World Cup day 14: Mexico perfect, South Africa makes history and Neymar returns
- México thrashed Chequia 3-0 and closed a perfect group stage, with a farewell tribute to Memo Ochoa.
- Sudáfrica beat Corea 1-0 and qualified for the first time in their history; Suiza, Bosnia, Brasil and Marruecos completed the matchday.
- Brasil thrashed Escocia 3-0 with a brace from Vinícius and Neymar's return after more than three years.
First unified matchday, first festival. Day 14 wrapped up Groups A, B and C in one go with matches running in parallel, and qualified the hosts—a historic page for South Africa and the tournament's most anticipated comeback. Here's the lowdown.
Group A: Mexico, perfect record and a tribute to Ochoa. El Tri wrapped up with a 3-0 over Czechia (Mateo Chávez, Julián Quiñones and Álvaro Fidalgo in the 93rd) and completed a spotless group stage: nine points and a clean sheet. The cherry on top was pure emotion: Memo Ochoa came on late to bid farewell in his sixth World Cup. And in Monterrey, South Africa beat South Korea 1-0 (Thapelo Maseko's goal) to reach the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.
Group B: Switzerland ruling the roost, Qatar in freefall. Switzerland 2-1 Canada and tops the group; both advance to the next round. Bosnia 3-1 Qatar and fighting it out for best third place. Lopetegui's Qatar bows out with a clean sheet of losses after their opening defeat.
Group C: the King returns. Brazil 3-0 Scotland with a Vinícius brace and a Matheus Cunha goal, topping the group. But the real headline was elsewhere: Neymar made his comeback after more than three years without playing a World Cup. In Atlanta, Morocco 4-2 Haiti (already eliminated) to seal second place.
A day of legends rarely seen together like this: Messi turning 39, Ochoa saying goodbye in his sixth World Cup and Neymar returning from his ordeal. I've written a separate piece about them, because they've earned it.
Frequently asked questions
How did Mexico perform on day 14 of the 2026 World Cup?
Mexico thrashed Czechia 3-0 (Mateo Chávez, Julián Quiñones and Álvaro Fidalgo) and completed a perfect group stage, with nine points and no goals conceded. Additionally, Memo Ochoa came on in the final stages to say goodbye in his sixth World Cup.
Which national team made history on day 14?
South Africa, who won 1-0 against South Korea with a goal from Thapelo Maseko and qualified for the first time in their history to the knockout stage of a World Cup.
Did Neymar play again on day 14?
Yes. Brazil thrashed Scotland 3-0 with a brace from Vinícius and a goal from Matheus Cunha, and Neymar made his comeback in the second half after more than three years without playing in a World Cup.
What happened in Groups B and C on day 14?
In Group B, Switzerland won 2-1 against Canada (both qualified) and Bosnia beat Qatar 3-1. In Group C, Brazil finished first and Morocco secured second place by winning 4-2 against an already-eliminated Haiti.
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