World Cup 2026: France and Morocco Advance to Quarter-Finals After Hard-Fought Victories

France Edge Paraguay to Book Last-Eight Spot                                                                                                         

                                                                                                           

France secured a place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay in a tightly contested Round of 16 encounter.

Paraguay produced a disciplined defensive performance and frustrated the 2018 world champions for much of the match. However, France eventually found the breakthrough to seal a narrow win and continue their pursuit of a third World Cup title.

The victory extends France's impressive run in the tournament as they prepare for a quarter-final showdown against another in-form opponent.

video credit : supersport  

Morocco continued their remarkable World Cup campaign by defeating co-hosts Canada to reach the quarter-finals.

The Atlas Lions delivered another composed performance, combining defensive resilience with clinical finishing to overcome the hosts and become one of the tournament's standout teams.

Canada enjoyed strong home support throughout the competition but were unable to find a way past a well-organized Moroccan side, bringing their World Cup journey to an end.

Morocco's qualification adds another milestone to African football's growing success on the global stage. The North African nation has consistently impressed with its tactical discipline, teamwork and determination throughout the tournament.

Their latest victory keeps alive hopes of another deep World Cup run and further strengthens Africa's representation in the latter stages of the competition.

With France and Morocco progressing, the FIFA World Cup quarter-final lineup continues to take shape as the race for football's biggest prize intensifies.

Fans can now look forward to another round of high-stakes encounters, with the remaining teams battling for a place in the semi-finals and a chance to move one step closer to lifting the World Cup trophy.