The second round of World Cup group stage fixtures get underway today.
Thursday’s headline fixture will come when Mexico and South Africa will both look to make it two wins from two and establish dominance in Group A, while Czechia and South Africa will scrap it out to avoid heading into the final group-stage matchday sitting bottom of the pool.
How to watch World Cup games today
Czechia and South Africa bring up the rear in Group A after both were beaten on matchday one, by South Korea and Mexico, respectively.
Their defeats came in rather different circumstances, though. Bafana Bafana finished their opener with nine men on the pitch and trailing 2-0, while Czechia took the lead before falling foul of a late comeback.
This match will prove pivotal, then, as whoever comes out on the losing side will find themselves all but eliminated ahead of their final pool fixture.
What channel is Czechia vs South Africa on? BBC One
Back in action: Czechia
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Switzerland vs Bosnia & Herzegovina
Both round-one matches in Group B ended level, but Switzerland have managed to come through atop their group, with Bosnia bottom.
The order will surely be shuffled considerably after this second round of fixtures, but a 1-1 draw with Qatar will do little to encourage fans back home in Zurich.
Bosnia, meanwhile, impressed throughout an enthralling stalemate with Canada and will hope to get three points over the line in Los Angeles today.
What channel is Switzerland vs Bosnia & Herzegovina on? ITV1
Completing the second round of Group B fixtures are Canada and Qatar – a host nation vs a minnow.
Canada were far from their best on day one and were particularly blunt in attack, but will hope to kick off their campaign in earnest against a plucky Qatar side, managed by former Real Madrid and West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui.
What channel is Canada vs Qatar on? ITV1
Qatar remain in pursuit of thier first World Cup win
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Kick-off: 2am BST (Friday morning)
The pick of Thursday’s fixtures will actually be played on Friday, which is dreadful news for any viewer unable to finish their week working from home.
Hosts Mexico will head to Guadalajara for this table-topping tie as they look to build on a composed opening fixture, where they put a badly disorganised South Africa to the sword in short order.
South Korea’s three points came in dramatic fashion. They came into this tournament billed as likely favourites to top this group and stand to unseat current leaders Mexico with victory here.
What channel is Mexico vs South Korea on? BBC One
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