Three More Spots Taken in the Round of 16 as Mbappé Breaks Records, Mexico Ends 40-Year Wait

By Emmanuel Kwada

The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup title intensified on Tuesday as France, Norway, and Mexico secured their places in the Round of 16 following impressive victories in the Round of 32.

The day’s action delivered historic milestones, record-breaking performances, and emotional triumphs, with France’s Kylian Mbappé further cementing his status among football’s greatest stars while Mexico celebrated a long-awaited knockout-stage success.

France’s Kylian Mbappé in action against Sweden

Mbappé Inspires France Past Sweden

France booked their place in the last 16 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Sweden, extending their quest to reach a third consecutive FIFA World Cup final.

Les Bleus dominated proceedings from the outset, with Kylian Mbappé once again proving decisive. The French captain scored twice, taking his tournament tally higher and continuing his remarkable record in World Cup knockout matches. Bradley Barcola added France’s third goal to seal a comfortable victory.

The performance was historic for Mbappé, who became the first player in FIFA World Cup history to score 10 goals in the knockout stages of the competition. The achievement places him ahead of legendary names such as Ronaldo Nazário (8), Leônidas (8), Pelé (7), and Just Fontaine (7).

The Elephants battled strongly but were unable to overcome Norway’s resilience.

The French superstar also became the highest-scoring European player in World Cup history, further strengthening his reputation as one of the tournament’s all-time greats.

France will now face Paraguay in the Round of 16 as they continue their pursuit of another world title.

Norway Make History Against Ivory Coast

Norway produced one of the stories of the tournament by defeating Ivory Coast 2-1 to register their first-ever World Cup knockout-stage victory.

The Scandinavian side took the lead through exciting youngster Antonio Nusa before Ivory Coast fought back to level the contest. However, with extra time looming, star striker Erling Haaland delivered a dramatic late winner to send Norway into the next round.

The result marks a historic moment for Norwegian football, with the team reaching the World Cup Round of 16 for the first time through a knockout victory.

For Ivory Coast, one of Africa’s remaining representatives, the defeat ended a spirited campaign. The Elephants battled strongly but were unable to overcome Norway’s resilience and clinical finishing.

Norway’s reward is a mouth-watering Round of 16 clash against five-time world champions Brazil.

Mexico End Four-Decade Knockout Drought

Mexico also enjoyed a memorable evening, defeating Ecuador 2-0 to reach the Round of 16 and end a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout-stage victory.

Julian Quiñones, No. 16 of Mexico, celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during Tuesday’s World Cup game against Ecuador.

Goals from Julián Quiñones and veteran striker Raúl Jiménez secured a deserved triumph for El Tri, who have emerged as one of the tournament’s most disciplined sides.

Mexico’s defensive record has been particularly impressive. The team has now won all four of its matches at the tournament while conceding no goals, underlining their credentials as potential dark horses.

Quiñones continued his outstanding form by becoming only the second Mexican player ever to score in three matches at a single FIFA World Cup.

The match also featured controversy as Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié was shown a red card after directing comments toward Mexico forward Santiago Giménez while covering his mouth. The dismissal made him only the second player to be sent off under FIFA’s newly introduced rule concerning concealed verbal misconduct.

Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié was shown a red card for covering his mouth.

Mexico will face the winner of the England versus DR Congo encounter in the Round of 16.

Round of 16 Picture Takes Shape

With Tuesday’s results, three more places in the Round of 16 have been filled, leaving the knockout bracket increasingly competitive as the tournament moves toward its decisive stages.

France remain among the favourites with Mbappé in sensational form, Norway continue to write their own history, while Mexico’s blend of defensive solidity and attacking efficiency has made them one of the tournament’s surprise packages.

Attention now turns to Wednesday’s highly anticipated clash between England and DR Congo, with the winner set to meet Mexico in the next round.

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