--- title: "WC-2026: Neymar in history, South Africa in the knockout stage, and Mexico's triumph. Group stage results" description: "WC-2026: Mexico won all group matches, South Africa reached the knockout stage for the first time in history, and Neymar played in his 4th WC! πŸ†πŸ‡§πŸ‡·πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦" date: 2026-06-25T08:10:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/wc-2026-neymar-in-history-south-africa-in-the-knockout-stage-and-mexicos-triumph tags: [] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # WC-2026: Neymar in history, South Africa in the knockout stage, and Mexico's triumph. Group stage results ![Golden World Cup trophy and Brazuca ball on stadium pitch: symbols of WC-2026 where Neymar retired, South Africa shocked, and Mexico triumphed in group stage](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/25/chm-2026-neymar-v-istorii-uar-v-pley-off-i-triumf-meksiki/chm-2026-neymar-v-istorii-uar-v-pley-off-i-triumf-meksiki-1.webp) The night of June 25 proved to be a turning point for the 2026 World Cup. The conclusion of matches in Groups A and C not only determined the next participants in the knockout stage but also delivered loud sensations, historical records, and the return of legends to the fans. The results of these encounters are already shaping the Round of 16 schedule and changing the balance of power in the tournament. ### Mexico β€” the first team with a perfect start The Mexican national team entered the history of the current World Cup as the first team to win all three group stage matches. In the decisive match, the "tricolors" crushed the Czech Republic with a score of 3:0. Notably, all three goals were scored in the second half, which finally secured the success of the Mexicans. For the Czechs, this result proved fatal. They were eliminated from the competition in last place in the group, failing to advance to the knockout stage. This is not the first failure for the European team at major forums β€” since 1990, the team has been unable to overcome the group stage barrier. ### Historical breakthrough for South Africa The South African national team performed a real miracle. Thanks to a single goal by Tapelo Maseko, the Africans narrowly defeated South Korea (1:0). This victory was historic for the South African team: for the first time in its history, it advanced to the World Cup knockout stage. ### Brazil and Neymar's return In Group C, a proxy duel for first place unfolded between Brazil and Morocco. The "Selecao" had no trouble dealing with Scotland β€” 3:0. The main hero of the match was Vinicius Junior, who scored a brace, while Matheus Cunha added another goal to his tally. However, the main event of the match was Neymar's return. In the 76th minute, the legendary forward replaced Cunha. For the 34-year-old player, this was his first match for the national team in the last 981 days. Moreover, Neymar repeated the elite achievement of Pele, Cafu, and Djalma Santos, becoming only the fourth Brazilian in history to play in four World Cups. ### Morocco and the knockout stage schedule In a parallel match, Morocco staged a fierce shootout with Haiti (4:2). The semi-finalists of the previous World Cup came back twice during the first half but snatched victory at the end of the match. Thanks to a better goal difference, Brazil took first place in the group. The first Round of 16 pair has already been officially formed at the World Championship. The historic dance of South Africa will meet the winner of Group B β€” Canada β€” in a duel. This match will take place on June 28 in Los Angeles. ### Results and prospects Scotland, with 3 points, awaits the conclusion of matches in other groups, retaining slim chances of advancing via the third-place ranking due to a poor goal difference (-3). All participants in the knockout stage from Groups D, E, and F will be determined within the next 24 hours. Recall that earlier, the Canadian and Swiss national teams qualified for the next round from Group B, while Germany and the USA have already guaranteed their tickets to the Round of 16 in Groups D and E. Meanwhile, the German national team has lost its main defender for the rest of the WC-2026.