FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 Begins: Two High-Stakes Knockout Battles Today

The FIFA World Cup 2026 enters its Round of 16 today, marking the start of the knockout stage where every match is a do-or-die contest. After an action-packed group stage and Round of 32, only the strongest teams remain in the race for football's biggest trophy. Today's fixtures promise intense competition, with underdogs aiming to cause upsets and tournament favourites looking to continue their march toward the quarter-finals.

The opening match features Canada vs Morocco. Canada, one of the tournament's co-hosts, will hope to capitalize on home support after reaching the Round of 16. Morocco, however, enters the contest with confidence after eliminating the Netherlands in the previous round and will rely on its disciplined defence and quick counterattacks. Football fans expect this clash to be one of the most closely contested matches of the day.

The second match sees France take on Paraguay. France, led by star forward Kylian Mbappé, remains one of the favourites to win the World Cup after an impressive campaign so far. Paraguay, meanwhile, stunned Germany in the previous round and will be looking to produce another memorable upset. France's attacking strength will be tested against Paraguay's resilient defence in what promises to be an exciting encounter.

For Indian viewers, Canada vs Morocco kicks off at 10:30 PM IST, while Paraguay vs France begins at 2:30 AM IST (5 July). Both winners will advance to the quarter-finals, bringing them one step closer to lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy.

As the knockout stage begins, every goal, every save, and every tactical decision could determine a team's fate. With no second chances, today's matches are expected to deliver the drama and excitement that make the FIFA World Cup the biggest sporting event on the planet.