RecapThursday, June 25

Group Stage Closes with Chaos and Coronations

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The final matchday delivered upsets in Group A and B while Brazil and Morocco sealed safe passage in Group C, as 83% of the pool navigated the drama successfully.

While the bookies made Korea Republic and Switzerland clear favourites in their respective clashes, only 48 of you backed the Koreans (who fell to South Africa) and 36 trusted the Swiss (who vindicated you with a come-from-behind win over Canada).

Bafana Bafana Shock Korea to Steal Qualification

South Africa's 1-0 victory over Korea Republic ranks as the day's defining upset, defying both the pre-match odds that installed the Taeguk Warriors as favourites and a pool that backed Korea 48-15. Evidence Makgopa's second-half header sent Bafana Bafana through in second place on four points while Korea Republic's Son Heung-min exits the tournament winless despite his captain's desperate efforts. The Atlas Lions of Group C weren't the only North Africans celebrating — South Africa join them in the knockout rounds, leaving only 15 of you celebrating alongside them while 48 rue the upset.

Switzerland Edge Canada in Group B's Tightest Affair

The Swiss sealed top spot in Group B with a composed 2-1 victory over Canada that played out precisely as 17 of you predicted. Granit Xhaka orchestrated from midfield while Xherdan Shaqiri's decisive second-half finish proved the difference after Canada had briefly levelled through Alphonso Davies. Bosnia & Herzegovina's 3-1 dismantling of Qatar — backed by 56 of you — saw Edin Džeko's brace confirm the hosts' elimination on a single point, but the Zmajevi's four points weren't enough to leapfrog Canada's superior goal difference of plus-five. Switzerland march on unbeaten with seven points, vindicating the 36 of you who trusted them against the Canucks.

Morocco and Brazil Cruise Through Group C

The Atlas Lions roared to a 4-2 victory over Haiti that was never in doubt despite the scoreline, with Hakim Ziyech's brace and Youssef En-Nesyri's clinical finishing delivering the goals that 71 of you anticipated (though none called the exact 4-2 thriller). Morocco finish level on seven points with Brazil, who dispatched Scotland 3-0 in a performance that had Vinícius Júnior dancing past defenders and Richarlison adding two more to his tournament tally. The Samba boys top Group C on goal difference, exactly as 68 of you forecast, while Scotland's three points and minus-three goal difference send the Tartan Army home. Brazil and Morocco advance as the group's heavyweights — both unbeaten, both dangerous.

Mexico Complete Perfect Group A Campaign

El Tri's 3-0 victory over Czechia confirmed their status as the group's runaway winners, completing a flawless nine-point haul with a plus-six goal difference that announces their serious intent. Forty-two of you backed the home favourites, though only four nailed the exact scoreline as Mexico's attacking trio overwhelmed a Czech side that finishes bottom with a solitary point. The night's drama centred on the South Africa-Korea clash that nobody saw coming — the result that sent Bafana Bafana through in second and left the Taeguk Warriors packing despite being installed as pre-match favourites.

▸Sources (48)