What happened at the World Cup on July 4, 2026?

The Round of 16 opened with the co-hosts going home. Morocco beat Canada 3-0 — an Azzedine Ounahi double sending the 2022 semifinalists into the quarterfinals and ending Canada's historic run. France stayed perfect, beating Paraguay 1-0 on a Kylian Mbappé penalty to reach the last eight with a flawless six wins from six.

World Cup July 4: Morocco Reach the Quarterfinals

1. Morocco march into the quarterfinals

Morocco, the darlings of the 2022 World Cup, are into the last eight again. They dismantled co-hosts Canada 3-0, with Azzedine Ounahi scoring twice — a stunning strike from outside the box in the 50th minute and a clinical counterattack finish in the 82nd — before substitute Soufiane Rahimi added a third in stoppage time. Backed by enormous, passionate support across North America, Morocco are once again carrying the hopes of a continent. For a casual fan: this is the team every neutral loves, and they're one of the tournament's most dangerous sides.

2. Canada's historic run ends

It's the end of a landmark journey. Canada, a co-host, had reached the knockout rounds for the first time and won their opening knockout game — genuinely uncharted territory for the program. Against Morocco, though, the gulf in tournament experience showed. Coach Jesse Marsch felt his side deserved more, but three goals was too much to overturn. Canada go home, but they leave a World Cup that captivated their country and raised the bar for the future.

3. France stay perfect — Mbappé does it again

The title favorites keep winning. France edged a stubborn Paraguay 1-0, with Kylian Mbappé converting a penalty in the 70th minute after a foul on Désiré Doué. It wasn't a vintage performance, but France have now won all six of their games at this World Cup — the mark of a serious contender. Mbappé's goal was his seventh of the tournament, keeping him in a battle with Messi for the Golden Boot. Les Bleus are into the quarterfinals and look built to go all the way.

4. The Golden Boot race stays red-hot

With his penalty, Mbappé moved to seven goals at this World Cup — level with Lionel Messi, who reached the same mark on Friday. Two of the biggest names in the sport, tied at the top of the scoring charts, both still alive in the knockouts: it's exactly the kind of subplot that keeps a tournament gripping. Whoever goes deeper will have the edge, and the race could come down to the very last games.

5. A stat worth sharing

Morocco's win makes them the first African nation into the quarterfinals of this World Cup, continuing the momentum from their fairytale run to the 2022 semifinals — when they became the first African and Arab team ever to reach the last four. Brahim Díaz also set a new African record with his fourth career World Cup assist. The quarterfinal field is taking shape, and it already has real star power.

What to Watch Today

The Round of 16 continues, including Argentina vs Egypt — Messi against Mohamed Salah. Key kickoffs run roughly 12:00 PM / 3:00 PM / 6:00 PM ET — about 1:00 AM / 4:00 AM / 7:00 AM JST and KST the next morning. Check WorldCupExplain.com for the full bracket and schedule in your time zone.