On the ninth day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, matches of the second round in groups C and D came to an end. This day was marked by confident victories of favorites, quick goals, tactical battles, and an early exit to the playoffs by the USA team.
USA – Australia: hosts secure exit from the group
The match at the stadium in Seattle ended with a 2:0 victory for the USA team, guaranteeing them a place in the round of 16. Already on the 11th minute, the Americans took the lead: a cross from Folarin Balogun led to an own goal by Australia's defender Cameron Burgess. Under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino, the USA team looked confident, creating numerous chances against the opponent's goal. Towards the end of the first half, on the 45th minute, after consultation with VAR, a goal by Alexander Freeman was awarded, doubling the hosts' lead. Australia failed to find the key to USA's defense, and their expected goals (xG) totaled only 0.32.
Scotland – Morocco: a quick goal decides everything
The match in group C ended with a narrow 1:0 victory for Morocco over Scotland. The only, but decisive, goal was scored on the second minute of the match: Ismael Saibari, after a pass from Brahim Diaz, struck the far corner. After that, the Africans continued to create chances, but failed to double their lead. Scotland, in turn, barely troubled the opponent's goal and only in the closing moments tried to change the course of the game, but without success. After this victory, Morocco earned 4 points and took the lead in group C, while Scotland remained with 3.
Brazil – Haiti: a crushing victory and an anti-record
Brazil secured its first victory on the tournament, comfortably defeating Haiti 3:0. Already in the first half, the outcome of the match was decided: on the 23rd minute, Matheus Cunha opened the scoring, and on the 36th, he scored his second goal after a pass from Vinicius Junior. Towards the end of the first half, on the 45th minute, Vinicius Junior scored himself, setting the final score. This defeat became Haiti's second loss on the tournament, and the team became the first to officially lose their chances of advancing from the group.
Turkey – Paraguay: goalless draw in the decisive match
The final match of the day between Turkey and Paraguay proved to be the most low-scoring and ended in a 0:0 draw. Both teams needed a win, as they started the tournament with losses, but failed to break the opponent's goal. Despite the presence of such talents in the Turkish team as Hakán Çalhanoğlu and Arda Güler, they failed to break down Paraguay's defense. This result leaves the Turkish team with no minimal chances of continuing the battle in the playoffs.
Current group C and D tables after the ninth day of the World Cup:
Group C
| Team | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Brazil | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 4 |
| 2. Morocco | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 4 |
| 3. Scotland | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| 4. Haiti | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | -4 | 0 |
After two rounds, Brazil and Morocco lead group C with 4 points each. The Haitian team, having lost both matches, lost its chances of advancing to the playoffs.
Group D
| Team | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. USA | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | +5 | 6 |
| 2. Australia | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| 3. Paraguay | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 3 |
| 4. Turkey | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
In group D, the USA team earned 6 points and guaranteed itself not only a place in the playoffs but also first place in the group. Turkey, having suffered two defeats, lost its chances of advancing from the group.