Every team in the World Cup has played there at least once. Day 8 will feature four matches between all three host nations. The game begins with Czech Republic vs. South Africa in Atlanta, but the roof may be closed due to the possibility of thunderstorms. Switzerland then plays Bosnia and Herzegovina in Los Angeles, and Canada takes on Qatar in Vancouver. Thursday ends with Mexico taking on South Korea in Guadalajara.
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This is a curated gallery by AP photo editors.
South African fans pose for a photo in the stands before the Soccer World Cup Group A match between Czech Republic and South Africa on Thursday, June 18, 2026 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
South African fans pose for a photo in the stands before the Soccer World Cup Group A match between Czech Republic and South Africa on Thursday, June 18, 2026 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
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Referee Tori Penso jogs surrounded by assistant referees Kathryn Nesbitt (left) and Brooke Mayo during warm-ups before the Soccer World Cup Group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa in Atlanta on Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Referee Tori Penso jogs surrounded by assistant referees Kathryn Nesbitt (left) and Brooke Mayo during warm-ups before the Soccer World Cup Group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa in Atlanta on Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
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Czech and South African flags stand on the pitch before the Soccer World Cup Group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa on Thursday, June 18, 2026 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
Czech and South African flags stand on the pitch before the Soccer World Cup Group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa on Thursday, June 18, 2026 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
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Czech supporters cheer on their national team before the Soccer World Cup Group A match between Czech Republic and South Africa on Thursday, June 18, 2026 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Eric S. Lesser)
Czech supporters cheer on their national team before the Soccer World Cup Group A match between Czech Republic and South Africa on Thursday, June 18, 2026 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Eric S. Lesser)
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Czech team captain Ladislav Krejci holds up a pennant that reads “We play together. We stand against hate” as Czech players pose before the Czech Republic vs. South Africa World Cup Group A soccer match in Atlanta, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Czech team captain Ladislav Krejci holds up a pennant that reads “We play together. We stand against hate” as Czech players pose before the Czech Republic vs. South Africa World Cup Group A soccer match in Atlanta, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
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Michal Sadilek, 18, of the Czech Republic is mopped up by his teammates after scoring his team’s opening goal during the Czech Republic’s Group A game against South Africa in Atlanta, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric S. Lesser)
Michal Sadilek, 18, of the Czech Republic is mopped up by his teammates after scoring his team’s opening goal during the Czech Republic’s Group A game against South Africa in Atlanta, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric S. Lesser)
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Teams warm up before the Soccer World Cup Group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa on Thursday, June 18, 2026 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Eric S. Lesser)
Teams warm up before the Soccer World Cup Group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa on Thursday, June 18, 2026 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Eric S. Lesser)
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On Thursday, June 18, 2026, during the Soccer World Cup Group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa in Atlanta, the ball hit the hand of Czech player Pavel Suluk (15), resulting in a penalty call. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
On Thursday, June 18, 2026, during the Soccer World Cup Group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa in Atlanta, the ball hit the hand of Czech player Pavel Suluk (15), resulting in a penalty call. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
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South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena, 4, scores from a penalty kick during the Soccer World Cup Group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa in Atlanta, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena, 4, scores from a penalty kick during the Soccer World Cup Group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa in Atlanta, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
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South African players celebrate after a goal during the Soccer World Cup Group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa in Atlanta, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
South African players celebrate after a goal during the Soccer World Cup Group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa in Atlanta, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
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Ladislav Krejci of the Czech Republic reacts after the World Cup Group A soccer match between the Czech Republic and South Africa on Thursday, June 18, 2026 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Ladislav Krejci of the Czech Republic reacts after the World Cup Group A soccer match between the Czech Republic and South Africa on Thursday, June 18, 2026 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
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A video screen shows the score at the end of regular time during the Soccer World Cup Group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa on Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
A video screen shows the score at the end of regular time during the Soccer World Cup Group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa on Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
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