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The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 delivered drama, upsets, and stunning goals on Tuesday as the tournament narrowed from 48 to 32 teams. With Germany and the Netherlands both sent home on penalties, and France laying down a marker with a dominant display, the Round of 16 is now taking shape — and it looks wide open.
Tuesday’s Round of 32 Results
| Match | Score | Winner | Key Story |
|---|---|---|---|
| France vs Sweden | 3-0 | 🇫🇷 France | Mbappe brace, Olise two assists |
| Paraguay vs Germany | 1-1 (4-3 pens) | 🇵🇾 Paraguay | Gill saves two pens, Germany eliminated |
| Morocco vs Netherlands | 1-1 (3-2 pens) | 🇲🇦 Morocco | Diop 90+4 equalizer, Dutch miss three penalties |
| Brazil vs Japan | 2-1 | 🇧🇷 Brazil | Martinelli 95th-min winner |
| Norway vs Ivory Coast | 2-1 | 🇳🇴 Norway | Haaland winner, Odegaard assist |
| Mexico vs Ecuador | 2-0 | 🇲🇽 Mexico | Quinones & Jimenez goals, Azteca rocking |
Key Highlights
🇫🇷 France 3-0 Sweden — Mbappe Makes History
Kylian Mbappe became the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup knockout matches as he scored twice to lead France past Sweden in New Jersey. The Real Madrid superstar now shares the Golden Boot lead with Argentina’s Lionel Messi on six goals apiece.
Michael Olise was the architect-in-chief, providing two more assists to take his tournament tally to five. Bradley Barcola also got on the scoresheet as France became the first team to score 3+ goals in five straight World Cup matches.
“The collective strength is above everything,” said coach Didier Deschamps, returning to the dugout after attending his mother’s funeral. France will face Paraguay in Philadelphia on Saturday.
🇵🇾 Paraguay Stun Germany on Penalties
Four-time world champions Germany are out. Arsenal forward Kai Havertz missed Germany’s first spot-kick, and Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade was also denied by goalkeeper Orlando Gill. Despite Paraguay missing two chances to seal it themselves, defender Jose Canale kept his cool to convert the decisive penalty in sudden death.
Julio Enciso had headed Paraguay into a shock first-half lead before Havertz equalized. Jonathan Tah thought he’d won it in extra time, but his goal was ruled out for a foul on the keeper.
🇲🇦 Morocco Beat Netherlands in Stoppage Time Thriller
Playing an emotional Cody Gakpo — who had announced the loss of his unborn child days earlier — the Netherlands took the lead through the Liverpool star in the 72nd minute. But Morocco refused to fold. Issa Diop powered home a stoppage-time header to force extra time, and the Atlas Lions held their nerve in the shootout, winning 3-2 as the Dutch missed three penalties.
Morocco will face Canada in Houston on Saturday.
🇧🇷 Brazil Edge Japan in Stoppage Time
Brazil looked in trouble after Kaishu Sano punished a sloppy Danilo pass to give Japan a first-half lead. But Casemiro headed Brazil level 10 minutes into the second half, and Gabriel Martinelli produced a 95th-minute winner — slotting home after Bruno Guimaraes slipped him through — to send the five-time champions through.
🇳🇴 Haaland Delivers Again for Norway
In arguably the biggest match in both nations’ history, Erling Haaland scored his fifth goal in three World Cup games to send Norway past Ivory Coast 2-1. Captain Martin Odegaard provided the set-up for Antonio Nusa’s opener — making him only the third player on record to assist in each of his first three World Cup appearances.
🇲🇽 Mexico Dominate Ecuador at Raucous Azteca
After a severe weather delay, co-hosts Mexico — who have won all their matches so far — powered past Ecuador 2-0. Quinones smashed home his third World Cup goal before Raul Jimenez added the second. Mexico will face the winner of England vs DR Congo.
Confirmed Round of 16 Matchups
| Fixture | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Morocco vs Canada | Sat, July 4 (18:00 BST) | Houston |
| France vs Paraguay | Sat, July 4 (22:00 BST) | Philadelphia |
| Brazil vs Norway | TBD | TBD |
| Mexico vs England/DR Congo | Mon, July 6 (01:00 BST) | TBD |
(Plus 8 more matches to be decided as remaining Round of 32 fixtures are completed.)
England Injury Concerns
England face DR Congo in their Round of 32 clash but will be without right-backs Jarell Quansah and Reece James due to injury. Manager Thomas Tuchel has indicated he will stick with predecessor Gareth Southgate’s penalty shootout blueprint should the match go to spot-kicks.
Looking Ahead
France looks like the team to beat after their explosive performance, but Paraguay’s giant-killing spirit and Morocco’s resilience make for intriguing Round of 16 matchups. Brazil’s late-show heroics against Japan will give them momentum, while Mexico’s home advantage at altitude could prove decisive.
With 48 teams now reduced to 32 and the knockout bracket tightening, every match from here on is do-or-die.
FAQ
When does the Round of 16 start?
Round of 16 matches begin on Friday, July 3, with the first fixtures continuing through Monday, July 6.
Who are the top scorers so far?
Lionel Messi (Argentina) and Kylian Mbappe (France) lead with six goals each. Erling Haaland (Norway) is close behind with five.
Which teams have been eliminated?
Notable eliminations include Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Japan, and Ivory Coast, all of whom lost their Round of 32 matches.
When is the World Cup final?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will be held on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA.
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