SEOGWIPO (South Korea), June 8: Despite winning both their first two matches, Brazil are still not certain of making it into the last 16 of the World Cup. Likewise, China are still not out of the tournament, despite having lost both of their first two matches.

This is the unsual situation facing the four teams in Group C.

So far, Brazil have six points after defeating Turkey 2-1 and China 4-0. Costa Rica follow on three points from one game. Turkey have 0 points, like China.

But with Turkey and Costa Rica with a game at hand, anything is still possible.

If Turkey defeat Costa Rica on Sunday and China next week, they will go on six points, like Brazil. Costa Rica can still get six points by defeating Brazil in their final game, meaning goal difference between the three sides would have to be accounted for.

Likewise, China can still progress to the Round of 16 should they defeat Turkey and see Brazil defeat Costa Rica, as there would be three teams on three points.—dpa

Opinion

Editorial

A difficult story
Updated 12 Jun, 2026

A difficult story

Unless productivity becomes the dominant target of economic policy, Pakistan will continue to oscillate between crises and fragile recovery.
Rough waters
12 Jun, 2026

Rough waters

AMONGST the key potential triggers for fresh conflict in South Asia is water. The Indian state is behaving in an...
Politicised football
12 Jun, 2026

Politicised football

ALMOST three-and-half years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory, the latest edition of...
GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...