The Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup kicks off today with Canada facing Morocco and Paraguay taking on France. The winners will meet in the quarterfinals. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The day opens with the match Canada vs Morocco. For Canada, this tournament is already historic: the team not only advanced from the group stage but also won their first playoff match, beating South Africa. Now the World Cup hosts face a test against a side that has evolved from a dangerous African team into a formidable force.
Morocco reached the Round of 16 after a dramatic victory over the Netherlands. Mohamed Ouahbi's team trailed in the second half, equalized in stoppage time, took the match to penalties, and eliminated one of the favorites. This result confirms that their 2022 World Cup semifinal was no fluke and that Morocco has learned to play big matches without fear of their opponent's status.
Canada will rely on speed, intensity, and home support. They have players capable of launching quick attacks down the flanks, but against Morocco, pace alone may not be enough. The African side knows how to endure, close down spaces, and punish lapses in concentration.
For Morocco, a quick reset after the Netherlands win is crucial. That match was tough and emotional, and Canada will likely try to impose a high tempo from the start. Morocco must maintain confidence and avoid being drawn into an overly open game by the hosts.
In the match between Paraguay and France, the favorite is clear: Didier Deschamps' team cruised through the group stage and thrashed Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32. Kylian Mbappé scored a brace, showing that France can again raise their level in knockout matches.
But Paraguay has already proven that opponent status is not a death sentence. In the previous round, the South Americans eliminated Germany, winning on penalties after a 1-1 draw. It was a disciplined performance: Paraguay withstood pressure, did not collapse after conceding, and coolly converted their chances in the shootout.
France must prevent Paraguay from slowing the tempo and turning the match into a physical battle. If the French quickly take control of the ball and consistently find Mbappé, Bradley Barcola, and other attackers between the lines, Paraguay will struggle to hold on through organization alone. But the longer the score stays level, the more comfortable the South Americans will become.
Paraguay will likely not contest possession. Their task is to block central areas, force the favorite to attack through the flanks, and wait for opportunities from set pieces or quick counters. After beating Germany, this team will not take the field thinking they have reached their ceiling.
The 23rd FIFA World Cup final tournament started on June 11 and will end on July 19. It is the first to be held in three countries—the USA, Canada, and Mexico—and the first to feature 48 teams.
After the group stage, the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advanced.
The full Round of 16 schedule and results are here.