2026 World Cup second round of group stage kicks off with four matches

SALADIN, Iraq — The second round of group-stage matches at the 2026 World Cup gets underway on Thursday with four fixtures across Groups A and B. The tournament, hosted across North America, sees teams return to the field aiming to strengthen their chances of advancing to the knockout rounds. The day's opening match features the Czech Republic against South Africa at 7:00 p.m. (Baghdad time), broadcast on beIN Sports Max 1. Switzerland will then take on Bosnia and Herzegovina at 10:00 p.m. on beIN Sports Max 2, followed by Canada against Qatar at 1:00 a.m. on beIN Sports Max 1. The final match of the day pits Mexico against South Korea at 4:00 a.m., with coverage on beIN Sports Max 2. All kickoff times are listed in Baghdad time, with Turkish viewers expected to follow the later games into the early hours.