Barely 24 hours have passed since what could have been the biggest surprise in World Cup history – the elimination of defending champions Argentina against debutants Cape Verde – and the tournament continues to maintain a fiendish pace of matches.
Messi’s Argentina needed extra time to break the resistance of Cape Verde, who equalized twice before losing 3–2 in extra time.
“It would be crazy” to lose to Cape Verde, admitted Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni, although he admitted the Africans “showed they are a great team.”
Example of Cape Verde
The spirit of fight and rebellion shown by Cape Verde could be a good example for Paraguay, who will have to stop France this Saturday (in Philadelphia at 21:00 GMT), considered by many to be the best team of the tournament and big favorites for the title.
France players (from left) Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Jules Kounde celebrate Dembele’s goal against Iraq during the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, June 22, 2026 in Philadelphia © MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP
“France is a storm. And those rays that come from anywhere are directed inside the arc. So, we know that a thunderstorm is coming and we need to figure out how to avoid the lightning,” explained Albirroja coach, Argentine Gustavo Alfaro, who is responsible for the tactical approach that should stop the Blue’s advance.
“The offensive ability of these four players is exceptional because it is not just individual ability, but talent in service to the team. The talent that shines for the team is what France has,” the coach emphasized.
The Guarani have already shown their mettle by eliminating fellow world champions Germany in the round of 16 on penalties, but a huge challenge awaits them.
Complete victories, thirteen goals scored and only two goals conceded in four matches indicate the strength of Didier Deschamps’ team, the main favorite to win the World Cup on July 19.
The heat comes into play
Kylian Mbappe has 6 goals, Ousmane Dembele 4 and Michael Olise tops the assist charts with 5 assists.
Colombia fans cool off with the help of fans in the FIFA Fan Zone before the Round of 16 match between Colombia and Ghana, July 3, 2026, Kansas City © Austin Johnson / AFP
This match could be marked by a heat wave hitting the east coast of North America. Temperatures in Philadelphia are expected to reach 40 degrees.
Sunday’s Mexico-England match at Estadio Azteca could also be plagued by weather conditions, with the risk of storms and even flooding in the Mexican capital.
FIFA explored the possibility of delaying the start of the match by several hours, but ultimately ruled out this measure.
This Saturday marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States and neighboring Canada, which President Donald Trump has so often disdained in recent months, to the point where he wants to make it the 51st state to join the celebrations by qualifying for the Round of 16.
The first of the three tournament co-organizers to qualify for the top eight teams will play in Houston against Morocco (17:00 GMT), which is a priori a strong favorite to reach the quarterfinals.
“This team literally has no weaknesses,” Canada coach Jesse Marsh admitted of his opponent, a 2022 semifinalist with a talented squad.
From goalkeeper Yacine Bounou to striker Ismael Saibary, one of the discoveries of the tournament and recent addition of Bayern Munich, Morocco has pieces in all of its lines.
The co-hosts are still in dispute
They are joined by captain Achraf Hakimi and young up-and-comer Ayoub Bouaddi, Lille’s 18-year-old midfielder.
The biggest challenge the African team may face is the accumulation of fatigue at a World Cup marked by stifling heat and long travel.
Moroccan striker Soufiane Rahimi celebrates after defeating the Netherlands in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 penalty shootout at Monterrey Stadium, June 29, 2026 © Alfredo ESTRELLA / AFP
Morocco went to overtime and a shootout to eliminate the Netherlands in Monterrey, Mexico, on Monday, a day after the Canucks beat South Africa 1-0 in Los Angeles.
What’s more, Canada arrives with no pressure, having already won the best World Cup in their history.
The remainder of the 16-pairs tour will be Brazil-Norway (Sunday), Portugal-Spain and USA-Belgium (Monday), and Argentina-Egypt and Switzerland-Colombia (Tuesday).
© 2026 AFP