Live: Canada meets Morocco for quarterfinal spot ahead of Paraguay-France clash

World Cup co-hosts Canada look for a spot in the last eight as they take on Morocco, while surprise-packets Paraguay take on hot-favourites France.

Follow all the action in our live blog.

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Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 2:36am

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 2:36am

Canada vs Morocco — live scoreboard

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Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 3:14am

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 3:14am

10' Great save denies Canada!

By David Hirst

A great piece of play by Canada striker Tani Oluwaseyi.

He turns in the area and then gets his shot away, which Morocco keeper Bono does really well to save.

Morocco looks surprised by Canada's fast start.

Canada playing with real intensity.

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 3:06am

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 3:06am

4' Bright start from Canada

By David Hirst

Early corner for the co-hosts.

It's punched clear by the Morocco keeper.

But then the ball comes back into the area and Jonathan David sees a shot saved.

Key Event

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 3:01am

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 3:01am

Off we go in Houston!

By David Hirst

The first round of 16 game kicks off.

It's the final game to be hosted in Houston.

Canada in all black, Morocco in all white.

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 2:51am

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 2:51am

Canada the underdogs

By David Hirst

Morocco is unbeaten in 33 matches.

Canada coach Jesse Marsch says Morocco has "literally zero weaknesses".

Here come the teams, ready for the national anthems.

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 2:43am

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 2:43am

Fourth of July celebrations in Houston

By David Hirst

Although it's Canada playing, there are plenty of American fans in Houston Stadium.

Of course, it's July 4 in the US.

We've just had a rousing version of the Star-Spangled Banner.

Not sure the Canadian fans joined in.

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 2:38am

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 2:38am

Diaz yet to shine for Morocco

By David Hirst

Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi says he is happy with the performances of Brahim Diaz.

Diaz shone when Morocco won the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, scoring five goals.

But the Real Madrid striker has struggled at this World Cup.

"The problem with elite players is that we always expect more from them," Ouahbi says.

"He has played a lot, he has already provided two decisive assists, and I hope he scores goals at this World Cup."

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 2:29am

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 2:29am

Klopp in talks to become Germany coach

By David Hirst

- AP

Jürgen Klopp has confirmed he's in negotiations to take over as Germany coach and says he's "recharged" the energy he was missing when he left Liverpool.

Klopp is the German soccer federation's preferred candidate after Julian Nagelsmann resigned, four days after Germany lost on penalties to Paraguay in the round of 32.

"Julian has stepped down and the (federation) is working on the succession and has approached me in the course of those considerations," Klopp said, speaking from New York on German broadcaster Magenta TV in his role as a World Cup commentator.

Klopp was the only coach named in a federation statement on the team's future, which said Klopp had "signaled his willingness" to take over.

Klopp said talks would take time because of his current contract as head of global soccer for Red Bull's network of clubs.

Key Event

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 2:18am

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 2:18am

Canada coach 'excited' ahead of kick-off

By David Hirst

- AP

Morocco and Canada will meet in a second straight World Cup, but this matchup will have much higher stakes.

Morocco beat Canada 2-1 in the group stage in 2022, when it went on to become the first African team to reach the semi-finals.

Canada looks to continue to make history after notching its first-ever knockout win, a 1-0 triumph over South Africa.

"We're excited for the moment," Canada coach Jesse Marsch says.

"We wanted to get to a point in the tournament where we were playing against some big opponents and Morocco is exactly that."

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi says his team has a great deal of respect for Canada.

"It will be very important for us to play at our level. The level that we have shown the last few games will not be enough," Ouahbi says.

"It's going to be the most important game in this World Cup and the most challenging one. It's not about being tentative about our approach. We're playing a Round of 16 match and if we're not good enough, we’re going home."

Key Event

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 2:18am

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 2:18am

Team news: Canada vs Morocco

By David Hirst

Canada

Manager Jesse Marsch makes three changes, with Luc de Fougerolles, Niko Sigur and Ali Ahmed replacing Derek Cornelius, Nathan Saliba and Liam Millar.

Morocco

Morocco have made one change as defender Redouane Halhal comes in for Chadi Riad, who picked up a knee injury in the last-32 game against the Netherlands.

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 2:18am

Sun 5 Jul 2026 at 2:18am

Welcome to the round of 16

By David Hirst

Good morning!

We're getting to the pointy end of the World Cup now.

Just 16 teams remain.

My name is David Hirst and I'll be taking you through this morning's two round of 16 games.

First up, co-host Canada takes on Morocco in Houston.

Then we have France vs Paraguay in Philadelphia.

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