Day 14 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered more drama as the final round of group-stage fixtures continued, with Morocco and South Africa securing memorable qualification to the Round of 32, while Mexico underlined their credentials with a flawless group campaign.
Morocco booked their place in the knockout rounds after battling back to beat Haiti 4-2 in an entertaining Group C clash at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Atlas Lions were stunned early when goalkeeper Yassine Bounou turned the ball into his own net in the 10th minute, and Haiti regained the lead before halftime through Wilson Isidor after Achraf Hakimi had briefly restored parity.
But Morocco responded with the composure expected of a side chasing qualification, as Ismael Saibari struck before the break, Soufiane Rahimi fired them ahead in the 78th minute, and Gessime Yassine added a late fourth to seal a dramatic victory.
The result sent Morocco through to the Round of 32 alongside Brazil from Group C.
Brazil, meanwhile, eased past Scotland with a commanding 3-0 win to finish top of the group on goal difference. Vinicius Junior was once again the star of the show, scoring in the seventh minute before adding a second in first-half stoppage time.
Matheus Cunha completed the scoring after the interval as Brazil completed an unbeaten group-stage run.
The victory ensured the five-time world champions advanced as group winners, while Scotland were left to reflect on a campaign that ended with elimination.
There was more history in Group A, where South Africa secured a famous place in the knockout stage with a 1-0 win over South Korea.
After a tense and cautious first half, Thapelo Maseko broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute to hand Bafana Bafana a landmark victory.
South Africa’s disciplined display was enough to book their place in the Round of 32, marking a major achievement for the African side. The result eliminated South Korea and confirmed South Africa as runners-up behind Mexico.
Mexico continued their impressive tournament with a 3-0 victory over Czechia to complete a perfect group-stage campaign.
After a goalless first half in Mexico City, Mateo Chavez opened the scoring in the 55th minute before Julian Quinones doubled the lead six minutes later.
Alvaro Fidalgo wrapped up the win deep into stoppage time as El Tri finished top of Group A with nine points from three matches, becoming one of the standout teams of the opening round.
In Group B, Switzerland defeated Canada 2-1 to secure top spot and book their place in the knockout rounds, while Canada also advanced despite the defeat.
Ruben Vargas broke the deadlock seconds into the second half before Johan Manzambi doubled Switzerland’s lead.
Promise David pulled one back for Canada in the 75th minute, but the Swiss held firm to finish on seven points, level with Canada but ahead on goal difference.
Bosnia and Herzegovina kept their hopes alive with a 3-1 win over Qatar, whose campaign ended in disappointment.
Kerim Alajbegovic opened the scoring before Qatar defender Sultan Al-Brake inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. Hassan Al-Haydos gave Qatar hope before the break, but Ermin Mahmic restored Bosnia’s two-goal cushion in the second half.
The defeat confirmed Qatar’s elimination, making them the third Arab side to exit the tournament, while Bosnia were left waiting to discover whether their third-place finish would be enough to send them through among the best-ranked third-place teams.
By the end of Day 14, Morocco, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Switzerland, and Canada had all confirmed their places in the Round of 32, while Qatar, Czechia, and Haiti saw their World Cup journeys come to an end.
On the other hand, Scotland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and South Korea are waiting for the final list of the best of thirds.
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