The daytime edition of "Night Mundial" covers three Round of 32 matches that finished after 08:00 Kyiv time — they were not included in the morning digest. The World Cup 2026 match schedule (Kyiv time) for today features three more fixtures, but those will be covered in the evening preview.
Mbappé closing in on Messi's record: France — Sweden 3-0
France advanced confidently to the Round of 16, thrashing Sweden 3-0. Kylian Mbappé scored twice — in the 45th and 74th minutes — bringing his tournament tally to six goals, drawing level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot. Both goals were set up by Michael Olise, who registered two assists in the match. Overall, Mbappé now has 18 goals in World Cup matches — just one short of Messi's record of 19.
Sweden, despite the efforts of goalkeeper Jakob Widell Zetterström, could not withstand French pressure: the match xG stood at 3.18 vs 0.66 in favour of Les Bleus. In the next round, France will face Paraguay, who knocked out Germany on penalties the day before.
Mexico — first playoff win in 40 years
At the legendary Estadio Azteca, tournament hosts Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0, claiming their first World Cup playoff victory since 1986. Julián Quiñones opened the scoring with a stunning strike from outside the penalty area, and Raúl Jiménez doubled the lead after a combination with Quiñones himself. Mexico have now gone four consecutive matches without conceding — the longest clean-sheet run in their World Cup history at a single tournament.
The match was marred by a red card shown to Ecuador's Piero Hincapié in extra time — for violating FIFA's new rule prohibiting covering one's mouth with a hand while speaking to an opponent. In the Round of 16, Mexico will face the winner of today's match between England and DR Congo.
Norway — first ever playoff win: Haaland decides it
Norway beat Ivory Coast 2-1 and for the first time in their football history won a World Cup playoff match. Antonio Nusa put Norway ahead against the run of play, Amad Diallo equalised with a brilliant solo goal, but the decisive blow was struck by Erling Haaland — his goal proved to be the winner. In the Round of 16, Norway will play Brazil.
Press conferences: Pochettino on the "final" against Bosnia
USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino described today's match against Bosnia and Herzegovina as a "World Cup final" for his team at the pre-match press conference. "We have no second chance if we lose. It's all-or-nothing — and that's exactly how we must approach every match from here on," the Argentine coach said. He also confirmed that Christian Pulisic is fit and ready to start from the first minute.
England manager Thomas Tuchel, commenting on the eliminations of Germany and the Netherlands, noted that the high-profile upsets could "calm" his team ahead of their match against DR Congo in Atlanta.
Tonight — three Round of 32 matches (Kyiv time)
Tonight's action features England vs DR Congo (19:00 Kyiv time, Atlanta), Belgium vs Senegal (23:00 Kyiv time, Seattle) and the USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (03:00 on 1 July Kyiv time, Santa Clara). The full World Cup 2026 match schedule (Kyiv time) with all fixtures and kick-off times is available in our match centre. A full preview of the evening matches will be published in the preview section at 18:45.
Photo: NBC News · Editorial (source)
