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2026 World Cup: Switzerland Under Pressure, Czech Republic Hopes for Schick

Four World Cup matches are scheduled for June 18 and 19. Switzerland must deliver against Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the Czech Republic relies on Patrick Schick against South Africa.

2026 World Cup: Switzerland Under Pressure, Czech Republic Hopes for Schick
Photo: cdn.prod.www.spiegel.de

The 23rd FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada has been underway since June 11, 2026. For the first time, 48 nations are participating, and the new world champion will be crowned on July 19 after 104 matches. Four games are on the schedule for Thursday evening and into the night.

In Group A, the Czech Republic and South Africa face off in Atlanta. Both teams lost their opening matches – the Czech Republic fell 2-1 to South Korea, while South Africa lost 2-0 to Mexico. Now points are a must to reach the round of 32. The Czech Republic enters the duel as favorites, largely thanks to striker Patrick Schick of Bayer Leverkusen, who recently scored his 100th goal for the club.

In Group B, Switzerland is under pressure in Los Angeles against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel and his team need points after the opener to keep the knockout stage in sight. The other games of the night: Canada vs. Qatar in Vancouver and Mexico vs. South Korea in Guadalajara – two host nations fighting for a spot in the round of 32.

Source: www.spiegel.de