France set up World Cup 2026 quarterfinal clash with Morocco

France and Morocco became the first teams to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals after winning their Round of 16 ties on Saturday, July 4, and Sunday, July 5.

Kylian Mbappé’s second-half penalty earned France a narrow 1-0 victory over Paraguay, while Morocco produced a clinical second-half display to beat co-hosts Canada 3-0. The two sides will now meet in the quarterfinals in Boston on July 9.

France edge Paraguay 1-0

France booked their place in the World Cup 2026 quarterfinals with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Paraguay in their Round of 16 clash at Philadelphia Stadium on Sunday, July 5.

Kylian Mbappé scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 70th minute after France were awarded a penalty, giving Les Bleus the breakthrough against a stubborn Paraguayan defence. 

Paraguay battled resolutely throughout but could not find an equaliser as France secured a place in the last eight, where Didier Deschamps’ side will face Morocco on July 9.

Morocco earns 3-0 win over Canada

Morocco progressed to the quarterfinals with a commanding 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada in their Round of 16 clash at Houston Stadium on Saturday, July 4.

After a goalless first half, Azzedine Ounahi broke the deadlock in the 50th minute before scoring again in the 82nd. Substitute Soufiane Rahimi added a third in stoppage time (90+8) to seal an emphatic victory.

Ounahi became the first African player to score twice in a men’s World Cup knockout match since 2002. 

Canada created the better openings before the interval but were unable to convert their chances, while Morocco took control after the break with a clinical display to set up a quarterfinal meeting with France.

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