Football
2026 World Cup: Seven teams reach Round of 16, three ties confirmed
Seven countries have secured their places in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with three knockout fixtures already confirmed.
Co-hosts Mexico became the latest nation to qualify after defeating Ecuador 2-0 in their Round of 32 clash on Wednesday.
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Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored in the first half to seal victory for Javier Aguirre’s side, while Ecuador finished with 10 men after Piero Hincapié was sent off in stoppage time.
Mexico are the seventh team to reach the last 16 and the second co-host to advance after Canada knocked out South Africa. They will face the winners of the England versus DR Congo clash in the next round.
France booked their place in the Round of 16 with a convincing 3-0 victory over Sweden and will meet Paraguay on Saturday.
Norway will face five-time champions Brazil on Sunday after edging Ivory Coast 2-1, while Morocco will take on co-hosts Canada in another last-16 encounter.
Countries through to the Round of 16:
Brazil
Canada
France
Mexico
Morocco
Norway
Paraguay
Confirmed Round of 16 fixtures:
France vs Paraguay
Morocco vs Canada
Norway vs Brazil
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