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Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu has set his sights on finishing top of Group F at the World Cup when his side face Sweden on Thursday. He praised his Swedish counterpart Graham Potter as an excellent tactician who has built a well-organized team.
Merlin, the unofficial mascot of Mexico's national team at the 2026 World Cup, was barred from attending the match against the Czech Republic due to FIFA's ban on animals at venues. Though allowed into the perimeter of Azteca Stadium, he could not watch the game, despite his recent fame.
Morocco twice fell behind to a Haiti side scoring their first World Cup goals in 52 years, but fought back to win 4-2 in Atlanta and advance to the 2026 World Cup's last 32. Achraf Hakimi, Ismael Saibari, Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine netted for the Atlas Lions, who finished second in Group C behind Brazil on goal difference.
Brazil secured a spot in the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup with a dominant 3-0 win over Scotland, led by a Vinicius Junior brace. Neymar made his first national team appearance in three years as the Seleção topped Group C with seven points.
FIFA suspended Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo five matches for a tackle that broke the leg of Canada's Ismael Kone during their World Cup 2026 group-stage match. Madibo was sent off, apologized in person, and visited Kone in hospital. The ban is for serious dangerous play but can be appealed.
Bosnia-Herzegovina beat Qatar 3-2 in their final Group B match, earning four points and a strong chance to reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time. Goals from teenager Kerim Alajbegovic, an own goal, and Ermin Mahmic sealed the win. Qatar, eliminated at the group stage again, saw veteran Hassan Alhaydos exit in tears due to injury.
After 48 matches across North America, the 2026 World Cup group stage enters its final round, determining the 32 teams that advance to the knockout phase. Key fixtures include Scotland vs Brazil, Japan vs Sweden, Norway vs France, Uruguay vs Spain, and Egypt vs Iran from June 24-27.
Lionel Messi leads the scoring chart with five goals after two matches, while Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland each have four, setting up what promises to be the most dramatic Golden Boot race in World Cup history. The expanded 48-team format and a new ball design are among factors driving a goal glut, with experts predicting double figures may be needed to win the award.
Brazil and Scotland meet in the final Group C match of the 2026 World Cup at the Miami Stadium. Brazil leads the group with four points, while Scotland seeks its first-ever knockout-stage appearance with three points after beating Haiti. Neymar may make his tournament debut after recovering from injury.
