The Round of 64 is over — and the 2026 FIFA World Cup moves into true knockout territory. Tonight, the Round of 16 gets underway: first, tournament hosts Canada take on Morocco, then after midnight Paraguay — one of the biggest surprises of this Mundial — challenge France. Two matches, four ambitions, zero margin for error — here is your FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule (Kyiv time) for tonight.
Today's schedule
- 20:00 Kyiv time. Canada vs Morocco (Round of 16, Match 90) — NRG Stadium, Houston, USA
- 00:00 Kyiv time (July 5). Paraguay vs France (Round of 16, Match 89) — Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, USA
Canada vs Morocco, 20:00 Kyiv time
What's at stake: Canada take to the field on home soil — in Houston, where NRG Stadium has already witnessed the hosts celebrate. The team advanced through the Round of 64 by defeating South Africa (1:0) and now face Morocco — a side that knocked out the Netherlands on penalties (3:2 on penalties after 1:1 in regular time). The winner advances to the quarter-finals.
Form and context: Morocco have already shown at this tournament that they can stop favourites: a draw with Brazil in the group stage (1:1), followed by a sensational penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands. Canada, meanwhile, are fuelled by home support and the motivation of reaching the Round of 16 for the first time in their World Cup history. Both teams enter the match unbeaten in the knockout round.
Players to watch: Morocco boast an attacking line that has already shown its quality against top opponents. Canada rely on collective pressing and the backing of the stands. This match promises to be tight and tactically intense.
Paraguay vs France, 00:00 Kyiv time (July 5)
What's at stake: Paraguay are the true revelation of this World Cup: in the Round of 64 they knocked out Germany on penalties (4:3 after 1:1). Now they face France, who thrashed Sweden 3:0 and look like one of the main contenders for the trophy. For Paraguay it's a dream match; for France it's a test of their credentials.
Form and squad: France are showcasing their squad depth: Mbappé, Dembélé (hat-trick in the group stage against Norway), Griezmann — an arsenal that is hard to resist. Paraguay, on the other hand, bet on organisation and set pieces — exactly how they stopped Germany. The key question is whether Paraguay can once again impose their rhythm on the game.
The storyline: Philadelphia on July 4 — US Independence Day — will be the backdrop for one of the most unexpected matches of the Round of 16. If Paraguay eliminate France, it will go down as one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history. France, meanwhile, are eager to confirm their status as favourites and advance to the quarter-finals.
Context: how the Round of 64 ended
The Round of 64 delivered a string of dramas: Egypt knocked out Australia on penalties (4:2), Argentina beat Cape Verde in extra time (3:2), and Colombia defeated Ghana (1:0) — Jhon Arias's goal in the 14th minute proved decisive. Messi scored his 20th World Cup goal and leads the top scorers' race. For more on the previous round's matches, see our earlier articles: Argentina vs Cape Verde and two more matches and Australia vs Egypt: the evening match at WC 2026.
Find the results of tonight's matches in the evening edition of Night Mundial and the morning digest on mundialtoday.com — all results, goals and analysis will be there right after the final whistles.
Photo: Yahoo Sports Staff · Editorial (source)
