​  The first day of the final round of group games is in the books, and it largely went to form — Brazil, Switzerland, Mexico all winning their groups. But then, at the very end of the day, South Africa did something dramatic and historic, and managed to qualify for the knockout rounds for the first time ever by beating South Korea to finish second in Group A!Korea are probably through as well as one of the better third-place teams (it’s a very generous format, with 32 teams of the 48 total getting to play in the knockout rounds), but it’s been a frustrating World Cup for them and now they’ll have to deal with a group winner (Germany, most likely).South Africa’s Round of 32 matchup is set already: they’ll take on Canada after the third host nation lost to Switzerland in the Group B decided and finished only runners-up. Bosnia also won in that group, putting them level on points with Canada, but the latter had a far superior goal difference thanks to their 6-0 hammering of Qatar earlier. So Bosnia finish third and will now likely face the USA in the Round of 32 next week. That’s gonna be a fun one (and I’ll be there in person, so I’m getting hyped already).In Group C, Brazil and Morocco both won easily, finishing one and two (based on goal difference). Morocco’s game against already-eliminated Haiti (4-2) was one of the more fun of the entire first round — especially the four-goal first half, with Haiti scoring a couple tremendous goals — while Brazil took advantage of Scotland’s implosion to win 3-0 (Vini Jr scoring twice to draw level with Mbappé and Haaland in the Golden Boot race; one behind Messi of course). Scotland were so bad, even Neymar got to play! Technically, Scotland could still yet advance, too, but conceding three times has destroyed their goal difference and they’ll be right on the third-place bubble.Onwards!Group E are up first, and Germany are already confirmed as group winners, so perhaps they’ll take it easy on Ecuador, who need all three points to move on. Moisés Caicedo & Co were a popular pick for tournament dark-horse, but all they’ve got to show for games against Curaçao and Côte d’Ivoire is one measly point. So it’s win or go home for them, just like it is for Curaçao. They play Côte d’Ivoire, who have three points and should be good either way (unless both Ecuador and Curaçao win, in which case they’d finish last in the group despite the three points!).Date / Time: Thursday, June 25, 2026, 4pm EDT; 9pm BSTVenue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA, USAReferee: Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)On TV: FOX Sports 1, Universo (USA); BBC Two (UK); elsewhereStreaming online: FOX One, Peacock (USA); BBC iPlayer (UK)Date / Time: Thursday, June 25, 2026, 4pm EDT; 9pm BSTVenue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ, USAReferee: Tori Penso (USA)On TV: FOX, Telemundo (USA); BBC One (UK); elsewhereStreami      ​Read More