The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues with the knockout rounds underway! It’s time to dive into the World Cup matches today to get you ready to enjoy the tournament in all its glory. The World Cup schedule today features two Round of 16 matches, headlined by France in action. Let’s preview today’s World Cup matches with the top players, biggest storylines, and betting odds to know for Saturday, July 4th. 

 

Today’s FIFA World Cup Schedule 7/4

We have two matches on the World Cup schedule today as the Round of 16 gets underway. Check out the World Cup matches today before you enjoy the action:

  • Canada vs. Morocco – 1 pm ET on FOX (Houston)
  • Paraguay vs. France – 5 pm ET on FOX (Philadelphia)

 

 

 

Best World Cup Match To Watch Today

The Round of 16 continues in today’s World Cup matches. Which teams can punch their tickets to the quarterfinals? France is a big favorite to beat Paraguay, after the latter surprisingly upset Germany in penalties. The game to watch features Canada vs. Morocco. 

Morocco is favored to win, but both squads are live to advance. Canada’s 1-0 victory over South Africa wasn’t entirely convincing. The Canadians needed a late stoppage-time goal to pull off the victory as well. Still, the World Cup co-hosts have the attacking talent to make things interesting today. 

Meanwhile, Morocco survived a penalty shootout to get past the Netherlands in the Round of 32. The African side also scored in stoppage time to send the match into extra time. It may have been a nail-biter, but Morocco was the better team. It held 70% of possession and out-shot the Dutch by an 11-6 margin. 

 

Top Players To Watch in Today’s Matches

The World Cup matches today feature several top players worth watching. France’s attack is arguably the best in the tournament. Kylian Mbappe scored twice in the Round of 32 win over Sweden. He’s a top contender for the Golden Boot and will look to score again to keep pace with Lionel Messi. Plus, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise anchor the French offense. 

Elsewhere in today’s World Cup matches, the Canada vs. Morocco matchup includes plenty of exciting playmakers. Ismael Saibari and Brahim Diaz lead the Moroccan attack, while Achraf Hakimi is one of the best wing-backs in the sport. Jonathan David and Stephen Eustáquio star in Canada’s offense, with Alphonso Davies now healthy on defense.  

 

 

 

Biggest Storylines Heading Into Today’s Matches 

As we dive deeper into the World Cup schedule today, let’s look at some of the biggest storylines to know. France continues its quest to return to World Cup glory. The French won it all in 2018, and then fell to Argentina in the 2022 final. Can Kylian Mbappe lead his squad back to the promised land? Or will Paraguay pull off the impossible? 

Speaking of Mbappe, the Golden Boot race is heating up. His six goals are now one behind Lionel Messi for the tournament lead entering today’s match. Messi scored last night, so it’s up to Mbappe to answer. The French superstar could easily net another goal or two against Paraguay today. 

Meanwhile, Morocco looks plenty capable of making another deep World Cup run. The African nation exploded for a fourth-place finish in 2022, losing to France in the semifinals. If Morocco can get past Canada, it will presumably set up a rematch with the French in the quarterfinals. 

Then we have Canada hoping for more World Cup history. The Round of 32 win marked the Canadians’ first-ever knockout-round victory in the tournament. Can they keep it going?

 

World Cup Odds Today at BetMGM Sportsbook

Now that we’ve set the stage for the World Cup matches today, let’s talk betting odds. Check out how the odds and lines shake out for the World Cup schedule today, courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook. The moneyline and total goals odds are for regular time, while the odds to advance include any extra time or penalty kicks. 

Canada vs. Morocco 

  • Moneyline: Canada +340 | Draw +240 | Morocco -115
  • Odds To Advance: Canada +180 | Morocco -225
  • Total Goals: Over 2.5 (+115) | Under 2.5 (-145)

Paraguay vs. France 

  • Moneyline: Paraguay +1700 | Draw +550 | France -575
  • Odds To Advance: Paraguay +900 | France -1800
  • Total Goals: Over 2.5 (-155) | Under 2.5 (+125)

 

 

 

What Today’s Matches Mean For The Tournament

The tournament’s knockout rounds continue in the World Cup matches today. We’re now into the Round of 16, with quarterfinal appearances up for grabs. The winners of both of today’s World Cup matches will then meet in the quarterfinals. 

France is a heavy favorite to beat Paraguay. But will the French face Canada or Morocco next? If it’s the latter, the Morocco vs. France showdown would set up a rematch of the 2022 semifinals. Giddyup!