World Cup 2026 Round of 16: Morocco Stuns Canada, France Edges Paraguay — Live Updates

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 is in full swing, and the knockout drama is already delivering unforgettable moments. After a thrilling Round of 32, the tournament has moved into its decisive phase with two matches already decided — and six more tantalizing clashes on the horizon.

Match Results — Round of 16 (Completed)

🇲🇦 Morocco 3–0 Canada 🇨🇦

Date: July 4, 2026 | Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston

Morocco made history by becoming the first African nation to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the second time, powered by a brilliant performance from Azzedine Ounahi. The midfielder scored twice — once early in the second half and again late — while Soufiane Rahimi added a third in injury time. Canada, who had impressed in the group stage and Round of 32, simply ran out of steam after a high-energy first-half press. Jesse Marsch’s side will head home proud but probably wondering what could have been.

GoalsOunahi 51′, 89′, Rahimi 90+3′
AssistsAchraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz (2)
PossessionMorocco 44% — 56% Canada
Man of the MatchAzzedine Ounahi

🇫🇷 France 1–0 Paraguay 🇵🇾

Date: July 5, 2026 | Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia

In sweltering Philadelphia heat (38°C / 100°F), France showed a grittier side of their game to edge past a combative Paraguay side. Kylian Mbappé’s second-half penalty — awarded after a VAR review when Désiré Doué was brought down in the box — proved the difference. Paris Saint-Germain star Mbappé continues to chase the all-time World Cup scoring record, drawing level with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race (5 goals). Paraguay frustrated France for long stretches but ultimately couldn’t find an equalizer.

GoalMbappé 64′ (pen)
PossessionFrance 62% — 38% Paraguay
Shots on TargetFrance 4 — 1 Paraguay
Yellow CardsFrance 3 — Paraguay 0

Round of 16 — Upcoming Fixtures

The action continues with six more knockout matches over the next few days. Here’s what’s on the schedule:

MatchDateVenue
🇧🇷 Brazil vs Norway 🇳🇴July 5MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
🇲🇽 Mexico vs England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿July 5–6Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
🇵🇹 Portugal vs Spain 🇪🇸July 6Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara
🇺🇸 USA vs Belgium 🇧🇪July 7SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
🇦🇷 Argentina vs Egypt 🇪🇬July 7Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
🇨🇭 Switzerland vs Colombia 🇨🇴July 7AT&T Stadium, Arlington

Quarter-Final Preview

Morocco and France already know their quarter-final opponents — each other. The two sides will meet on July 9 in a rematch of their 2022 semi-final, which France won 2-0. Can Morocco go one better this time?

Key Storylines to Watch

  • Mbappé vs Messi vs everyone: The Golden Boot race is heating up with Mbappé on 5 goals, level with Lionel Messi (Argentina). Both have at least one more match to add to their tally.
  • Host nations still alive: USA and Mexico are both through to the Round of 16, with the USMNT facing a tough Belgium side and Mexico taking on England in a massive clash at the iconic Azteca.
  • Brazil’s Ancelotti effect: Under Carlo Ancelotti’s calm leadership, Brazil have looked dangerous. They face a Norway side that has been one of the tournament’s surprise packages.

FAQ

When is the World Cup 2026 Final?

The final will be played on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Which teams have been eliminated so far?

Canada and Paraguay are the first two teams eliminated in the Round of 16. They join the 16 teams eliminated in the Round of 32, including Germany, Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Senegal, Croatia, and DR Congo.

Who is the top scorer of World Cup 2026?

Kylian Mbappé (France) and Lionel Messi (Argentina) are tied at the top with 5 goals each in the Golden Boot race.

Where can I watch World Cup 2026 matches?

In the US, matches are broadcast on FOX, FS1, and FS2, with streaming available on Fubo, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV. Check out streaming deals on Amazon to catch all the action.

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