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Knockout Shockwaves: France Advance as Paraguay and Morocco Upset Heavyweights

Early Round-of-32 shocks have reshaped the bracket and forced immediate coaching fallout for eliminated favorites, altering who hosts the next phase of the tournament.

Overview

  • France beat Sweden 3-0 at MetLife Stadium to reach the round of 16 and will face Paraguay in Philadelphia.
  • Paraguay eliminated Germany on penalties after a 1-1 draw, producing one of the tournament’s biggest upsets and sending the South American side into the last 16.
  • Morocco knocked the Netherlands out on penalties following a 1-1 draw, a result that removed a pre-tournament favorite and prompted broad reassessments of the European side.
  • Ronald Koeman resigned as Netherlands head coach after the elimination, a federational statement that credited his close ties to the squad and said he chose to step down now.
  • Mexico prepared to host Ecuador at Estadio Azteca with a weather-delayed kickoff while entering the match unbeaten in group play and still the only team yet to concede a goal, a combination that underscores home advantage and growing logistical challenges for hosts.