FIFA World Cup Round of 16 set to kick off: History at stake as co-hosts Canada face Morocco and France meet Paraguay for a quarter-final spot; check kickoff time, venues and how to watch live streaming in US and Canada
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 kicks off with co-hosts Canada facing Morocco, both teams riding waves of newfound confidence. Meanwhile, Paraguay aims to continue its giant-killing spree against a formidable French side boasting a potent atta...
By Divyadeep Singh, Global Desk | Updated:
Reuters
FIFA World Cup 2026: The Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 wrapped up with a nail-biting finish between champions Argentina and Cabo Verde with Messi’s side edging past the debutants in the extra time. Now, the action shifts to the Round of 16 which is set to begin on July 4, 2026 (Saturday) with a clash between Canada and Morocco at Houston Stadium.
Canada, the co-hosts in this World Cup edition, will be riding high on confidence after rewriting history books by earning their first points in six attempts at the global showpiece. That record is now a distant memory, replaced by a string of breakthroughs starting with an opening draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, then a commanding win over Qatar, followed by a tense Round of 32 triumph over South Africa.
Meanwhile, Morocco arrives with its own tale of resilience. The Atlas Lions opened against five-time champions Brazil and held them to a 1-1 draw, then battled through Group C to earn a Round of 32 showdown with the Netherlands. What followed was a grueling 120 minutes in Monterrey, capped by a dramatic penalty shootout. Veteran goalkeeper Yassine Bounou denied Crysencio Summerville, and Ismael Saibari delivered the decisive kick.
Elsewhere, Paraguay looks to extend its giant-killing run after stunning four-time champions Germany in the Round of 32. A Julio Enciso strike and a heroic penalty shootout display from goalkeeper Orlando Gill carried La Albirroja to their first knockout win since 2010.
The next challenge up for them is against France, a team that has been scoring at will. Les Bleus swept through the group stage with three emphatic victories and then dispatched Sweden 3-0. Kylian Mbappe already has six goals, Ousmane Dembele has added four, and Michael Olise has orchestrated five assists, numbers that underline the firepower awaiting Paraguay in Philadelphia.
A quarter-final berth in Boston is at stake, with the winners of Canada versus Morocco and France versus Paraguay set to collide there on July 9, 2026.
How to watch FIFA World Cup 2026 live in Canada
Canada, the co-hosts in this World Cup edition, will be riding high on confidence after rewriting history books by earning their first points in six attempts at the global showpiece. That record is now a distant memory, replaced by a string of breakthroughs starting with an opening draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, then a commanding win over Qatar, followed by a tense Round of 32 triumph over South Africa.
Meanwhile, Morocco arrives with its own tale of resilience. The Atlas Lions opened against five-time champions Brazil and held them to a 1-1 draw, then battled through Group C to earn a Round of 32 showdown with the Netherlands. What followed was a grueling 120 minutes in Monterrey, capped by a dramatic penalty shootout. Veteran goalkeeper Yassine Bounou denied Crysencio Summerville, and Ismael Saibari delivered the decisive kick.
Elsewhere, Paraguay looks to extend its giant-killing run after stunning four-time champions Germany in the Round of 32. A Julio Enciso strike and a heroic penalty shootout display from goalkeeper Orlando Gill carried La Albirroja to their first knockout win since 2010.
The next challenge up for them is against France, a team that has been scoring at will. Les Bleus swept through the group stage with three emphatic victories and then dispatched Sweden 3-0. Kylian Mbappe already has six goals, Ousmane Dembele has added four, and Michael Olise has orchestrated five assists, numbers that underline the firepower awaiting Paraguay in Philadelphia.
A quarter-final berth in Boston is at stake, with the winners of Canada versus Morocco and France versus Paraguay set to collide there on July 9, 2026.
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FIFA World Cup 2026: Round of 16
- Morocco vs. Canada – Houston Stadium (July 4, 2026, 1 p.m. ET)
- France vs. Paraguay – Philadelphia Stadium (July 4, 2026, 5 p.m. ET)
How to watch FIFA World Cup 2026 live in the US
- Channels: FOX, Fox Sports 1, Telemundo, Universo, Fubo, YouTube TV, and Hulu
- Streaming: Fox One, Peacock, DirecTV, Fubo
How to watch FIFA World Cup 2026 live in Canada
- Channels/Streaming: TSN, CTV, and RDS
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