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FIFA WC Today Highlights (4-5 July): The knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached a thrilling juncture. In blockbuster Round of 16 clashes, France and Morocco won their respective matches to secure spots in the quarter-finals (Last 8). However, the path to victory was far from easy for either team. While Paraguay gave France a grueling fight right up to the final minute, Morocco displayed lethal form in the second half to shatter Canada's World Cup dreams. Here is a full report on these two high-voltage matches.
FIFA WC Round of 16: France vs Paraguay Match Highlights & Results
Match Result: France Beat Paraguay 1-0 to Secure Quarter-Final Ticket
In a fiercely contested match played in Philadelphia, France defeated Paraguay 1-0. Although the scoreline might appear narrow, the match witnessed an intense battle between the two sides on the pitch.
- Paraguay's Robust Defense: Paraguay, having reached the Round of 16 after defeating Germany, successfully stifled France's star-studded forward line during the first half. While France dominated possession, they struggled to seriously trouble Paraguay's goalkeeper, Orlando Gil.
- Mbappe's Decisive Penalty: France ramped up their attack in the second half, driven by Ousmane Dembélé and Manu Koné. Finally, in the 69th minute, France were awarded a penalty following a VAR review; star striker Kylian Mbappé converted it flawlessly.
- New Record for Mbappé: This marks Mbappé's seventh goal of the tournament, allowing him to draw level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot. Additionally, this marks his record 11th goal in World Cup knockout history.
- Player of the Match: Orlando Gill, the goalkeeper for the losing team, was named 'Superior Player of the Match' for his outstanding goalkeeping performance.
FIFA WC Round of 16: Morocco vs Canada Match Highlights & Results
Match Result: Morocco Defeat Canada 3-0 to Make African Football History
In the second match played in Houston, Morocco defeated co-hosts Canada 3-0 to advance to the World Cup quarter-finals for the second consecutive time.
- Bounou's Wall-like Performance: The first half was dominated by Canada. Playing in front of a home crowd, Canada launched repeated attacks, but Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou denied them the lead with a series of brilliant and spectacular saves.
- Morocco's Second-Half Surge: Morocco completely dominated the second half. In the 50th minute, Azzedine Ounahi scored a magnificent open-play goal to give the team a 1-0 lead. He then sealed the victory by scoring his second goal in the 82nd minute. In stoppage time, Soufiane Rahimi scored the third goal, bringing the final score to 3-0.
- Historic Achievement: Azzedine Ounahi was named 'Superior Player of the Match' for his two brilliant goals. With this win, Morocco became the first African nation to reach the quarter-finals in two consecutive World Cups. They will now face France in the quarter-finals on July 9.
Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Most Goals: Current Golden Boot Standings
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