The Round of 32 has already delivered shocks, shootouts, and memorable moments that will linger in World Cup history.
Following Paraguay’s dramatic upset over Germany and Morocco’s decisive penalty win against the Netherlands, Tuesday’s agenda features three more crucial matches. France, Norway, and co‑host Mexico all aim to avoid becoming the tournament’s next headline‑making casualty.
Ivory Coast will face Norway, France will take on Sweden, and Mexico will play Ecuador as the final spots in the last 16 are contested.
Tuesday’s Match Schedule
- Ivory Coast vs. Norway (noon/17:00 GMT) – Dallas Stadium, Texas, USA
- France vs. Sweden (5 pm/21:00 GMT) – New York/New Jersey Stadium, USA
- Mexico vs. Ecuador (7 pm/02:00 GMT on Wednesday) – Mexico City Stadium, Mexico
Prediction: Ivory Coast vs. Norway
This will be the first competitive meeting between Ivory Coast and Norway. Ivory Coast has typically struggled against European sides, while Norway has a strong record against African teams, losing only two of 19 encounters in all competitions.
The Opta supercomputer, based on 25,000 simulations, marks Norway as the clear favourites. Norway wins in normal time 56.1 % of the time; Ivory Coast claims victory 21.6 %; and 22.3 % of simulations end in a draw, leading to extra time.
Norway is strongly backed to reach the Round of 16 and equal its best-ever World Cup finish, whereas Ivory Coast will need one of the tournament’s biggest upsets to stay alive.
Prediction: France vs. Sweden
France and Sweden have met 23 times across all competitions, with France holding a 12‑to‑6 advantage in victories. However, this will be their first encounter at a FIFA World Cup.
The Opta supercomputer gives France a commanding edge with 75.1 % of simulations ending in France’s favour during normal time. Sweden wins only 9.5 %, and 15.4 % of the simulations end in a draw, necessitating extra time or penalties.
Prediction: Mexico vs. Ecuador
Mexico and Ecuador previously met only once at the World Cup, with Mexico winning 2‑1 in 2002. In recent encounters, the sides have been evenly matched, all ending in draws during their last three meetings.
Opta’s simulations grant Mexico a competitive edge. They win 47.1 % of the time in normal play; Ecuador wins 23.7 %, while 29.2 % of matches conclude in a draw, making extra time a plausible outcome.
When factoring extra time and penalties, Mexico’s chance of progressing rises to 61 %, whereas Ecuador’s probability is 38.9 %.
Teams Advancing to the Round of 16 & Eliminated Teams
So far, the following teams have secured a place in the last 16:
- Canada – defeated South Africa 1‑0
- Brazil – defeated Japan 2‑1
- Paraguay – defeated Germany on penalties after a 1‑1 draw
- Morocco – defeated the Netherlands on penalties after a 1‑1 draw
Additional Developments
Morocco Surprises Netherlands in Penalties
Morocco advanced to the last 16 by beating the Netherlands in a 3‑2 penalty shootout, following a 1‑1 draw after extra time in Monterrey. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou preserved the win with a save, and Ismael Saibari converted the decisive spot‑kick.
Morocco will now contest against Canada in the Round of 16 on Saturday in Houston.
Cody Gakpo’s Emotional Victory
Two days after announcing the loss of his unborn child, Cody Gakpo broke down in tears following his goal for the Netherlands against Morocco. He was substituted in extra time and received a standing ovation from Dutch fans.
Saibari Celebrates with Mother
A heartwarming moment went viral when Ismael Saibari celebrated Morocco’s victory with his mother on the pitch following the decisive penalty.
Germany’s Shock Exit
Germany’s campaign ended in a stunning upset when Paraguay clinched a 4‑3 victory in a penalty shootout after a 1‑1 draw. Paraguay, who had led 1‑0 at half‑time with a goal from Julio Enciso, ultimately prevailed when Kai Havertz missed a penalty and the Germans converted only three of five attempts.
Paraguay Declares National Holiday
Paraguay’s President Santiago Pena proclaimed a national holiday in celebration of the nation’s historic win over Germany, marking the second South American country to do so after Ecuador’s earlier victory.
US Homeland Security Chief Celebrates Iran’s Exit
Mr. Markwayne Mullin announced that he had “danced a happy dance” following Iran’s elimination, which occurred on goal difference after a stoppage‑time winner against Egypt was ruled offside. He highlighted his satisfaction that Iran’s visas were revoked and the team had left US soil, expressing that the team required extensive clearance by US authorities. This statement follows earlier accusations that the Iranian delegation had attempted to bring an individual linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps into the United States.
