World Cup 2026: Mexico v England buildup, France battle past Paraguay, Morocco march on – live
Key events
Canada boss Jesse Marsch is a polarising figure. In fact, you’d be forgiven for thinking his first name is ‘Theinsufferable’ if scrolling and asking around. Were Canada the better side, as he claims here? You have to enjoy the response of Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi. “It takes some nerve to say that when you lose 3-0.” Quotes here after Morocco’s clinical display of finishing.
David Hytner
It’s just gone 1.30am in Mexico City. Is there a cacophony of noise outside the hotel? Are England’s players managing any sleep? The game kicks off at 6pm local time or, as those in the UK know, 1am BST. Here’s David Hytner’s latest report from Mexico City.
“England stepped off their seventh flight in 12 days on Friday and are about to play their fourth game in 13 days. The period was always going to be a grind; one simply to plot a course through.”
Nick Ames
Our reporters are in Mexico City for the big one and between running 5ks to show the effects of altitude, they’ve also written some words. Let’s start with Nick Ames, who has quotes from both managers: England’s Thomas Tuchel and Mexico’s Javier Aguirre.
Morocco end run of co-hosts Canada
Jonathan Wilson
Jonathan Wilson was at Houston Stadium to witness 2022 semi-finalists Morocco beat Canada. Three second-half goals settled this one as Mohamed Ouahbi’s side became the first African nation to reach the World Cup quarter-finals twice.
“This wasn’t really about the new style. This was a very old-fashioned Morocco performance, dogged and dour, admirably competitive, and with the undoubted ability of the more creative players seen almost entirely in counterattacks. Whether their cagey start was by design or because they were forced into it by Canada’s ferocity, though, was unclear.”
France battle past Paraguay to reach quarter-finals
Paul MacInnes
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.”
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!
