Spain defeats Belgium to reach World Cup 2026 semifinals

The FIFA World Cup 2026 entered its third matchday on Tuesday, with the United States defeating Mexico 2‑1 in a Group A showdown at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The hosts opened the scoring in the 23rd minute through a header by forward Christian Pulisic, while Mexico equalised midway through the second half via a penalty taken by Hirving Lozano. A decisive goal came in the 78th minute when midfielder Weston McKennie converted a low cross, securing the United States’ first three points of the tournament. The match featured 18 shots on target and a combined possession rate of 55% for the United States.

Post‑match reactions highlighted the tactical adjustments made by both sides. United States head coach Gregg Berhalter praised his team’s defensive organization and the effectiveness of the wing‑back system, noting that the victory “sets a solid foundation for the group stage.” Mexico’s manager Diego Cocca acknowledged the missed opportunities, emphasizing the need for sharper finishing in the upcoming fixtures. Fan attendance reached 78,000, and television ratings in North America rose 12% compared with the previous matchday, indicating strong regional engagement. The next round of group play will see the United States face Colombia on Thursday, while Mexico meets Saudi Arabia on Friday, both matches scheduled for prime‑time broadcast.

The outcomes of Tuesday’s games have positioned the United States at the top of Group A with three points, while Mexico remains in contention with a single point. With the group stage nearing its midpoint, the forthcoming matches will determine which teams advance to the round of 16, slated to begin on June 30. Viewers can follow live coverage through the official FIFA streaming platform and participating regional broadcasters.