⚽ World Cup Round of 16 Wrap: France and Morocco Match Set Up Blockbuster Quarter-Final Rematch
The Round of 16 kicked off in style on July 4, and the day’s two late kick-offs delivered the first confirmed quarter-final pairing of the knockouts.
🇲🇦 Atlas Lions End Canada’s Historic Run in Houston
Morocco eased past co-hosts Canada 3-0 in Houston. Azzedine Ounahi scored two goals in the second half. Soufiane Rahimi added a final goal during stoppage time to end the historic Canadian campaign.
The Atlas Lions have now advanced into their second consecutive World Cup quarter-final. This makes them the first African nation in history to reach the last eight at back-to-back tournaments.
🇫🇷 Mbappé Penalty Pushes Les Bleus Past Paraguay
A few hours later in Philadelphia, France edged past a stubborn Paraguay side 1-0 in intense 100-degree heat. Kylian Mbappé converted a 70th-minute penalty after a grinding defensive battle.
The clinical finish gives Mbappé his seventh goal of the tournament. It keeps him tied with Lionel Messi at the top of the Golden Boot race. The win keeps France on track for a third star as they advance to the quarter-finals for the fourth consecutive World Cup.
⚔️ The Boston Rematch: July 9
The results set up a heavyweight quarter-final showdown on July 9 at Gillette Stadium in Boston.
This match will be an exact repeat of their legendary 2022 semi-final in Qatar, which France won 2-0 before heading to the final. This time around, a relentless Morocco squad will look to take revenge and push one step further, while a clinical France team hopes to keep their title defence alive.
📊 OddsMint Live Quarter-Final Betting Markets
With the bracket tightening, out-right lines are shifting rapidly. Compare the latest match odds across our top verified networks before placing your knockout slips:
- 🇨🇦 Betsson Sportsbook – Best for Match Outrights & Canada Regulated Accounts. Offers highly competitive decimal odds on European and tournament outrights with rapid Interac payouts. (18+ | Play Responsibly)
- 🎮 GGBet Hub – Global Leader for In-Play Handicaps & Live Lines. Secure early Asian Handicap value and live prop markets as the match progresses. (18+ | Play Responsibly)
- 🔥 HitNSpin Casino – Top Alternative for European Fans. Great registration incentives and high-RTP side markets for international tournament bettors. (18+ | Play Responsibly)(Note: Betsson and GGBet do not accept players from the US or UK).
Related Guides
For our full tournament outright analysis: FIFA World Cup 2026 Winner Odds & Tips.
For our Golden Boot coverage including the Haaland value case: Why Haaland at 14/1 is the Best Golden Boot Bet.
Recap round of 32: World Cup Round of 32 Bracket
