Mexico continued their flawless FIFA World Cup campaign by brushing aside Ecuador to book a place in the Round of 16, where they could face England if the Three Lions overcome debutants DR Congo in Wednesday’s knockout clash.
The hosts have emerged as one of the tournament’s standout teams, winning all four of their matches while scoring eight goals without conceding. Their impressive run has fuelled growing optimism among Mexican supporters, who believe their side can finally surpass its long-standing World Cup quarter-final barrier.
Although England boast a star-studded squad led by Ballon d’Or favourite Harry Kane and midfield sensation Jude Bellingham, Mexican fans remain confident their team’s momentum could carry them to a famous victory should the two nations meet at the iconic Azteca Stadium.
“England have the Ballon d’Or favourite Harry Kane leading that team. You have players like Jude Bellingham, and it is scary, but with the momentum we have there is the chance to do the impossible,” one supporter said after Mexico’s victory.
Meanwhile, two-time world champions France produced a commanding display to defeat Sweden 3-0 and secure their place in the Round of 16, where they will face Paraguay on Saturday in Philadelphia.
Kylian Mbappe was the star of the show, scoring twice to move level with Argentina captain Lionel Messi on six goals in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot. Bradley Barcola added France’s second goal in another dominant performance from Didier Deschamps’ side.
Mbappe’s opening goal was followed by an emotional celebration as he sprinted to embrace head coach Didier Deschamps, who had returned to the dugout after travelling to France for his mother’s funeral. The touching moment quickly became a team celebration, with the entire squad joining the embrace.
“This group is united and they delivered when I was not here,” Deschamps said after the match. “The team spirit of this group doesn’t make you win matches. But I know if it’s the other way round, you can lose games. The collective strength is above everything.”
Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni echoed his manager’s sentiments, saying the players were determined to lift Deschamps during a difficult personal period by producing strong performances on the pitch.
Elsewhere, Norway also booked a place in the last 16 after Erling Haaland struck a dramatic 86th-minute winner in a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast at Dallas Stadium.
Antonio Nusa had given Norway the lead before Amad Diallo restored parity for the Ivorians. However, substitute Oscar Bobb combined brilliantly with Patrick Berg, whose perfectly weighted pass found Haaland, allowing the prolific striker to tap into an empty net for his fifth goal of the tournament and send Norway into the knockout stage.
Attention now turns to Wednesday’s Round of 32 fixtures, with England facing tournament debutants DR Congo at 5 p.m. Nigerian time. Victory for the Three Lions would set up a blockbuster last-16 clash against an in-form Mexico side.
