FIFA World Cup 2026: France and Morocco enter in quarter-finals

Dehradun ( OM Prakash Simalti) : In the FIFA World Cup, France booked their place in the quarter-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the Round of 16 at Philadelphia. Captain Kylian Mbappé scored the only goal of the match from the penalty spot in the 70th minute after VAR awarded France a spot-kick. France will now face Morocco in the quarter-finals. Earlier, Morocco stormed into the quarter-finals with a commanding 3-0 victory over Canada in Houston, Texas.

Azzedine Ounahi starred with a second-half brace after Morocco overcame a challenging first half. Soufiane Rahimi sealed the win with a stoppage-time goal as the African champions booked their place in the last eight in emphatic fashion. In the final Round of the 32-match played yesterday at Kansas City Stadium, Colombia edged past Ghana 1-0 to secure a place in the Round of 16. Colombia will now face Switzerland for a spot in the quarter-finals.

Defending champions Argentina also progressed to the Round of 16 after defeating Cabo Verde 3-2 following extra time in a thrilling Round of 32 encounter. Argentina will next face Egypt, who advanced after beating Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after regulation time and extra time.