David Tindall (now); Taha Hashim (later) 

World Cup 2026: Mexico v England buildup, France battle past Paraguay, Morocco march on – live

Join our writers for the latest news and reaction as the last-32 stage draws to a close
  
  

Kylian Mbappé (right) scored the decisive goal for France in a fractious game with Paraguay.
Kylian Mbappé (right) scored the decisive goal for France in a fractious game with Paraguay. Photograph: Douliery Olivier/ABACA/Shutterstock

France battle past Paraguay to reach quarter-finals

Let’s start with Paul MacInnes’ match report from a hot and sweaty Philadelphia Stadium. The 1-0 win for France was a repeat of the scoreline from their last-16 tie in 1998 and we all know how that World Cup ended.

“The World Cup favourites were forced to drop a gear or two but still had too much for a Paraguay team that set out for a fight but were ultimately no more than a nuisance.”

Updated

Preamble

Good morning/afternoon/evening wherever you are! It feels like we’re getting to the business end of the World Cup now as highlighted by the first two quarter-finalists emerging. Morocco were too clinical for co-hosts Canada while France came through a bruising encounter with Paraguay.

We’ll have all the reaction to those two last-16 ties and build-up to the much-anticipated clash between Mexico and England in the Azteca. There’s also the little matter of Brazil v Norway this evening so, yeah, the serious stuff is really happening now. Ready for day 25 of the World Cup? Let’s do it!

 

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