Kylian Mbappe kept his cool to send Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill the wrong way from the penalty spot, scoring his seventh goal of the 2026 World Cup and firing France into the lead. The coolly taken strike continued Mbappe’s remarkable tournament as Les Bleus pushed for a place in the quarter-finals.
Elsewhere in the last-16, Brazil faced Norway in a match that will determine who could meet England in the next round. The winners of that tie are set to take on the Three Lions, who are preparing for their own last-16 showdown against Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
“Kylian Mbappe scores his seventh World Cup goal from the penalty spot as France lead Paraguay.”
England’s match, however, is under threat from severe weather. Forecasts have warned of lightning, thunder and heavy rain at the high-altitude venue, raising the possibility of disruption. FIFA have confirmed they have a contingency plan in place if the game faces further delays or is abandoned.
The Three Lions are aiming to defy the underdog tag as they seek arguably their most impressive World Cup win of the century at the Azteca, a fortress where Mexico rarely lose. With storm clouds gathering both on the pitch and in the sky, the stage is set for a dramatic day of World Cup football.