FIFA World Cup 2026- Morocco , France register contrasting wins to reach round of 16

 


 The much awaited round of 16 has started in the FIFA World cup 2026. France struggled to get monentum in their match vs Paraguay but finally managed to carve out the narrowest of wins by 1-0 while Morroco scripted a superb second half performance to outclass hosts Canada 3-0 

France 1–0 Paraguay

France booked their place in the quarter-finals after edging a stubborn Paraguay 1–0 in a fiercely contested encounter at Philadelphia Stadium. Didier Deschamps' side dominated possession and dictated the tempo for most of the match, but Paraguay—fresh from their stunning penalty-shootout victory over Germany—defended with tremendous discipline and frustrated the French attack for more than an hour. The game was physical throughout, with France forced to match Paraguay's combative approach in sweltering conditions. 


The decisive moment arrived in the 70th minute. Substitute Désiré Doué burst into the penalty area with a dazzling dribble and was brought down by Diego Gómez. Although the referee initially waved play on, a VAR review correctly awarded France a penalty. Captain Kylian Mbappé stepped up confidently and sent goalkeeper Orlando Gill the wrong way with a composed right-footed finish into the bottom corner, registering the only goal of the match. 


Paraguay refused to surrender and threw players forward in the closing stages, but France's defence, marshalled by William Saliba and Ibrahima Konaté, stood firm to preserve the clean sheet. Mbappé continued to threaten on the counterattack, while Paraguay's determined resistance ultimately came to an end after another valiant defensive display. The victory sent France into the quarter-finals, where they will face Morocco. 

Goal

France 1–0: Kylian Mbappé (70', penalty) 


Morocco 3–0 Canada

Morocco produced a clinical second-half display to defeat co-hosts Canada 3–0 in Houston and secure a place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals. Although the final score suggested a comfortable victory, Canada made the brighter start and created several excellent opportunities during the opening half-hour. However, the North Americans were unable to convert their chances, and Morocco gradually took control through their experience and composure. 

The breakthrough came in the 38th minute from a brilliantly worked set-piece routine. A cleverly disguised free-kick found Azzedine Ounahi, who curled a superb first-time effort beyond the Canadian goalkeeper to put Morocco 1–0 ahead. The goal shifted the momentum firmly in Morocco's favour, and the African side carried that confidence into the second half. 


Morocco doubled their advantage in the 58th minute. A swift counterattack carved open the Canadian defence before Ounahi once again arrived at the perfect moment to calmly slot the ball into the far corner, becoming the first African player since 2002 to score a brace in a World Cup knockout match. Canada continued to battle bravely, but without the injured Alphonso Davies, they lacked the cutting edge needed to mount a comeback. 


The result was put beyond doubt in the closing stages. In the 83rd minute, substitute Soufiane Rahimi collected a precise pass inside the penalty area before finishing clinically into the bottom corner to seal a memorable 3–0 victory. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou preserved another clean sheet with a composed performance, while Morocco's efficient finishing proved the decisive difference. The Atlas Lions advanced confidently to the quarter-finals, where they will meet France in a blockbuster last-eight clash. 


Goals

Morocco 1–0: Azzedine Ounahi (38')

Morocco 2–0: Azzedine Ounahi (58')

Morocco 3–0: Soufiane Rahimi (83') 

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