By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
France, Norway and co-hosts Mexico secured places in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with impressive victories in Tuesday’s Round of 32 fixtures.
France underlined their title credentials with a convincing 3-0 win over Sweden, inspired by captain Kylian Mbappé’s brace.
Mbappé broke the deadlock just before half-time after being set up by Michael Olise before adding his second in the 74th minute. Ousmane Dembélé completed the rout late on, with Olise providing his second assist of the match.
The victory sends France into a Round of 16 meeting with Paraguay and extends Les Bleus’ run of scoring at least three goals in five consecutive World Cup matches.
Earlier, Norway became the first team to book a place in the last 16 after defeating Ivory Coast 2-1.
Antonio Nusa handed Norway the lead in the first half before Amad Diallo equalised for Ivory Coast in the 74th minute. Erling Haaland restored Norway’s advantage four minutes from time, scoring the winner to set up a mouth-watering clash with Brazil.
At the Estadio Azteca, Mexico thrilled home supporters with a historic 2-0 victory over Ecuador, ending a 40-year wait for a FIFA World Cup knockout-stage win.
The match, delayed by nearly an hour because of thunderstorms, saw Julián Quiñones score the opener before setting up Raúl Jiménez for Mexico’s second goal before the break.
Despite Ecuador’s improved second-half display, goalkeeper Raúl Rangel preserved Mexico’s clean sheet as Javier Aguirre’s side advanced to face either England or DR Congo in the Round of 16.
The match ended on a controversial note when Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié was sent off in stoppage time under FIFA’s regulation prohibiting players from covering their mouths while confronting opponents or match officials.
Attention now shifts to Wednesday’s Round of 32 fixtures, with England taking on DR Congo before Belgium face Senegal for the remaining places in the Round of 16
