MEXICO CITY — World Cup co-hosts Canada and Mexico celebrated strong early performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup this week, with both teams strengthening their positions in the group stage and generating enthusiasm among supporters across the two host nations.
Mexico secured a place in the knockout stage after defeating South Korea 1-0 in its second Group A match, guaranteeing advancement and clinching top spot in the group, according to match reports. The victory marked Mexico’s first group-stage triumph over South Korea at a home World Cup since the tournament began and ensured that Javier Aguirre’s side would progress with a match to spare.
Celebrations followed across Mexico City, where hundreds of thousands of supporters gathered in central areas after the result. City officials later announced plans to increase public viewing areas and strengthen crowd-management measures ahead of Mexico’s next match after large gatherings filled downtown streets.
“We have a chance, we are at home and with our people,” Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said after the World Cup draw in December, expressing confidence in his team’s prospects as it prepared for matches on home soil.
Canada also delivered one of the tournament’s most notable results, recording a 6-0 victory over Qatar in Group B. The win represented a significant milestone for a Canadian team seeking its first successful World Cup campaign after previous appearances ended in group-stage elimination. Canadian midfielder Ismael Kone suffered a broken leg during the match and later underwent surgery, according to statements from football officials.
The performances by Canada and Mexico have drawn attention to the role of the three host nations in the first 48-team World Cup, which is being staged across Canada, Mexico and the United States from June 11 to July 19. FIFA had identified both Canada and Mexico as having realistic opportunities to advance from their groups based on the draw and home-field support.
Canada entered the tournament hoping to improve on its previous World Cup appearances in 1986 and 2022, when it failed to advance beyond the group stage. Mexico, hosting the competition for a third time, is seeking to surpass its best World Cup finishes, quarter-final appearances achieved on home soil in 1970 and 1986.
As of Saturday, Mexico had already secured a place in the round of 32, while Canada remained well positioned in Group B following its victory over Qatar. The group stage continues through June 27, with both co-hosts preparing for their remaining matches before the knockout rounds begin.
