Day 8 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 delivered goals, history and late drama as Canada moved to the edge of the knockout rounds, Switzerland lit up their campaign with a dominating victory, while South Africa's wait for a first win continued after being held by Czechia.
The biggest story came in Vancouver, where Jonathan David produced a historic hat-trick to lead Canada to their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory, while Switzerland strengthened their position in Group B and South Africa rescued a crucial point in Group A.
Mokoena Rescues South Africa
South Africa's difficult start to the tournament continued despite battling back to earn a 1-1 draw against Czechia in Atlanta.
Czechia made the perfect start when Michal Sadilek scored after just five minutes and eight seconds, the fastest goal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 so far.
The Europeans looked set to claim all three points for long periods, but Bafana Bafana refused to give in. Their fighting spirit was rewarded seven minutes from time when Pavel Sulc handled inside the area, and Teboho Mokoena calmly converted from the penalty spot.
The draw leaves both nations on one point in Group A and keeps South Africa's qualification hopes alive heading into their final group-stage fixture.
"I'm very proud of my team. This is Bafana Bafana, we love good football, we are aggressive, we create chances," said South Africa coach Hugo Broos.
Jonathan David Fires Canada To Historic Victory
Co-hosts Canada delivered one of their finest performances on the world stage by thrashing Qatar 6-0 at BC Place, Vancouver.
Jonathan David stole the headlines with a magnificent hat-trick, becoming the first player to score a World Cup hat-trick on home soil since Geoff Hurst achieved the feat for England in 1966.
Cyle Larin opened the scoring before David added two goals either side of half-time. Qatar's task became increasingly difficult after red cards for Homan Ahmed and Assim Madibo reduced them to nine men.
Nathan Saliba added another, Mohamed Manai turned the ball into his own net, and David completed his treble deep into stoppage time to cap a memorable evening for Jesse Marsch's side.
The victory leaves Canada on four points and on the verge of securing a place in the Round of 32.
Switzerland's Dominant Display
After a frustrating draw against Qatar in their Group opener, Switzerland responded emphatically with a convincing 4-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Veteran captain Granit Xhaka once again pulled the strings, but the star of the show was young substitute Johan Manzambi.
The Freiburg midfielder became Switzerland's youngest World Cup goalscorer since 1950 after coming off the bench and scoring twice in a devastating second-half display.
Fellow substitute Ruben Vargas also found the net before Xhaka sealed the win from the penalty spot in stoppage time.
The result moved Switzerland level on points with Canada ahead of a potentially decisive Group B showdown between the two sides.
"This victory means a lot because we did not have the start we wanted. Now we have four points from two games and we played very well," said Xhaka after the match.
ALSO READ: FIFA World Cup 2026: When and Where to Watch Day 8 Fixtures? Know Date, Match Timings Here
FIFA World Cup 2026 Results
Canada 6-0 Qatar
Goals: Larin (16’), David (29’, 45+3’, 90+2’), Saliba (64’), Manai (OG 75’)
Czechia 1-1 South Africa
Goals: Sadilek (6’); Mokoena (83’ pen)
Switzerland 4-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Goals: Johan Manzambi (2’), Ruben Vargas and Granit Xhaka (pen)
With the group stage entering its decisive phase, Canada took a giant step towards the knockout rounds, Switzerland revived their campaign in style, and South Africa kept their hopes alive with a late rescue.