Today's football tips for 4 Jul 2026: Analysis of 2 key World Cup 2026 Round of 16 matches and today's match schedule.
On 4 July 2026, today's football tips mark the first day of the World Cup 2026 Round of 16. The hosts, Canada, face dark horse Morocco, while the tournament favorite France meets another dark horse, Paraguay. Let's follow the match analysis and predictions for these two games.
- World Cup 2026 Round of 16 / Kickoff at 00:00 (early morning 5 Jul Thailand time)
*Live on Monomax and Monomax Sports Channel 29
Canada reached the second knockout stage for the first time in their third World Cup appearance after drawing 1-1 with Bosnia, thrashing Qatar 6-0, then losing 1-2 to Switzerland, ending their nine-match unbeaten streak. They finished second in Group B before narrowly beating South Africa 1-0 with a late winning goal by Stephen Eustáquio. However, Canada has never beaten Morocco in four meetings (3 losses, 1 draw). Captain Alphonso Davies, back from injury and a substitute in the last match, is likely to reclaim the left-back spot from Richie Laryea. Upfront, Jonathan David leads as striker, supported by Kyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, and Promise Mboungou competing for attacking roles.
Morocco aims to replicate their 2022 World Cup run where they finished fourth, having drawn 1-1 with Brazil, beaten Scotland 1-0, and defeated Haiti 4-2 to finish second in Group C. They then won a penalty shootout 3-2 against the Netherlands in the Round of 32, extending their unbeaten streak in regular time to nine matches (5 wins, 4 draws). Morocco could repeat their last World Cup group stage victory over Canada, 2-1. Defender Chadi Riad, injured in the win over the Netherlands, has returned to training and will partner Issa Diop, Achraf Hakimi, and Noussair Mazraoui in defense. Their attack is at full strength with Ismail Saibari, Bayern newcomer Brahim Diaz, and Bilal El Khannous. Overall, Morocco looks stronger and may halt the hosts’ progress here.
Match prediction Morocco to narrowly defeat Canada.
- World Cup 2026 Round of 16 / Kickoff at 04:00 (early morning 5 Jul Thailand time)
*Live on Monomax
Paraguay reached the Round of 16 for the fifth time despite struggles in Group D, losing 1-4 to the USA, beating Turkey, and drawing 0-0 with Australia. They caused an upset by eliminating Germany in the Round of 32, drawing 1-1 and winning 4-3 on penalties. Paraguay remains unbeaten in 5 of 7 matches this year (3 wins, 2 draws) but has never beaten France in five meetings (3 losses, 2 draws). Defender Omar Alderete of Sunderland remains injured, but José Canale, hero of the penalty shootout against Germany, fills in. Attacking midfielder Diego Gomez of Brighton returns from suspension to join Julio Enciso, Miguel Almirón, and Gabriel Avalos.
France is one of only three teams in this World Cup to have won all their matches, alongside defending champions Argentina and co-host Mexico (wins over Senegal 3-1, Iraq 3-0, Norway 4-1, Sweden 3-0). They have lost only one of their last 15 matches (13 wins, 1 draw) and only one of their last 18 World Cup finals matches since their 2018 title (15 wins, 2 draws). France also beat Paraguay 1-0 after extra time in the 1998 World Cup Round of 16. Although Marcus Thuram has a calf injury, France's attack remains strong, led by top scorers Kylian Mbappé (6 goals, tied with Lionel Messi), Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, and Bradley Barcola. Paraguay is unlikely to cause another upset here.
Match prediction France to win convincingly and end Paraguay's run.