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The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage is delivering drama, upsets, and spectacular football. Co-hosts Mexico powered through to the last 16, France delivered a masterclass against Sweden, and in one of the biggest shocks of the tournament, Germany was eliminated on penalties by Paraguay. Here’s your complete roundup.
Mexico 2-0 Ecuador: Azteca Magic Continues
Mexico cruised into the last 16 with a comfortable victory over Ecuador at the iconic Azteca Stadium. Goals from Julian Quinones and Wolves striker Raul Jimenez gave the co-hosts a healthy first-half advantage in front of 80,000 passionate fans. Ecuador improved after the break but couldn’t find a way back. Piero Hincapie became the second player at this tournament to receive a red card for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent in stoppage time.
With four wins from four matches, Mexico has scored eight goals without conceding. They’ll face either England or DR Congo in the next round, and with the Azteca atmosphere and altitude advantage, they’ll be formidable.
France 3-0 Sweden: Les Bleus Look Unstoppable
France delivered a breathtaking display in New Jersey, dismantling Sweden 3-0. Kylian Mbappe scored twice — moving level with Lionel Messi on six goals in the Golden Boot race — while Bradley Barcola added the third. Michael Olise added two more assists to take his tournament tally to five, as France became the first team to score 3+ goals in five straight World Cup matches. Sweden boss Graham Potter admitted: “I haven’t seen a better team.”
Paraguay Stun Germany on Penalties
In one of the tournament’s biggest upsets, Paraguay eliminated four-time champions Germany on penalties. Goalkeeper Orlando Gill became a national hero — remarkable considering he was in football obscurity 18 months ago and sold his kit to support his family. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann admitted his side “did not give enough” as German football faces another early exit.
Other Key Results
| Match | Score | Key Story |
|---|---|---|
| Norway vs Ivory Coast | 3-2 | Haaland double sends Norway through |
| Morocco vs Netherlands | 1-1 (4-2 pens) | Morocco advance; Koeman resigns |
| Canada vs South Africa | 1-0 | Canada’s first-ever knockout win |
| Brazil vs Scotland | 3-0 | Neymar returns from injury |
| Algeria vs Austria | 3-3 | Both teams qualify |
| Cape Verde vs Argentina | 1-0 | Cape Verde’s fairytale debut |
What’s Coming Up (July 1-2)
Wednesday’s standout fixtures include England vs DR Congo — with Quansah and James ruled out through injury, Wayne Rooney has backed Kobbie Mainoo to start. The winner faces Mexico in the Azteca on Sunday. Also on the card: Belgium vs Senegal in a tie promising plenty of firepower.
France will meet Paraguay in Philadelphia on Saturday, while the USA — who topped their group despite a 3-2 loss to Turkey — await their last-16 opponent.
Final Thoughts
With Germany and the Netherlands already eliminated, the tournament is wide open. France looks like the team to beat, but Mexico’s Azteca fortress, Brazil’s returning stars, and the spirit of underdogs like Paraguay and Cape Verde make this one of the most unpredictable World Cups in recent memory.
Which team are you backing to lift the trophy? Stay tuned for more World Cup 2026 updates on PC Master Deals.
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