# World Cup 2026 Round of 16: France Edge Past Paraguay, Morocco March On as Knockout Bracket Takes Shape
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 is in full swing across North America, and we’ve already seen drama, penalty shootouts, and masterclasses. Hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, this tournament is delivering unforgettable moments. Here’s your complete rundown of the action so far and what’s coming next.
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## Results So Far
### France 1–0 Paraguay (Philadelphia)
Defending champions France booked their quarter-final spot — but it wasn’t pretty. Kylian MbappĂ©’s second-half penalty was enough to separate the sides in Philadelphia’s sweltering 100°F (38°C) heat.
Paraguay, fresh off eliminating Germany in the Round of 32, came to **fight**. They committed 13 fouls, escaped without a single yellow card, and frustrated Les Bleus for 55 minutes before substitute Désiré Doué won a penalty after a VAR review. Mbappé sent the keeper the wrong way for his 19th World Cup goal in 19 appearances.
After the match, MbappĂ© said: *”We’ve shown we’re not just a team that knows how to play attacking football. If we have to get our hands dirty, we will do it. They thought we’d show up in tuxedos to play.”*
### Canada 0–3 Morocco (Houston)
Morocco continued their giant-killing run, dismantling co-host Canada 3-0 in Houston. After eliminating the Netherlands on penalties in the Round of 32, the Atlas Lions showed they’re serious contenders once again. Canada’s coach Jesse Marsch was bullish despite the exit: *”We were better than them”* — but the scoreboard told a different story.
### Morocco’s Remarkable Run
Morocco are once again the flag-bearers for African football. Under coach Mohamed Ouahbi (only four months in the job), they’ve beaten two European sides and a co-host. With talents like Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Diaz, and 18-year-old sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi, this team is the real deal.
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## Upcoming Round of 16 Matches
| Match | Date | Venue | Time (ET) |
|——-|——|——-|———–|
| **Brazil vs Norway** | Sun, Jul 5 | Los Angeles Stadium | 4:00 PM |
| **Mexico vs England** | Sun, Jul 5 | Mexico City (Azteca) | 8:00 PM |
| **Portugal vs Spain** | Mon, Jul 6 | Boston Stadium | 3:00 PM |
| **USA vs Belgium** | Mon, Jul 6 | New York/NJ Stadium | 8:00 PM |
| **Argentina vs Egypt** | Tue, Jul 7 | Atlanta Stadium | 12:00 PM |
| **Switzerland vs Colombia** | Tue, Jul 7 | Los Angeles Stadium | 4:00 PM |
### Match to Watch: Mexico vs England
England face Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium — a venue where England have historically struggled. Coach Thomas Tuchel acknowledged the altitude challenge: *”It’s impossible to adapt to Mexico City altitude in short time.”* But he added: *”We’re here to write our own chapters.”*
### Belgium vs USA
Co-hosts USA face a tough test against Belgium. Belgian players admitted they’ll need *”balls”* to nullify the home crowd. With the knockout stage wide open, this could be the most electrifying match of the round.
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## Quarter-Final Matchups (Confirmed)
✅ **France vs Morocco** — Thursday, July 9 (9:00 PM BST / 4:00 PM ET)
France and Morocco will meet again after their semi-final clash in Qatar 2022. Will history repeat itself, or will Morocco finally get their revenge?
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## FAQ
### Where is the World Cup 2026 being played?
Across 16 cities in the USA, Canada, and Mexico — the first World Cup hosted by three nations. Key venues include the Azteca (Mexico City), MetLife Stadium (NY/NJ), SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles), and BC Place (Vancouver).
### Who are the favorites to win?
France remain the bookmakers’ favorites after topping FIFA’s rankings. Brazil, Spain, and Argentina are also strong contenders. Morocco has emerged as the tournament’s dark horse.
### 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.
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## Final Verdict
The World Cup 2026 knockout stages are delivering everything we love about football — drama, upsets, and moments of individual brilliance. France look solid but beatable. Morocco are rewriting the narrative for African football. England face their demons in Mexico City. And the USMNT have a chance to make history against Belgium.
One thing’s for sure: this tournament is wide open.
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**đź“ş Watch the World Cup live:** [Check your local listings](https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026)