Morocco turn on style to reach quarter-finals as Canada bow out

Canada became the first co-host to exit the 2026 World Cup as they were well beaten by Morocco in Houston. The Moroccans, having failed to impress in a bad-tempered first half, took the lead five minutes after the interval through Azzedine Ounahi. The Girona midfielder scored his second by converting a breakaway with eight minutes remaining to seal victory. And an ultimately comfortable win was topped off in stoppage time as Soufiane Rahimi slid his shot under keeper Maxime Crepeau.

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Arias sends Colombia past Ghana into last 16

Colombia booked the last place in the World Cup’s last 16 as they beat Ghana 1-0 in Kansas City. Jhon Arias grabbed the only goal after 14 minutes as they earned a meeting with Switzerland in Vancouver. Both sides were forced into early changes by injury, Luis Suarez coming on for Jhon Cordoba and making an instant impact – his cross being swept in by the unmarked Arias at the far post.

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Argentina survive almighty scare to edge valiant Cape Verde in extra time

A 111th-minute Diney Borges own goal saved holders Argentina from one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history as they scraped past heroic debutants Cape Verde in the last 32.

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Egypt reach Round of 16 after shootout win over Australia

Egypt recorded their first World Cup knockout victory as Australia’s decision to send on goalkeeper Mat Ryan specifically for the penalty shoot-out failed to pay off. Ryan replaced Patrick Beach with the score at 1-1 with 90 seconds remaining in a pre-determined tactic – however the former Brighton keeper failed to guess the right way, never mind get near any of Egypt’s attempts, as the African side prevailed 4-2 on spot-kicks.

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Switzerland sail past Algeria to reach last 16

Switzerland progressed to the last 16 of the World Cup as they beat a below-par Algeria 2-0 in Vancouver. Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye were on target for Switzerland, who dominated throughout to set up a clash with Colombia or Ghana. Ramiz Zerrouki had an early penalty appeal waved away for Algeria and that was as good as it got for the African side as Switzerland went ahead after 10 minutes.

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