2026 World Cup knockout round opens with Morocco-Canada and France-Paraguay

SALADIN, Iraq — The 2026 World Cup round of 16 begins Saturday with two matches. Morocco, which advanced past the Netherlands on penalties, faces Canada in Houston in the evening kickoff. Canada reached the knockout stage for the first time after defeating South Africa in the group phase. Later in Philadelphia, France takes on Paraguay after a 3-0 win over Sweden. Paraguay advanced by eliminating Germany in the round of 32. Defending champion Brazil meets Norway on Sunday at 23:00 Baghdad time. Brazil progressed past Japan in a dramatic match, while Norway advanced after eliminating Ivory Coast. The two Saturday fixtures set the tone for the knockout stage, with established European and South American contenders facing sides seeking deeper runs in the tournament.