The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage continues with another exciting slate of matches on Day 8. Before heading into day 8 of the World Cup 2026 Schedule, all the teams in the group have played one of their three matches. Our important games are on the schedule as teams look to strengthen their position in the standings before the tournament reaches its crucial stages.
Canada and Mexico will once again enjoy home support, while Switzerland, South Korea, Czechia and South Africa all enter must-watch encounters. With points becoming increasingly valuable, expect another day filled with intensity, tactical battles and plenty of drama.
Today’s World Cup 2026 Schedule
| Matchup | Group | Kickoff Time (Eastern Time) | Stadium & Location | TV Channel (US) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uzbekistan vs Colombia | Group K | 2:00 AM ET | Mexico City Stadium (Mexico City, MEX) | FOX |
| Czechia vs South Africa | Group A | 12:00 PM ET | Atlanta Stadium (Atlanta, US) | FOX |
| Switzerland vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina | Group B | 3:00 PM ET | Los Angeles Stadium (Inglewood, US) | FOX / Telemundo |
| Canada vs Qatar | Group B | 6:00 PM ET | BC Place Vancouver (Vancouver, CAN) | FOX / Telemundo |
| Mexico vs South Korea | Group A | 9:00 PM ET | Guadalajara Stadium (Zapopan, MEX) | FOX |
–>> Ref – Points Table | Full Schedule
Today’s Match News
Czechia vs South Africa
Czechia enter this match hoping to build momentum after their opening game. Patrik Schick remains their biggest attacking threat, while captain Tomáš Souček continues to provide leadership and experience in midfield. South Africa, meanwhile, will rely heavily on Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena and Lyle Foster as they search for a positive result.
Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Switzerland have long been one of the most organized teams in international football. Led by Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji, they know how to control possession and limit mistakes. Bosnia and Herzegovina will look toward Edin Džeko and Ermedin Demirović to create chances against a disciplined Swiss defense.
Canada vs Qatar
Canada return to action in front of their home fans at BC Place. Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David and Tajon Buchanan give the Canadians plenty of attacking quality. Qatar will hope that Akram Afif and Almoez Ali can provide the spark needed to pull off an upset.
Mexico vs South Korea
The final match of the day features two teams capable of producing entertaining football. Mexico will once again enjoy strong support from the crowd, while South Korea arrive with Son Heung-min, Hwang Hee-chan and Lee Kang-in leading a talented squad. This could easily be the most exciting game of Day 8.
World Cup 2026 Day 8 Predicted Starting XI
Czechia vs South Africa Predicted Starting XI
- Czechia (4-2-3-1): Jindřich Staněk; Vladimír Coufal, Robin Hranáč, Ladislav Krejčí, David Jurásek; Tomáš Souček, Michal Sadílek; Václav Černý, Adam Hložek, Pavel Šulc; Patrik Schick.
- South Africa (4-2-3-1): Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Grant Kekana, Aubrey Modiba; Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams; Elias Mokwana, Themba Zwane, Oswin Appollis; Lyle Foster.
Switzerland vs Bosnia Predicted Starting XI
- Switzerland (4-3-3): Gregor Kobel; Silvan Widmer, Manuel Akanji, Nico Elvedi, Ricardo Rodríguez; Granit Xhaka, Remo Freuler, Denis Zakaria; Dan Ndoye, Breel Embolo, Ruben Vargas.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina (4-2-3-1): Nikola Vasilj; Amar Dedić, Dennis Hadžikadunić, Nikola Katić, Sead Kolašinac; Benjamin Tahirović, Amar Rahmanović; Haris Hajradinović, Ermedin Demirović, Amar Memić; Edin Džeko.
Canada vs Qatar Predicted Starting XI
- Canada (4-2-3-1): Maxime Crépeau; Alistair Johnston, Moïse Bombito, Derek Cornelius, Alphonso Davies; Stephen Eustáquio, Ismaël Koné; Tajon Buchanan, Jonathan David, Liam Millar; Cyle Larin.
- Qatar (4-3-3): Meshaal Barsham; Pedro Miguel, Boualem Khoukhi, Tarek Salman, Homam Ahmed; Hassan Al-Haydos, Karim Boudiaf, Mostafa Mashaal; Akram Afif, Almoez Ali, Ahmed Al-Rawi.
Mexico vs South Korea Predicted Starting XI
- Mexico (4-3-3): Guillermo Ochoa; Jorge Sánchez, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo; Edson Álvarez, Luis Chávez, Orbelín Pineda; Uriel Antuna, Santiago Giménez, Alexis Vega.
- South Korea (4-2-3-1): Jo Hyeon-woo; Kim Moon-hwan, Kim Min-jae, Kim Young-gwon, Lee Myung-jae; Hwang In-beom, Park Yong-woo; Lee Kang-in, Son Heung-min, Hwang Hee-chan; Cho Gue-sung.
Key Players to Watch
Son Heung-min (South Korea)
The Tottenham star remains one of Asia’s greatest players and can change a game with a single moment of brilliance.
Alphonso Davies (Canada)
Canada’s captain provides pace, leadership and attacking threat from the left side.
Patrik Schick (Czechia)
One of Europe’s most reliable goalscorers, Schick will be crucial to Czechia’s chances.
Edin Džeko (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Even at this stage of his career, Džeko remains a dangerous finisher in the penalty area.
Who Will Win Today?
Czechia vs South Africa
A closely matched contest, but Czechia’s experience and attacking quality could make the difference.
- Prediction: Czechia 2-1 South Africa
Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Switzerland’s organization and midfield control give them the edge.
- Prediction: Switzerland 2-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Canada vs Qatar
Playing in Vancouver should provide a major advantage for Canada.
- Prediction: Canada 2-0 Qatar
Mexico vs South Korea
The most difficult match to predict on Day 8. Mexico’s home support may ultimately prove decisive.
- Prediction: Mexico 2-1 South Korea
Day 8 Winner Picks
✅ Czechia to beat South Africa
✅ Switzerland to beat Bosnia and Herzegovina
✅ Canada to beat Qatar
✅ Mexico to beat South Korea
Day 8 offers a fascinating mix of styles and storylines. Canada and Mexico will look to capitalize on home advantage, while Switzerland aim to continue their reputation as one of the most consistent teams in international football. The headline match, however, is Mexico vs South Korea, a fixture that could have a major impact on the race for qualification.
