The Round of 16 gets underway at the 2026 World Cup, with tournament favorites France in action. We offer preview and predictions for every match on Thursday.
Canada vs Morocco (Thursday, July 4th in Houston)
Morocco triumphed over The Netherlands and outplayed them in a big round of 32 clash that went to penalties. Canada needed a late goal from Stephen Eustaquio against South Africa to reach the last 16 and secure their first ever World Cup knockout victory. Canada will be underdogs here, Morocco have World Cup pedigree, while Canada has an athletic side that haven’t always been able to finish their chances.
With Alphonso Davies having returned to Canada, this is a better squad, they still have to sort through the striker role with Tani Oluwaseyi likely the front runner to pair with Jonathan David. Morocco has their preferred XI available. I don’t expect Canada to make things easy for Morocco, but their experience should matter at this stage in the tournament.
Prediction: Morocco 2-1 (after extra time)
Paraguay vs France (Thursday, July 4th in Philadelphia)
The “America 250” clash in Philadelphia, taking place on the United States Independence Day has South American underdogs Paraguay taking on World Cup favorites France. Paraguay stunned another former World Cup winner, Germany, in the last 32. They did it by playing a brave low block and stifling the German side, after Julio Enciso scored their only goal. Penalty kicks favored the Paraguayans, who got a standout performance from Orlando Gill in goal.
The tactics won’t change for Paraguay here, they know their path to winning games is by defending consistently and frustrating the opposition. It works, but will it work against a France side that has the best attack in the tournament?
France walloped Sweden 3-0 in the last 32, and the quartet of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola have been in super mario strikers mode in four games. It’s expected to be brutal weather conditions, the heat will suit Paraguay, but probably not enough to swing the outcome.
Paraguay will return Diego Gomez to their midfield, Omar Alderete is still out, France has their ideal XI ready to play. France should be able to keep Paraguay off the scoreboard and that makes them favorites.
Prediction: France 2-0
Main Photo Credit: Smartframe Images
