The FIFA World Cup 2026 last 32 has produced more upsets, with several international heavyweights falling to the tournament’s surprise packages.
Earlier in the knockout stage, Germany and the Netherlands were eliminated by Paraguay and Morocco, respectively, continuing the trend of underdogs making their mark on the competition.
However, Norway and France avoided the same fate, beating Côte d’Ivoire and Sweden to book their places in the round of 16.
Meanwhile, co-hosts Mexico continued their impressive run with a fourth consecutive clean sheet.
Haaland scores late winner
Norway opened the scoring against Côte d’Ivoire in Arlington, Texas, thanks to a brilliant curling effort from Antonio Nusa.
In a match full of quality goals, Amad Diallo drew the African nation level after coming off the bench.
The Manchester United winger produced a stunning solo effort with 15 minutes remaining to give Côte d’Ivoire hope of causing another upset.
However, Erling Haaland had the final say, scoring the winner with just three minutes of normal time remaining to send Norway into the last 16.
The Manchester City star will now face a familiar foe in Brazil’s Gabriel – something for Premier League fans to look forward to.
READ MORE: World Cup 2026 round-up: Germany and Netherlands shock exits; Brazil see off Japan late
Mbappé bags another brace
Is it really a World Cup if Kylian Mbappé isn’t the star of the show?
The Real Madrid forward scored another brace as France cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Sweden.
Bradley Barcola added France’s second goal, while Michael Olise provided two assists in an impressive display.
Mbappé’s brace also moved him to within one goal of Lionel Messi on the all-time World Cup scoring charts.
The French captain is also now level with the Argentina legend in the race for the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot.
France will next face the Paraguay side that stunned Germany in the round of 16.
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Mexico continue strong form
Co-hosts Mexico enjoyed a perfect group stage, recording three wins and three clean sheets.
Despite a weather delay of more than an hour, Mexico carried that momentum into the last 32 with a 2-0 victory over South American side Ecuador.
Both goals came in the first half, with Julián Quiñones opening the scoring through a powerful strike before Wolves forward Raúl Jiménez netted his second goal of the tournament.
Mexico controlled much of the contest, while Ecuador’s frustrations were summed up when Arsenal defender Piero Hincapié was shown a red card deep into stoppage time.
Mexico will face either England or DR Congo in the round of 16, with that fixture set to be decided on Wednesday July 1 at 17:00 BST.
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