Mexico 2-0 Ecuador — Co-Hosts Roll On
Playing at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, El Tri put on a show despite a thunderstorm delaying kick-off by an hour. Julián Quiñones opened the scoring with his third goal of the tournament before Raúl Jiménez punished an Ecuador defensive error to make it 2-0 before halftime. Ecuador improved after the break but couldn’t find a way back.
The result means Mexico has now won all four matches, scored eight goals, and conceded zero. They’ll face either England or DR Congo in the Round of 16 on Sunday — again at the Azteca, where they remain unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches.
Ecuador’s defeat also confirmed the end of Sebastián Beccacece’s tenure as manager, who announced his departure after the match.
France 3-0 Sweden — Mbappe Unstoppable
Kylian Mbappé continues his relentless march through this tournament. The French superstar scored twice as Les Bleus dismantled Sweden to book a last-16 clash with Paraguay. Mbappé now has 7 goals in the tournament, chasing the Golden Boot as France look every bit the favorites to retain their title.
Manager Didier Deschamps urged caution despite the dominant display, but fans are already dreaming of back-to-back World Cup victories.
Paraguay Stun Germany on Penalties — Major Upset
In one of the biggest shocks of the tournament, Paraguay knocked out four-time World Cup winners Germany on penalties. The match went to extra time after a tense 1-1 draw, but Germany thought they had won it in the dying minutes — only for FIFA to confirm the goal was correctly ruled out for a foul. Paraguay held their nerve from the spot to send the European giants home early.
Germany’s elimination follows a pattern of traditional powerhouses struggling at this tournament, with the Netherlands also crashing out at the hands of Morocco on penalties.
Norway Through as Haaland Delivers
Erling Haaland proved once again why he’s one of the most feared strikers in the world, scoring the goal that sent Norway past Ivory Coast and into the last 16. The Manchester City star continues to defy logic — with some analysts already projecting he could end up with over 260 international goals by the end of his career.
Brazil Edge Japan in Dramatic Finish
A last-gasp strike from Gabriel Martinelli rescued Brazil against a stubborn Japan side. The five-time champions weren’t at their best but found a way through when it mattered most, keeping their title hopes alive.
Round of 16 Fixtures to Watch
| Fixture | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico vs England/DR Congo | Azteca Stadium, Mexico City | July 5 |
| France vs Paraguay | Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco | July 4 |
| Norway vs TBD | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta | July 5 |
| Brazil vs TBD | AT&T Stadium, Dallas | July 6 |
| Morocco vs TBD | Rose Bowl, Los Angeles | July 4 |
FAQ
Who is favorite to win the 2026 World Cup?
France remain the clear favorites after dominating every match so far. Brazil and Mexico are also strong contenders, with Mexico benefiting from home advantage and an incredible record at the Azteca.
Why was Germany’s goal disallowed against Paraguay?
FIFA confirmed that referees had warned teams before the tournament that the specific type of foul committed by a German attacker would be penalized. The decision was controversial but consistent with pre-tournament guidance.
When does England play?
England faces DR Congo in the Round of 32 on July 1. If they win, they’ll face Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in what would be a massive test.
**Final Verdict:** The 2026 World Cup Round of 32 has already delivered more drama than entire tournaments sometimes manage. With Germany and the Netherlands out, the path has opened for France, Brazil, and co-hosts Mexico. Buckle up — the Round of 16 promises even more fireworks.
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