The Round of 16 kicked off on American Independence Day with two knockout clashes that couldn't have been more different in character. Morocco delivered a commanding second-half performance to dismantle co-hosts Canada in Houston, becoming the first team into the last eight. Hours later in Philadelphia, Kylian Mbappé's second-half penalty proved the difference as France edged a fiery, physical Paraguay side that refused to roll over despite barely mustering a shot on target across 90 agonising minutes.
Canada 0-3 Morocco
Morocco weathered an early Canadian storm before asserting their class after the break. Azzedine Ounahi broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half, sweeping home Achraf Hakimi's cut-back free-kick from the edge of the box. Canada had started far the stronger side, with Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi both denied one-on-one by keeper Bono inside the opening 11 minutes, but their failure to convert proved costly. Ounahi struck again with eight minutes remaining, finishing a devastating counter-attack launched by Brahim Díaz, before Soufiane Rahimi added a stoppage-time third. Canada's historic World Cup — featuring their first point, first win, and first knockout victory — comes to a valiant end.
Paraguay 0-1 France
Kylian Mbappé's 70th-minute penalty separated the sides in a bruising, bad-tempered contest played in 38-degree Philadelphia heat. Paraguay set out to disrupt, frustrate, and wind up their opponents — and nearly succeeded. For long stretches France could find no way through a deep, physical Paraguay block that registered zero shots on target across the entire match. The deadlock was broken when Mbappé converted from the spot after a foul in the box, his celebration revealing the tension of a frustrating afternoon. Paraguay's night was summed up by a late melee involving Matías Galarza and Michael Olise, while goalkeeper Orlando Gill produced stunning late saves to keep the score respectable. France advance to face Morocco in the quarter-finals.
Upcoming Matches for July 5 (all times ET):
4PM ET — Brazil vs Norway, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
8PM ET — Mexico vs England, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
World Cup Day 24: Mbappé Penalty Sends France Through as Morocco Storm Into Quarter-Finals
2026-07-05 02:25:02
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