World Cup round of 32: Mexico, France and Norway book last-16 spots
Mexico, France and Norway advanced to the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, with the hosts ending a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout victory on home soil, while Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland inspired victories for their respective teams.
Mexico end long wait with commanding win
Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 at a packed Estadio Azteca to register their first World Cup knockout-stage victory since the 1986 tournament, also hosted by the country.
After a weather-related delay of about an hour, Julian Quinones opened the scoring in the 22nd minute before Raul Jimenez doubled the lead nine minutes later to put Javier Aguirre's side firmly in control.
The victory extended Mexico's impressive home record to 70 wins in 89 competitive matches at the Azteca, while El Tri remained unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches played in Mexico City. They also became only the fourth team in World Cup history to win their opening four matches of a tournament without conceding a goal.
Mexico will face either England or the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Azteca on Sunday for a place in the quarterfinals.
Ecuador's campaign ended after defender Piero Hincapie was sent off in stoppage time under a new rule penalising players for covering their mouths while speaking to opponents.
Mbappe stars as France cruise past Sweden
At New York New Jersey Stadium, France defeated Sweden 3-0, with Mbappe scoring twice to send Didier Deschamps' side into the round of 16.
Mbappe broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time before Bradley Barcola doubled France's lead in the 53rd minute from a Michael Olise assist. Mbappe completed the scoring in the 74th minute after another defence-splitting pass from Olise.
The brace took Mbappe's tally to six goals in the tournament, drawing level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot. His ninth career World Cup knockout goal also set a new record for the most goals scored by a player in the tournament's knockout stages.
Olise, meanwhile, became the first player since Thomas Hassler in 1994 to register five assists at a single World Cup.
France will face Paraguay in the round of 16.
Haaland's late strike seals Norway victory
In Dallas, Norway edged Ivory Coast 2-1 thanks to Haaland's late winner.
Antonio Nusa gave Norway the lead in the 39th minute with a superb curling effort before Ivory Coast equalised through substitute Amad Diallo in the 74th minute after sustained second-half pressure.
Norway restored their advantage four minutes from time when Martin Odegaard squared for Haaland, who bundled home from close range to seal victory and extend his scoring streak to 13 consecutive competitive internationals.
Norway will face Brazil in the round of 16, while Ivory Coast exited the tournament.
Source:AA
