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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is delivering drama across North America, and the Round of 16 has already served up some unforgettable moments. With Morocco dominating Canada and France grinding past Paraguay, we now have a blockbuster quarterfinal rematch that no one wants to miss.
Morocco 3-0 Canada: Ounahi Double Ends Co-Hosts’ Dream
Canada’s historic World Cup run came to a heartbreaking end in Houston as Morocco delivered a clinical 3-0 masterclass. Despite a thunderous start from the Canadians—who created numerous chances in the first half—they simply couldn’t find the back of the net.
Azzedine Ounahi was the star of the show. He opened the scoring by finishing off Achraf Hakimi’s well-worked free kick, then struck again on the counter-attack late in the second half. Soufiane Rahimi added a third in stoppage time to seal the deal.
Key Stats
- Morocco had only 5 shots — but scored 3 goals
- Canada had 10 shots — none found the net
- Referee Michael Oliver showed 8 yellow cards, equaling the record for an Englishman in World Cup history
- First half had more yellow cards (6) than shots (5) — a World Cup first
Canada’s Stephen Eustaquio reflected on the loss: “We felt always the love back home from Canadians. We are finally a soccer country.”
France 1-0 Paraguay: Mbappe Penalty Decides Heated Battle
In Philadelphia, France edged past Paraguay 1-0 in a match played under Extreme Heat Warning conditions. Paraguay frustrated the defending champions with a physical, disciplined performance, but Kylian Mbappe’s second-half penalty proved decisive.
Mbappe’s goal moved him level with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race with 7 goals so far.
France are now just two wins away from making three consecutive World Cup finals — a feat only achieved by West Germany (1982-1990) and Brazil (1994-2002).
Quarterfinal Preview: Morocco vs France — A Rematch 4 Years in the Making
| Match | Venue | Date | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco vs France | Gillette Stadium, Boston | Thursday, July 9 | 4:00 PM |
This is a replay of the 2022 World Cup semifinal, where France defeated Morocco 2-0. But this time, Morocco enters as a completely different beast. Ranked 6th in FIFA’s world rankings and the reigning AFCON champions, they boast a squad led by Achraf Hakimi and Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz.
Meanwhile, France has Mbappe in red-hot form with 7 goals, and the experience of going deep in tournaments. This promises to be the quarterfinal to watch.
Upcoming Round of 16 Matches
Day 2 of the Round of 16 promises blockbuster action:
- Brazil vs Norway — MetLife Stadium, 4 PM ET
- Mexico vs England — Estadio Azteca, 8 PM ET
FAQ
What happened to Canada at the 2026 World Cup?
Canada reached the Round of 16 for the first time in their history but lost 3-0 to Morocco. Despite creating more chances, they couldn’t convert and paid the price against a clinical Moroccan side.
Who is the top scorer at the 2026 World Cup?
Kylian Mbappe currently leads the Golden Boot race with 7 goals, tied with Lionel Messi, as both superstars continue chasing the record.
When and where is the Morocco vs France quarterfinal?
The match will be played on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Which match will follow on Day 2 of the Round of 16?
Brazil faces Norway at MetLife Stadium (4 PM ET), followed by Mexico vs England at Estadio Azteca (8 PM ET) — two blockbuster matchups that will decide the remaining quarterfinal spots.
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