FIFA World Cup 2026 as it happened: Mbappe penalty pips Paraguay in round of 16; Morocco end Canada’s run

FIFA World Cup 2026 delivered a dramatic day of action as France advanced to the semi-finals with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Morocco, while Morocco ended Canada’s historic run in the tournament. The matches took place across multiple venues, showcasing the global reach of the competition. In Philadelphia, France faced Paraguay in a tense encounter that ultimately saw Kylian Mbappé secure a crucial penalty to send France into the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, in Boston, France met Morocco in a high-stakes quarter-final that highlighted the dominance of French stars Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. The France vs. Paraguay match began under challenging conditions, with temperatures soaring to 37 degrees Celsius in the first half. Despite the sweltering heat, France maintained control throughout the game, with Mbappé emerging as the hero. The decisive moment came in the second half when Mbappé converted a penalty, marking his seventh goal of the tournament and bringing him closer to the all-time World Cup scoring record held by Lionel Messi. This goal secured France’s place in the quarter-finals, setting up a potential clash with Morocco, who had just defeated Canada in a thrilling match. Morocco’s triumph over Canada was a significant moment in the tournament, ending Canada’s remarkable journey. The Canadian team had entered the World Cup with high expectations, having previously reached the quarter-finals in previous tournaments. However, Morocco proved too strong, overcoming Canada in a tightly contested match. The result marked the end of Canada’s run, highlighting the challenges faced by teams making their debut in the World Cup. Morocco, representing Africa, demonstrated their strength and resilience, securing their place in the quarter-finals. As the dust settled on these matches, attention turned to the upcoming fixtures. France, now guaranteed a semi-final slot, awaited the winner of the Spain-Belgium quarter-final, which took place in Los Angeles. The French squad, led by manager Didier Deschamps, remained optimistic about their prospects. Deschamps praised Mbappé’s composure and confidence, noting that the forward never doubted himself despite missing a prior penalty. Mbappé, who was substituted due to an ankle injury, expressed determination to continue pushing forward in the tournament. Meanwhile, the Australian team, which had suffered a heartbreak in the round of 16 against Egypt, found support from Football Australia. The organization stood by coach Tony Popovic amid criticism over tactical decisions during the match. Popovic had made controversial substitutions, including replacing the starting goalkeeper with a veteran and assigning a young player to take a penalty. While some critics voiced concerns, Football Australia emphasized that Popovic remained the best choice to guide the national team. This stance sparked discussions among fans and analysts about the pressures faced by coaches in high-stakes competitions. The tournament also saw emotional responses from fans, particularly in Australia, where supporters gathered at Federation Square to witness the penalty shootout against Egypt. Many described feelings of disappointment and exhaustion, emphasizing the deep connection between fans and their national team. These experiences underscored the intensity of the World Cup, where each match carries immense significance for players and supporters alike. Looking ahead, the semi-finals promise to be highly anticipated, with France potentially facing either Spain or Belgium. The stage is set for more thrilling encounters, with the World Cup continuing to captivate audiences worldwide. As the tournament progresses, the focus remains on the performances of key players and the strategic decisions of managers, ensuring that the World Cup remains one of the most exciting sporting events on the planet.