Mexico ends knockout drought, France masterclass, England in danger zone; fans celebrate

Mexico has advanced to the Round of 16 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending a 40-year drought for knockout stage victories with a 2-0 win over Ecuador in the Round of 32. Goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez secured the historic triumph, which was widely celebrated across the nation. However, these celebrations turned tragic in Mexico City, where at least three individuals died from suffocation amidst massive crowd surges near the iconic Angel of Independence monument.

Meanwhile, France delivered a commanding performance, showcasing a true masterclass by defeating Sweden 3-0 in their Round of 32 encounter. Captain Kylian Mbappe netted two goals, contributing to France becoming the first team in World Cup history to score three or more goals in five consecutive matches. This dominant display has firmly established France as a formidable contender as they progress to face Paraguay in the next round.

In contrast, England finds itself in a precarious position despite advancing from their group, with concerns mounting over their inconsistent performances. Having topped Group L, Thomas Tuchel's side secured a seemingly "simpler path" but has been criticized for a lack of attacking threat and imagination during the group stage, including a goalless draw with Ghana. With preparations reportedly hampered by various issues, England faces a critical Round of 32 match against DR Congo, needing a significant improvement to allay fears of an early exit.