World Cup Knockout Drama
Morocco Advances to World Cup Knockouts, Brazil Tops Group C as Madibo Ban Sparks Debate
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Key Points
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Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo received a five-match ban for the tackle that broke Ismael Kone's leg, sparking debate over whether disciplinary punishment should reflect intent or outcome.
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Neymar came off the bench for Brazil in their Group C clash, his first appearance for Brazil since October 2023, as Brazil extended their group run with goals from Vinicius Jr. and others.
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Morocco finished Group C unbeaten with seven points, underscoring their consistent form as they head into the knockout rounds.
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Bosnia and Herzegovina finished third in Group B on four points, level with Canada on points but eliminated on goal difference.
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Mexico completed a perfect group stage with three wins and no goals conceded, a notable contrasting note in Group C play.
Morocco advanced to the World Cup Round of 32 after beating Haiti 4-2 on June 24, finishing second in Group C with seven points. Brazil topped the group on the same points but with a better goal difference, sealing first place with a 3-0 win over Scotland in Miami. ESPN reported Morocco will face the winner of Group F — likely the Netherlands or Japan — in Monterrey on June 29.
The night also featured the return of Neymar, who came off the bench in the 76th minute against Scotland — his first appearance for Brazil since October 2023 after recovering from a torn ACL. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said, "Neymar's introduction is important and could help us a great deal... Now comes the best bit," according to The Hindu.
Saibari Scores Again as Morocco Overcomes Two-Goal Deficits
Ismael Saibari became the first African player to score in all three group-stage matches of a single World Cup, according to Africa Top Sports. He scored in Morocco's wins over Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. Against Haiti, Morocco fell behind twice before Achraf Hakimi leveled and Saibari struck the winner. Saibari said, "What makes me happier is having seven points," per Flashscore.
Morocco's seven-point haul from three games left them unbeaten through the group stage. But coach Mohamed Ouahbi acknowledged the conceding of two goals to Haiti raised questions. He told Morocco World News: "We have a strong squad, an excellent staff and great supporters... our objective must be to win the World Cup." The team's defensive shakiness remains a concern heading into the knockouts.
Qatar Eliminated After Madibo's Five-Match Ban Sparks Debate
Qatar were knocked out of the tournament after losing 3-1 to Bosnia and Herzegovina in Seattle on June 24. Their group stage was overshadowed by a brutal moment on June 18, when midfielder Assim Madibo committed a challenge that broke Canada's Ismaël Koné's tibia and fibula. Madibo received a straight red card after VAR review, and FIFA later issued a five-match ban for "serious foul play," according to Associated Press.
The ban sparked a global debate over whether punishment should reflect intent or outcome. Analyst Diego Cobo argued that "the action should be judged, not the unfortunate injury," calling the ban an overreach, per ABP Live. Qatari supporters noted Madibo visited Koné in hospital and was "visibly upset." Koné, who underwent surgery, posted on Instagram: "You can't even imagine how grateful I am to everyone who reached out."
Bosnia Survives on Best Third-Place Rule as Scotland Exit
Bosnia and Herzegovina finished third in Group B with four points — level with Canada but eliminated on goal difference. Yet they still advanced to the knockouts as one of the eight best third-placed teams, a rule introduced with the 2026 expansion to 48 teams, The Guardian explained. Teenager Kerim Alajbegovic, 18 years and 276 days old, became the youngest player to score from outside the box in World Cup history during Bosnia's win over Qatar, per FIFA.
Scotland's elimination was confirmed when Brazil beat them 3-0. Manager Steve Clarke said his team "competed well" but admitted their chances of advancing as a third-place team were "likely over" due to a -3 goal difference, according to Sky Sports. Switzerland topped Group B after beating Canada 2-1 in the final round.
Brazil and Mexico Set the Pace Heading Into the Last 32
Brazil's 3-0 win over Scotland drew a crowd of 64,478 in Miami. Vinícius Júnior scored in every group game, a run analysts compared to Mbappé and Haaland's form at previous tournaments, per The Hindu. With Neymar now available off the bench, Brazil head into the knockouts as heavy favorites. They will face the runner-up of Group F in the Round of 32, according to VAVEL.
Mexico also completed a perfect group stage — three wins and zero goals conceded — and will play their Round of 32 match at the iconic Estadio Azteca, per beIN SPORTS. South Africa also reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history, according to english.ratopati.com. The 2026 World Cup is increasingly shaping up as a tournament where traditional powers and rising nations are colliding head-on.
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