algeria 

     

    11:00 AM (PHT)

     

    Switzerland meets Algeria in the final Round of 32 fixture of the day. The Swiss advanced after winning Group B with two wins and one draw.

     

    While Algeria booked its place in the knockout stage by earning a dramatic 3-3 draw against Austria in its final group match, finishing among the tournament’s best third-placed teams. Switzerland will look to capitalize on its disciplined play, while Algeria hopes to carry the momentum from its resilient group-stage finish into the knockout rounds.

     

    Key player: 

    Johan Manzambi (Switzerland)

     

    With a place in the Round of 16 on the line, the three matches promise high-stakes football featuring a mix of established contenders and dangerous underdogs. As the margin for error disappears, every goal, save, and tactical adjustment could determine who keeps their World Cup dream alive.

     

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  • World Cup roundup: Canada run riot, Switzerland impress, Czechia held and Mexico secure narrow win

    World Cup roundup: Canada run riot, Switzerland impress, Czechia held and Mexico secure narrow win

    Matchday action delivered a mix of drama, late goals, and dominant performances as Group A and Group B fixtures unfolded across three compelling encounters, headlined by Canada’s emphatic 6-0 victory over Qatar and Switzerland’s commanding 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

     

     

    Czechia 1–1 South Africa (Group A)

    Czechia and South Africa shared the spoils in a tightly contested 1–1 draw that featured early promise for the Europeans before a resilient second-half response from the African side.

     

    Czechia struck first through Michal Sadílek, who opened the scoring in the 6th minute with a composed finish after a bright start that saw them control early possession and tempo. South Africa, however, grew into the match gradually, showing greater attacking intent after the interval.

     

    Their persistence was rewarded in the 83rd minute when they found the equalizer, capping off a spirited comeback to secure a valuable point. Both sides had late half-chances to snatch victory, but neither could find a decisive breakthrough as the match ended all square.

    Switzerland 4–1 Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group B)

    Switzerland produced one of the standout performances of the day, overpowering Bosnia and Herzegovina 4–1 in a match defined by attacking depth, set-piece efficiency, and late-game dominance.

     

    The Swiss attack was spearheaded by a collective effort. Johan Manzambi struck twice, scoring in the 74th and 90th minutes to bookend a strong second-half display. Ruben Vargas added his name to the scoresheet in the 84th minute, while veteran midfielder Granit Xhaka sealed the emphatic win with a stoppage-time penalty in the 90+7th minute.

     

    Bosnia and Herzegovina briefly threatened to mount resistance through Ermin Mahmić, who scored in the 90+3rd minute, but their challenge was significantly hampered after Tarik Muharemović was shown a red card in the 80th minute, leaving them exposed during Switzerland’s late surge.

     

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    Canada 6–0 Qatar (Group B)

    Canada delivered the most dominant performance of the day, dismantling Qatar in a ruthless 6-0 rout that showcased their attacking firepower and depth.

     

    The tone was set early by Cyle Larin, who opened the scoring in the 16th minute. From there, Canada never looked back. Jonathan David was the star of the show, producing a sensational hat-trick with goals in the 29th, 45+3rd, and 90+2nd minutes, consistently exploiting defensive gaps and punishing Qatar’s high line.

     

    Midfielder Nathan Saliba added a composed finish in the 64th minute, while Qatar’s misery deepened when Mohammed Manai turned the ball into his own net in the 75th minute. The Asian side’s discipline also unraveled after Homam Ahmed was sent off in the 33rd minute, followed by Assim Madibo receiving a second red card in the 53rd minute, leaving Qatar with an impossible uphill battle.

     

     

    Group A: Mexico Edge South Korea

    In another Group A fixture, Mexico secured a narrow 1–0 victory over South Korea thanks to a decisive strike from Luis Romo in the 50th minute. It was a disciplined performance from the Mexicans, who managed the game efficiently after taking the lead and held firm defensively to preserve all three points.

     

     

    Matchday Summary

    It was a day defined by contrast: Canada’s relentless attacking display, Switzerland’s late flourish, and a tense draw between Czechia and South Africa. Discipline proved decisive, particularly in Qatar and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s matches, where red cards significantly shifted momentum.

     

    As group standings begin to take shape, Canada emerge as early statement-makers, Switzerland reinforce their credentials as serious contenders, and Mexico quietly continue to accumulate crucial points in Group A.

     

    More fixtures await, but Matchday has already delivered a clear message: margins are thin, and discipline and depth will define progression in this tournament.

     

     

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