World Cup Round of 16 Kicks Off: France Faces Paraguay in High Heat, Aiming for Top 8

2026 World Cup Key News

(CNA Los Angeles, July 4, Foreign News) The World Cup Round of 16 begins today, with France set to face Paraguay in Philadelphia under sweltering heat; co-host Canada will have a tough match against African powerhouse Morocco in Houston.

According to AFP, as the United States celebrates its July 4th Independence Day, a brutal heatwave is sweeping across much of the country. France, nicknamed "Les Bleus," will play Paraguay at Lincoln Financial Field under an extreme heat warning.

The temperature in the Pennsylvania metropolis reached 38 degrees Celsius yesterday, and the U.S. National Weather Service warned that the situation would remain unchanged when the match kicks off at 5 p.m. local time today.

France's head coach, Didier Deschamps, stated that the team is prepared for these conditions.

He said, "This will be our fifth match in this tournament, and that will have an impact, but I won't dwell excessively on the issue of high temperatures."

France has been one of the standout teams in the tournament so far, advancing to the Round of 16 with a series of impressive offensive performances, scoring 13 goals in four matches.

Paraguay's head coach, Gustavo Alfaro, said that rather than the weather, the South American team is more concerned about the "storm" of France's multi-pronged attack.

Alfaro said, "France is like a thunderstorm. We need to be aware that a storm is coming and try to prepare for the lightning."

Paraguay's performance in defeating Germany in the Round of 32 proved they could pose a stern challenge to France's hopes of reaching the quarterfinals.

In another Round of 16 match earlier today, Canada will face 2022 World Cup semifinalist Morocco in Houston, seeking a major upset.

Canada is riding high after defeating South Africa to advance to the Round of 16 in Los Angeles.

However, Canada's head coach, Jesse Marsch, said that defeating a strong opponent like Morocco will require elevating their performance to a whole new level.

Marsch said yesterday, "Morocco is a team with almost no weaknesses. We have to strive to perform well in the things we care about and are good at."

Morocco advanced to today's Round of 16 after a hard-fought match against the Netherlands, winning in a penalty shootout after extra time.

Morocco's head coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, stated that the victory over the Netherlands is in the past, and the "Atlas Lions" aim to continue progressing in the tournament, potentially facing France in the quarterfinals.

Ouahbi said, "We have great respect for (Canada), they are very strong."

He emphasized, "The level we have shown in the past few games is not enough. This will be the toughest match because it is our next match. We have already played the Netherlands, that is in the past. If we are to play the next match, it will be the hardest one." (Compiled by: Li Peishan) 0704115

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