South Africa’s Bafana Bafana grabbed the headlines with a famous 1-0 victory over South Korea in Monterrey to secure a historic first-ever place in the World Cup knockout stages. Thapelo Maseko's second-half strike sparked wild celebrations as Bafana Bafana finished second in Group A behind Mexico.

Mexico completed a perfect Group A campaign with a commanding 3-0 win over Czechia in Mexico City. The co-hosts finished top of the group with maximum points and will head into the Round of 32 full of confidence after another polished display. Czechia, meanwhile, bowed out of the tournament. Korea in turn face a nervy wait to see if they are one of the top eight third placed group finishers that will advance.

In Group B, Switzerland secured top spot with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Canada in Vancouver. Despite the defeat, Canada still progressed to the Round of 32 as runners-up and will now face South Africa in Los Angeles on Sunday. Bosnia and Herzegovina also ended their campaign on a high with a 3-1 victory over Qatar in Seattle, although it was not enough to extend their stay in the competition.

Brazil confirmed their status as one of the tournament favourites with a convincing 3-0 victory over Scotland in Miami. Vinicius Junior starred with a brace as the five-time world champions topped Group C and advanced comfortably to the knockout rounds. Scotland's fate now depends on whether their record is good enough to qualify as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams.

Morocco also celebrated qualification after beating Haiti 4-2 in an entertaining encounter in Atlanta. The Atlas Lions finished second behind Brazil and will now turn their attention to the Round of 32, while Haiti exited the tournament without a point.

Attention now shifts to Thursday's final Group D, E and F fixtures, with several knockout places still up for grabs.

In Group E, Germany take on Ecuador in New York, while Curacao face Ivory Coast in Philadelphia. Germany have already qualified but will be looking to seal top spot, while Ecuador and Ivory Coast still have plenty to play for.

Group F promises to be equally exciting as Japan tackle Sweden in Dallas, with Tunisia facing the Netherlands in Kansas City. The Dutch are well placed to finish top of the group, but both Japan and Sweden remain firmly in the race for qualification.

The day's final matches come from Group D, where the United States meet Turkey in Los Angeles, while Australia battle Paraguay in San Francisco. With qualification places still available, all four teams know a positive result could be enough to secure their place in the Round of 32.

As the group stage enters its final stretch, every goal and every point has become increasingly valuable. Several of football's heavyweights have already secured safe passage, but for many nations the dream of lifting the World Cup trophy remains very much alive as the knockout phase edges closer.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport