The FIFA World Cup 2026 continued on Thursday with crucial Group A and Group B matches that are already shaping the knockout stage picture. Group A saw Mexico face South Korea at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara in a top-of-the-table clash, while Group B featured Switzerland against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada versus Qatar.
Group A: Mexico vs South Korea
Mexico entered the match after a dominant 2-0 opening win over South Africa, while South Korea had defeated Czechia 2-1. Both teams were level on three points, making this match critical for group leadership. The match at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara promised to be a fiercely contested battle between CONCACAF's most successful team and Asia's rising football power.
| Group A | MP | W | D | L | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| South Korea | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Czechia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| South Africa | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Group B: Switzerland vs Bosnia, Canada vs Qatar
Group B also featured pivotal matches. Switzerland, who drew 1-1 with Qatar in their opener, faced Bosnia and Herzegovina at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Canada, the co-hosts who earned their first World Cup point with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia, faced Qatar at BC Place in Vancouver. For Canada, a win would put them in a strong position to advance from the group stage for the first time. For India's large diaspora in Canada, the Canadian team's progress has been a source of pride, with millions of Indian-Canadians supporting the co-hosts.
The expanded 48-team format has made the group stage more competitive than ever, with 16 groups of three teams each. The top two from each group advance to the Round of 32. With Asian and African teams performing strongly in the opening matches, the tournament is shaping up as the most unpredictable World Cup in history.
India's Growing Football Audience
Football viewership in India has surged during this World Cup, with an estimated 200 million viewers for the opening matches. As Voxlogue reported, England's dramatic win over Croatia drew massive audiences. The India Football Association's grassroots programs and the growing popularity of the Indian Super League have contributed to rising interest, particularly among younger demographics. African and Asian teams' strong performances have further boosted engagement among India's diverse diaspora communities.
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