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Mbappé Scores, Morocco Advances and Canada Exits

Chris Horwedel July 5, 2026

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This time on The Underdog World Cup Show:

On this episode of The Underdog World Cup Show, Chris Horwedel recaps Morocco knocking out co-host Canada and France surviving a difficult Paraguay test before previewing two major Round of 16 matchups: Brazil vs. Norway and Mexico vs. England. The show opens in Houston, where Morocco beats Canada 3-0 behind a second-half brace from Azzedine Ounahi and a stoppage-time goal from Soufiane Rahimi. Chris explains why Morocco’s second straight World Cup quarterfinal appearance proves they are no longer a one-tournament Cinderella story, while Canada exits after its best men’s World Cup run ever.

France also advances with a 1-0 win over Paraguay in Philadelphia, but it is far more survival than showcase. Kylian Mbappé scores from the penalty spot after Désiré Doué is fouled in the box, giving Mbappé his seventh goal of the tournament and 19th career World Cup goal. Chris breaks down Paraguay’s physical 5-4-1 defensive approach, the difficult conditions, France’s ability to win ugly, and the setup for a spicy France-Morocco quarterfinal rematch of the 2022 World Cup semifinal.

The episode then previews Brazil vs. Norway at MetLife, focusing on Brazil’s attacking weapons, Vinícius Júnior’s ability to stretch games, Bruno Guimarães in midfield, Gabriel Martinelli’s knockout impact, and the fitness concern around Casemiro. Norway’s threat comes through Erling Haaland, who scored the late winner against Ivory Coast and gives Norway a true knockout-game cheat code, especially if Martin Ødegaard can find time and space.

The show closes with a preview of Mexico vs. England at the Azteca, one of the most emotionally charged games of the tournament. Mexico enters with four wins, four clean sheets, and a home crowd ready to turn the stadium into a pressure cooker, while England brings more talent on paper behind Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Thomas Tuchel’s squad depth. Chris emphasizes that the altitude, noise, Mexico’s defensive streak, and England’s pressure-game history make this anything but a neutral test.

 

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Author

Chris Horwedel

A lifelong sports fan who created NFL Draft Blitz all the way back in 1999. Chris founded Deep(ish) Thoughts in July of 2015 and that evolved into Underdog Sports in September of 2017. In his spare time, he enjoys watching Philadelphia sports teams, especially his beloved 76ers. #TrustTheProcess is a way of life.

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