Saturday July 4 recap — Morocco shut down Canada, France sweat before Mbappé

Saturday July 4, the first day of the Round of 16: two completely different pictures. Morocco settled things against Canada in a calm evening’s work, while France had to grind through a full hour before finding a way past Paraguay. Both sides now know who’s waiting for them in the quarters.

---

Canada 0-3 Morocco — the Atlas Lions never look troubled

(Facts — sources: ESPN, CBC.)

Same story as ever: Canada had the ball (67% possession), Morocco had the finishing. Ounahi scores twice (49’, 82’) off balls supplied by Brahim Díaz, then Rahimi adds a third in stoppage time (90+8’), again from the same provider. Brahim Díaz finishes the night with three assists to his name.

3 key numbers:

• 3 assists for Brahim Díaz — on all three Moroccan goals.
• 67% possession for Canada, never translated into a goal.
• 90+8’ — Rahimi’s goal, closing out the match for good.

Gunners spotlight: no Gunner involved in this tie.

---

Paraguay 0-1 France — Mbappé unlocks it at 70’

(Facts — sources: ESPN, Sky Sports.)

Paraguay did exactly what they do best: a low block, compact and disciplined (the Guaraníes didn’t pick up a single card all match). The result: France didn’t manage a single shot on target before the break, despite 76% possession over the full 90 minutes. It took Désiré Doué coming on at the hour mark to change things: the young forward wins a penalty, converted by Mbappé at 70’ — his 7th goal of this World Cup, level with Messi at the top of the scoring charts.

3 key numbers:

• 1.36 to 0.15 xG in France’s favour — dominant, but toothless for a long time.
• 5 shots on target to 1: Paraguay’s only real scare never turned into a goal.
• 70’ — Mbappé’s penalty, off a Doué foul won.

Gunners spotlight: William Saliba had a quiet night alongside Upamecano — a clean sheet, barely called into action all evening.

---

Bracket update — the quarters take shape

(Source: official FIFA bracket, verified via ESPN / FotMob.)

With these two results, the first quarter-final tie is set: France – Morocco, Thursday July 9 in Boston. Saliba and France now face the Atlas Lions, a side that hasn’t given anyone a scare all tournament.

The other six last-16 ties are still to be played between Sunday and Tuesday: Brazil-Norway, Mexico-England, Portugal-Spain, USA-Belgium, Argentina-Egypt, Switzerland-Colombia.

---

The GG take

(Opinion.)

Two wins, two completely different faces of knockout football.

Morocco confirm they’re one of the best-equipped sides in the tournament: defensive solidity, lethal transitions, and a Brahim Díaz who keeps embarrassing opponents with three assists on three goals. A complete team that never looked in trouble.

France, meanwhile, showed a more frustrating side than usual. An hour without a single shot on target raises real questions about Les Bleus’ ability to break down a low block without a moment of individual brilliance. Thankfully, Doué brought exactly what was needed off the bench — and Mbappé never wavers from the penalty spot.

Either way, the bracket has delivered its verdict: France-Morocco in the quarters, Thursday in Boston. An instant heavyweight clash between two nations who haven’t left much to chance so far.

#WorldCup2026 #COYG