After several penalty shootouts, drama and controversy, the World Cup‘s Round of 32 is finally over. What does the second round of the knockout stage have in store for us?
Co-host Canada got things started with a lively effort in the first half against Morocco, but just couldn’t find the net and it ended up costing them. The Atlas Lions changed tactics after the break and got a little more aggressive. That resulted in a pair of Azzedine Ounahi goals and a stoppage-time dagger from Soufiane Rahimi to send Canada packing. It’s the first time an African team has made the quarterfinals in back-to-back World Cups.
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France, the favorite to win the World Cup, faces Paraguay in the afternoon game as Kylian Mbappé looks to add on to his Golden Boot tally. The French have outscored their opponents 13-2 so far this tournament. The Paraguayans are aiming to continue their miracle run after knocking off Germany in penalty kicks in the first round.
Morocco will play the winner of the France-Paraguay match in Boston on July 9.
Saturday’s Round of 16 schedule
Follow the World Cup right here on Yahoo Sports with live updates, highlights, results and the latest news below:
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Lewis Watson
Mexico’s Estadio Azteca has long been one of soccer’s most intimidating venues. On Sunday, unbeaten Mexico will try to use that home-field advantage — and the altitude of Mexico City — to end England’s World Cup run.
Sitting 7,220 feet (2,240m) above sea level in Mexico’s capital city, the 87,523 capacity stadium holds a mythical presence among soccer fans. England arrives Friday, just two days before kickoff, hoping to adjust to the thin air, a hostile crowd and an opponent yet to concede a goal at the World Cup.
The stadium is also steeped in English soccer folklore.
UNITED STATES – JULY 02: (EDITOR’S NOTE: This image, created on July 2, is a digital composite of image numbers 2280548170, 2280548401, 2280721450 and 2280721826.) In this photo illustration, (L-R) Raul Jimenez and Edson Alvarez of Mexico and Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham of England ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round 16 match between Mexico and England on July 02, 2026 in the United States. The match will be played at Mexico City Stadium on the July 05, 2026. (Photo by FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
(FIFA via Getty Images)
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Sean Leahy
Azzedine Ounahi’s brace and Soufiane Rahimi’s goal in the eighth minute of stoppage time helps knock out Canada and lead Morocco to the quarterfinals for the second straight World Cup.
The Atlas Lions will face either Paraguay or France Thursday in Boston in the final eight.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – JULY 04: Azzedine Ounahi #8 of Morocco celebrates with teammates Soufiane Rahimi #9 and Achraf Hakimi #2 after scoring his team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Canada and Morocco at Houston Stadium on July 04, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
(Alex Slitz via Getty Images)
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Sean Leahy
The fourth official signals there will be eight minutes of stoppage time.
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Sean Leahy
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Sean Leahy
An excellent cut and touch by Brahim Díaz to set up Ounahi for his second of the match.
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Sean Leahy
Azzedine Ounahi puts Canada to bed with a second for Morocco in the 82nd minute
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Sean Leahy
Jacob Shaffelburg and Promise David enter for Richie Laryea and Ali Ahmed.
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Sean Leahy
They do not. Jonathan David went for placement over power and his free kick attempt sails over the cross bar.
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Sean Leahy
Sofyan Amrabat commits a foul on Stephen Eustáquio just outside the Morocco box. Can Canada capitalize on this opportunity?
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Sean Leahy
Cyle Larin picks up the eighth caution of the game after he collides late with Morocco goalkeeper
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Sean Leahy
Cyle Larin comes on for Canada and replaces Tani Oluwaseyi.
Chemsdine Talbi and Sofyan Amrabat enter for Ayyoub Bouaddi Bilal El Khannouss for Morocco.
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Sean Leahy
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Sean Leahy
What a hit by Azzedine Ounahi to give Morocco the lead off a free kick.
Achraf Hakimi’s delivery finds Ounahi at the top of the penalty arc and he drills a shot to the bottom right corner for the game’s opening goal.
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Sean Leahy
Luc de Fougerolles picks up the seventh yellow card of the match after taking out Soufiane Rahimi along the sideline.
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Sean Leahy
Is there a goal or two in the cards for the second half?
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Sean Leahy
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Sean Leahy
The Atlas Lions may hold the possession advantage, but they are lacking in scoring chances. Canada has four shots on goal with two on target.
Canada has recorded 13 touches in their opponent’s penalty box. Morocco has only managed one in Canada’s end.
Morocco will have to do without striker Ismael Saibari, who suffered a hamstring injury and was subbed out after 21 minutes. Saibari and Lionel Messi were the only two players in the 2026 World Cup to score in each group stage match.
Jesse Marsch’s side have been the more threatening one over the opening 45 minutes. Will this match require more than another 45 minutes to determine a winner?
Morocco’s forward #10 Brahim Diaz argues with Canada’s goalkeeper #16 Maxime Crepeau and defender #22 Richie Laryea during the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Canada and Morocco at the Houston Stadium in Houston on July 4, 2026. (Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP via Getty Images)
(RONALDO SCHEMIDT via Getty Images)
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Sean Leahy
Bilal El Khannouss gets his name added to the book for a late challenge on Luc de Fougerolles.
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Sean Leahy
The fourth official reveals there will be minutes of stoppage time to play in the first half.
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Sean Leahy
Another yellow card handed out by Michael Oliver as Azzedine Ounahi goes in the book for a foul from behind.
