World Cup 2026: Morocco, France Set for Quarterfinals Clash as Canada, Paraguay Bow Out

Morocco moved closer to making African football history and France stayed on course for a rare World Cup milestone after both teams booked places in the quarterfinals with victories on Saturday.

Morocco defeated co-host Canada 3-0 in Houston, becoming the first African team to reach the World Cup quarterfinals in back-to-back tournaments.

The Atlas Lions are now just three wins away from becoming the first African nation to lift the World Cup.

Canada, meanwhile, became the first of the three host countries to be eliminated from the tournament.

Azzedine Ounahi scored twice before substitute Soufiane Rahimi added a late third goal as Morocco proved too strong after surviving Canada's bright start.

The victory set up a quarterfinal meeting with defending runners-up France.

In Philadelphia, France edged Paraguay 1-0 in a tense and physical contest decided by Kylian Mbappé's 70th-minute penalty.

The match was officiated by Uzbek referee Ilgiz Tantashev, whose lenient approach allowed several heavy challenges in a game that became increasingly heated before VAR awarded France the decisive penalty.

After the match, Mbappé said France had shown another side of their game.

"We know how to play dirty football too," the France captain said after his team matched Paraguay's physical approach.

"People think we only know how to play with a tuxedo, but we can adapt when we have to."

Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro refused to blame the officials despite the controversial penalty decision.

"I have no complaints," Alfaro said.

"I have open wounds because we came so close.

"I leave with peace because the players gave everything they had."

France are now within two victories of becoming only the third nation in history to reach three consecutive FIFA World Cup finals, after the achievements of West Germany and Brazil.

Standing in their way next are Morocco, whose remarkable run has kept Africa's hopes alive once again.

The Round of 16 continues on Sunday with five-time champions Brazil taking on Norway before Mexico host England, as the race for the last eight gathers pace.