AF WC Roundup: a savoury day of matches as Morocco nailed Canada, France advanced harshly

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Match Highlights

Canada 0-3 Morocco: Ounahi nets brace to clear the way for the Atlas Lions

Morocco progressed into the World Cup quarter-finals for a second straight edition after Azzedine Ounahi's second-half double helped them to a 3-0 win over co-hosts Canada.

Paraguay 0-1 France: Mbappe's penalty kick sends Paraguay back home in feisty World Cup clash

Kylian Mbappe made it 19 goals in 19 World Cup appearances as his 70th-minute penalty helped France reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup with a 1-0 win over Paraguay.

Key Stats Board

France vs Paraguay match stats 12-2 corners, 3-0 yellow cards, 11-13 fouls

In the Round of 16 of the Canada-Mexico-USA FIFA World Cup, France narrowly defeated Paraguay 1-0 with a penalty kick from Mbappé. In this match, the Paraguayan team committed multiple minor fouls, ultimately finishing the game with 0 yellow cards, only receiving one yellow card when they surrounded the referee after the match.

African power, Morocco becomes 1st African team to reach World Cup quarterfinals twice

In the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, Morocco eliminated host Canada 3-0, advancing to the quarterfinals. Morocco reached the quarterfinals for two consecutive FIFA World Cups, becoming the first African team in history to reach the quarterfinals twice.

Mbappe reaches 100 goal contributions for France in 103 appearances

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between France and Paraguay, Mbappe scored in the second half to give France the lead, bringing his direct goal involvement for the French national team to 100.

Key player Brahim contributes 5 goals, 4 assists in 12 World Cup and AFCON games

In the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Morocco defeated Canada 3-0, with Brahim providing two assists.

World Cup 2026 Golden Boot race: Messi, Mbappe, Harry Kane and Haaland in epic battle

Lionel Messi has retaken the lead in the race for the Golden Boot at the 2026 World Cup.

These Things Happen

Van Dijk shockingly linked with a move away from Liverpool as Amorim plans huge move

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been linked with a move away this summer as reports state AC Milan are interested.

OFFICIAL: Mahrez leaves Al-Ahli after three years, winning two AFC champions league elite titles

Al-Ahli officially announced that Algerian star Mahrez, who has played for the team for three years, has left the team.

Morocco forward Saibari injured out after Bayern transfer three days ago

During the first half of the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between Morocco and Canada, Moroccan star Saibari appeared to suffer a strain and was unable to continue, being substituted off. After being replaced, he looked very frustrated.

Ounahi scores twice, named man of the match in Morocco vs. Canada

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16, Morocco secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Canada, with Moroccan midfielder Ounahi, who scored twice in the match, being named the official FIFA World Cup Player of the Match.

Romano: Newcastle prepares official offer for Swiss international Manzambi after initial contact

According to well-known journalist Romano, Newcastle is preparing a formal offer for Swiss midfielder Manzambi, with initial contact already made.

Arsenal agree to sell £17.1m Leandro Trossard to Turkey - with just one year left on his contract

Besiktas have agreed a £17.1million deal with Arsenal to sign Leandro Trossard - with the midfielder to decide on his future after the World Cup.

Thiago labels Pedri as best midfielder in the world amid Iniesta comparisons

Thiago Alcantara believes there is no better midfielder in the world than Barcelona and Spain star Pedri, likening him to former Blaugrana great Andres Iniesta.

Guehi suggests Mexico are favourites ahead of England's Azteca challenge

Marc Guehi suggested co-hosts Mexico are the favourites when England head to the historic Estadio Azteca for Monday's last-16 clash at the World Cup.

Everton reaches £24m deal with Chelsea for Tyrique George

According to Kinsella, a journalist following Chelsea, Everton has reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign Tyrique George for a total of £24 million.

Liverpool saved millions on Premier League winner and Jurgen Klopp favourite as free agents

Liverpool have lost Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate for nothing this summer - but the Reds have a solid history of landing brilliant free transfers themselves

Oxlade-Chamberlain pens new one-year deal with Celtic

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is hoping for a second successful season at Celtic after signing a new one-year contract with the Scottish Premiership champions on Saturday.

AS Roma intensify chase for Marseille forward Mason Greenwood

AS Roma are set to step up their pursuit of Marseille forward Mason Greenwood as they look to strengthen their right wing before Atletico Madrid enter the race.

What They Say

Ibrahimovic: It's hard to stay calm against Paraguay's provocations, I might have gotten 4 red cards

Ibrahimovic commented on France's 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the FIFA World Cup round of 16 as a pundit on FOX Sports. The Swedish legend stated that if he had been on the field, the match might have seen four red cards.

Deschamps says France can still become more cohesive ahead of Paraguay tie

Didier Deschamps believes France can still find new solutions to make the group behind their star-studded attack even more cohesive, ahead of facing Paraguay.

Paraguay coach Alfaro: France couldn't break our defense; It's Doue's individual skill won it

In the World Cup Round of 16, Paraguay lost 0-1 to France. After the match, Paraguay's coach Alfaro was interviewed by D Sports, discussing his team's tactical arrangements during the game.

Canada 'were the better team' in defeat to Morocco, believes Marsch

Jesse Marsch believed his Canada side "were the better team" during their 3-0 defeat to Morocco that saw them exit the World Cup in the last 16.

Carragher: Tuchel has created World Cup right-back problem ahead of Mexico last-16 game

Jamie Carragher believes England boss Thomas Tuchel is to blame for his side's right-back issue at the World Cup.

Cape Verde Defender: We were so close to making history, but fell short in the end

In the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, the Cape Verde national team, participating in the FIFA World Cup finals for the first time, battled reigning champions Argentina for 120 minutes in Miami, ultimately losing 2-3.

Haaland: World cup match against Brazil could be my most important international game

On July 4, Haaland, who was with the Norwegian national team preparing for the crucial match against Brazil, was interviewed by Norwegian media outlet TV2.

Rashford says England must manage the occasion versus Mexico

Marcus Rashford believes England's game management skills will be key when they face World Cup co-hosts Mexico in a blockbuster last-16 tie on Sunday.

Italy have 'Plan A, Plan B and Plan C' for new head coach, says FIGC chief

Italy have a "Plan A, Plan B and Plan C" for the head coach and technical director roles that the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is still looking to fill, claims Giovanni Malago.