Latin America Sports Daily for Sunday, July 5, 2026

France end Paraguay’s spirited run with a single Mbappe penalty

World Cup

Paraguay’s World Cup came to an end in Philadelphia, where France won a tense last-16 tie 1-0. La Albirroja defended for their lives but could not find a way to trouble the tournament favourites.

The only goal arrived in the 70th minute from the penalty spot. Substitute Désiré Doué was brought down by Diego Gómez, and after a video review the spot kick was given.

Kylian Mbappé stepped up and calmly beat Orlando Gill, notching his seventh goal of the tournament. The strike put him back level with Lionel Messi and top of the Golden Boot race on the assists tiebreak.

Gill was again Paraguay’s standout, producing a stunning double save late on to deny Mbappé a second. France finished with an expected goals figure of 1.36 to Paraguay’s 0.15, a gap that told the story of the game.

The match turned niggly, with a flurry of fouls and a scuffle after the final whistle. Paraguay managed only one shot on target across the 90 minutes as France’s defence held firm.

Paraguay leave with their heads high after their best World Cup since 2010, having knocked out Germany along the way. France advance to a quarter-final against Morocco in Boston on Thursday.

Brazil face Norway and the Haaland threat in New Jersey

Preview

Brazil take the next step in their campaign today, facing Norway at MetLife Stadium at 4pm ET. It is the first of two big Latin American ties on the day.

The danger is obvious and wears number nine. Erling Haaland has been in imperious form, scoring the late winner that knocked out Ivory Coast, and Brazil’s defence will need to be sharper than it was against Japan.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side laboured past Japan in the previous round, needing a 96th-minute Martinelli winner despite dominating the expected goals count. Their attacking talent is not in question, but the finishing has been wasteful.

Norway are into the last 16 for the first time since 1998 and will not fear the five-time champions. For Brazil, the prize is a quarter-final against the winner of Mexico and England.

Mexico host England at the Azteca with the quarter-finals in sight

Preview

The night belongs to Mexico, who host England at a sold-out Estadio Azteca at 8pm ET. A place in the quarter-finals is on the line for the co-hosts.

Mexico could hardly be in better shape. They have won all four games so far and are yet to concede a goal in the tournament, a defensive record that has surprised many.

England arrive with pedigree but questions, having laboured in patches before Harry Kane’s brace saw off DR Congo. The heat and altitude of Mexico City add another layer to their task.

The Azteca remains Mexico’s fortress, a ground where they rarely lose and where the noise can swing a game. Victory would send them to a first quarter-final since they last hosted in 1986.

Morocco sweep past Canada to reach the quarter-finals

World Cup

Canada became the first co-host to exit the tournament, beaten 3-0 by Morocco in Houston. The scoreline was harsh on a Canada side that started the brighter.

Azzedine Ounahi settled the contest with a second-half brace, before Soufiane Rahimi added a third deep in stoppage time. Brahim Díaz set a new African record with his fourth career World Cup assist.

Morocco reached the last eight despite taking only five shots, the fewest by a knockout winner since records began in 1966. The semi-finalists from Qatar now face France in Boston on Thursday.

More: Morocco news in English, every day from The Rio Times.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Which Latin American teams play in the last 16 today?

Brazil face Norway at 4pm ET, and Mexico host England at the Azteca at 8pm ET. Both are Round of 16 ties with quarter-final places at stake.

Colombia and Argentina complete the Latin American last-16 fixtures on Tuesday.

How far did Paraguay go at the World Cup?

Paraguay reached the Round of 16 before losing 1-0 to France. It was their best run since 2010, highlighted by a shootout win over Germany.

Goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerged as one of the stories of their campaign.

Who has reached the quarter-finals so far?

France and Morocco are the first two teams into the last eight, and they will meet each other on Thursday. The rest of the quarter-final line-up is still being decided.

Today’s winners from Brazil-Norway and Mexico-England will join them.