World Cup final day of group play will set the field for the round of 32
AP News • • sports
Key Points:
- Eight teams were competing for four spots in the World Cup round of 32 heading into the final group matches, with Scotland eliminated and hosts the U.S., Canada, and Mexico among those advancing.
- The U.S. will face Bosnia-Herzegovina on July 1, Canada will play South Africa on June 28, and Mexico will host Ecuador on June 30, with other key matchups including Brazil vs. Japan and France vs. Sweden.
- The eight best third-place teams also qualify for the round of 32, with tiebreakers based on goal differential and goals scored.
- Notable games include Norway vs. Ivory Coast, Germany vs. Paraguay, and Argentina vs. Cape Verde, with the latter featuring the defending champions against the smallest country to reach this stage.
- Mexico enters the knockout round with a perfect group record and strong home-field advantage, while teams like the U.S. and Germany look to build momentum after mixed group performances.
