Brazil enter knockouts as historic trio advance

MIAMI GARDENS, Florida — Brazil advanced to the World Cup’s last 32 on Wednesday after a commanding 3-0 win over Scotland, while South Africa, Canada, and Bosnia-Herzegovina reached the knockout rounds for the first time in their histories.

Five-time World Cup champion Brazil clinched first place in Group C at the Miami Stadium, finishing ahead of second-placed Morocco on goal difference.

Morocco also secured its place in the next round after a 4-2 victory over Haiti in Atlanta.

The 2026 World Cup features an expanded 48-team format, with 12 groups of four teams, the top two teams from each group, and the eight best third-placed sides advancing to the round of 32.

South Africa stunned South Korea 1-0 in Monterrey to take second place in Group A and set up a last-32 clash with Canada, which also made history by advancing in second place from Group B.

Brazil’s victory at the Hard Rock Stadium left Scotland on the brink of elimination, muting the mood among the traveling Tartan Army.

The Scots were left to regret a shaky defensive display as Brazil eased through the match.

Vinicius Junior scored twice, punishing a dreadful error by Scott McKenna to fire Brazil ahead in the seventh minute.

The Real Madrid forward then headed in Brazil’s second goal in first-half stoppage time.

Manchester United striker Matheus Cunha completed the win in the 60th minute.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti also handed veteran striker Neymar his first appearance of the tournament, with the Selecao’s all-time leading scorer coming on as a second-half substitute.

“We played as a collective and that’s a good thing,” a satisfied Ancelotti said afterwards. “There are many positive things, such as Neymar’s appearance, which can help us.”

The result strengthened Brazil’s claim as a knockout-round threat after a group campaign that ended with the South Americans on top of Group C.

The biggest surprise of the day came in Monterrey, where South Africa rebounded from an abject 2-0 opening loss to Mexico by beating South Korea 1-0.

Thapelo Maseko scored the decisive goal in the 63rd minute to settle a cagey match and send South Africa beyond the first round after three previous failed attempts at the World Cup.

“It’s very difficult to explain how it feels — it’s a fantastic experience,” South Africa coach Hugo Broos said.

“We scored and then it was 20 minutes of heart beating and hoping the game should be finished as soon as possible.”

South Africa will face co-host Canada in Los Angeles on Sunday in the opening match of the knockout rounds.

Canada reached the second round for the first time despite a 2-1 loss to Switzerland in Vancouver earlier Wednesday.

The Canadians took second place in Group B on goal difference ahead of third-placed Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Bosnia-Herzegovina defeated Qatar 3-1, then celebrated later Wednesday after FIFA confirmed it had qualified as one of the eight best third-placed teams.

Bosnia-Herzegovina’s four-point haul was enough to send it into the knockout stage for the first time.

In the day’s other match, Mexico completed a perfect first round after beating the Czech Republic 3-0 at the Estadio Azteca.

Mexico had already secured top spot in Group A with two opening wins.

The 100% group-stage record sends Mexico into a last-32 match at the same stadium on June 30.

The Czech Republic exited the tournament after finishing bottom of the group.

Mateo Chavez gave Mexico the lead in the 55th minute.

Julian Quinones doubled the advantage six minutes later after taking advantage of disarray in the Czech defense.

Alvaro Fidalgo capped a sparkling Mexican performance by smashing in a cross four minutes into added time.

Mexico also brought on goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa as a second-half substitute, allowing the 40-year-old veteran to play in a sixth World Cup finals.