The final match day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group Stages, is upon us. Yesterday, Groups A, B, and C wrapped up with the third and final match day, as teams jockeyed for position, looking to secure their respective spots in the knockout round. For LAFC players, it was a very rough day as their teams struggled, with one of our own staring down the prospect of having to come back to training a lot earlier than they had hoped. Let’s get into it!
Choinière starts for Canada 👏 https://t.co/xrLwwdbrhy pic.twitter.com/7FbSjBPNTS
— LAFC (@LAFC) June 24, 2026
We start with the good, or rather, the not as bad. After missing out on the first two matches for Canada, midfielder Mathieu Choinière not only saw some minutes, but was given the starting nod for his side as they looked to lock up been atop the group with a win. Choinière played 58 minutes before being subbed off for his LAFC teammate, Stephen Eustáquio. In that time he put on a solid outing with 24/29 complete passes, coming away with 40 touches with nine passes into the final third and even creating a big chance for his side early in the match. He even had a few tackles as he not only looked to pull the strings in the midfield, but was helping a defense that didn’t look as strong this match as it had in the previous two outings.
Stephen Eustáquio came into the match and was his typical consistent self despite the short time on the pitch. He finished the match with 22/25 on his passes, completed 100% of his long ball passes (1/1), had 38 touches with four passes into the final third and zero touches in the opponent’s box. He did serve of the kicker on six corner kicks, but couldn’t get his assist on the set pieces. It may not have been the type of match you write home about, but to be fair, that was the case for the entire Canadien team. LAFC forward Jacob Shaffelburg was also brought into the match as a sub, seeing just seven minutes of action. Even with minimal minutes, the youngster did create chances and nearly got a late goal for Canada, but couldn’t get it past the line.
As a whole, it was a tough day for Canada who ended up losing to Switzerland on the day, catapulting the Swiss into first place in the group, sending Canada not only into second place, but causing them to play visitors in the knockout rounds, as they will now need to travel to Los Angeles, California for the Round of 32 matchup against a very hungry, very capable South African side.
While Canada will be upset they can no longer play matches on their home soil, at least they can enjoy knowing their spot in the knockout rounds is secured, which is a lot more than can be said for their LAFC teammate, Son Heung-Min and South Korea.
Matchday 3. Kickoff 🔜 pic.twitter.com/0DuT9WuZaE
— LAFC (@LAFC) June 25, 2026
South Korea surprised just about everyone with their starting lineup, which was missing one very popular striker, as Sonny began the match on the bench. While the move left many, including ourselves, scratching their heads, the idea, it’s presumed, was that with Sonny struggling at the moment, perhaps the best way to get him going was to bring him into the match against tired legs and hope he can continue to breakthrough the defense and possible get that much needed goal. Unfortunately, it didn’t go that way. South Korea couldn’t get anything going in the first half, watching South Africa apply pressure with a 45 minute high press, and constant shots on goal as they looked to get the upset.
Son came into the match at halftime, while the match was still scoreless and level. In his 45 minutes he completed 19/24 of his passes and he did have a shot, but it was just one, failing to hit the target. He had just 29 touches, none of which were in the opponent’s box, with only one pass into the final third and finish the match with an xG of just 0.03. Perhaps the most frustrating part was seeing South Africa score their only goal of the match, and eventual winner, shortly after he came on for the start of the second half.
The loss saw South Africa leapfrog over South Korea for second place in Group A, securing their spot in the knockout round of the World Cup, for the first time ever. South Korea now sit in third place in the group, having to wait until all the final matches are played to see if they are one of the top eight third-placed teams that will see knockout rounds.
So far, none of our boys in black & gold have found the back of the net throughout the tournament, with Jacob Shaffelburg getting closest. With group stages now wrapped up, we now wait and see how the knockout rounds shake out. As mentioned previously, we do know Canada will be in Los Angeles to take on South Africa, avoiding the potential matchup between LAFC teammates, so if you are able or lucky enough to get a ticket, you will have a chance to see a few of our boys in action at SoFi Stadium.
Thoughts on Group Stage action? Drop us a comment below!