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FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage Begins with Two Blockbuster Matches

  • By Thetripurapost Desk, Huston, USA
  • Jul 04, 2026
  • 85

The knockout phase of the 2026 FIFA 
FIFA World Cup gets underway with two exciting Round of 16 encounters as co-host Canada battles Morocco, while tournament favourites French to take on Paraguay for a place in the quarter-finals.

Canada and Morocco will kick off the Round of 16 action at Houston Stadium at 10:30 p.m., followed by France's clash against Paraguay at Philadelphia Stadium, scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET.

French superstar Kylian Mbappe, currently the tournament's leading scorer with six goals, will once again be the centre of attention as Les Bleus aim to continue their unbeaten run.

 

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Canada vs Morocco: Can the Hosts Rewrite History?

Canada will be eager to register their first-ever victory over Morocco. The two nations have faced each other twice previously, with Morocco winning once and the other match ending in a draw.

Their only previous FIFA World Cup meeting came during the 2022 World Cup group stage, where Morocco secured a narrow 2-1 victory.

Canada's Road to the Round of 16

Canada booked their place in the knockout stage after defeating South Africa 1-0 in the previous round.

Earlier, the Canadians:

  • Crushed Qatar 6-0.
  • Drew 1-1 with Bosnia.
  • Lost 2-1 to Switzerland.

Morocco's Journey

Morocco reached the Round of 16 after edging past the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout.

The North Africans:

  • Defeated Haiti 4-2.
  • Beat Scotland 1-0.
  • Drew 1-1 against Brazil.
  • Eliminated the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Players to Watch

Canada's hopes will largely depend on Alphonso Davies and striker Jonathan David.

 

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Morocco, meanwhile, will rely on experienced stars Hakim Ziyech and Achraf Hakimi to guide them into the quarter-finals.

Probable Playing XI

Canada: Maxime Crepeau, Alistair Johnston, Kamal Miller, Derek Cornelius, Alphonso Davies, Ismail Koné, Stephen Eustaquio, Tajon Buchanan, Jonathan David, Kyle Larin, Liam Miller.

Morocco: Yacine Bono, Achraf Hakimi, Nayef Aguerd, Roman Cissé, Noussair Mazraoui, Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, Selim Amallah, Hakim Ziyech, Youssef En-Nesyri, Sofiane Boufal.

France vs Paraguay: Mbappe Eyes Another Match-Winning Performance

France enter the contest as overwhelming favourites, boasting an unbeaten record against Paraguay in international football.

The two teams have met five times previously, with France winning three matches while two ended in draws.

This will also be their third FIFA World Cup meeting.

France defeated Paraguay:

  • 7-3 in the 1958 World Cup group stage.
  • 1-0 in the Round of 16 at the 1998 World Cup.

France's Dominant Campaign

France have looked unstoppable throughout the tournament.

They defeated:

  • Sweden 3-0 (Round of 32)
  • Norway 4-1
  • Iraq 3-0
  • Senegal 3-1

Mbappe's six-goal tally makes him the favourite to finish as the tournament's top scorer.

Paraguay's Giant-Killing Spirit

Paraguay produced one of the biggest surprises of the competition by eliminating four-time champions Germany via penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Their group-stage results included:

  • 1-0 win over Turkey.
  • 0-0 draw against Australia.
  • 4-1 defeat to the United States.

Goalkeeper Orlando Gil, who saved a crucial penalty against Germany, and attacking midfielder Julio Enciso are expected to play key roles.

Match Prediction

Canada will enjoy passionate home support, but Morocco's experience in knockout football could prove decisive.

France possess greater squad depth, attacking quality and tournament experience, making them favourites against Paraguay. However, Paraguay's resilience suggests they should not be underestimated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When does Canada vs Morocco start?
The match kicks off at 10:30 p.m. at Houston Stadium.

When is France vs Paraguay?
The second Round of 16 fixture begins at 2:30 p.m. ET at Philadelphia Stadium.

Who is leading the Golden Boot race?
France captain Kylian Mbappe leads the standings with six goals.

Which teams are favourites?
Morocco and France enter their respective matches as slight favourites based on current form and historical record.

 

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