The 2026 World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is in full swing with the knockout phase underway. Last night marked the start of the Round of 16, featuring just one match: Canada secured a dramatic late winner against South Africa in Los Angeles (0-1) during added time.

Out of the 48 teams competing at the tournament’s outset, 16 European nations were in the mix, including France—two-time world champions (1998, 2018) and runners-up in 2022. With the elimination of Czech Republic, Scotland, and Turkey in earlier rounds, 13 European teams remain in contention.

As the tournament unfolds, we bring you daily updates on Europe’s performances. Here’s what stood out from day eighteen, June 28, 2026, for the continent’s footballing powerhouses.

Key stat of the day 📊

215

The 2026 World Cup has already shattered records before the Round of 16 even began. With 72 group-stage matches completed in 16 days, the total number of goals scored has surpassed the previous high of 172 set at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. This edition’s tally now stands at 215 goals, averaging 2.99 per game—a remarkable feat considering the expanded format with 104 matches.

For context, previous tournaments featured a maximum of 64 matches with 32 teams, compared to this year’s 48-team competition.

Last night’s result ⚽

South Africa 🇿🇦 0 – 1 Canada 🇨🇦

In a tightly contested Round of 16 opener in Los Angeles, Canada snatched victory in stoppage time against South Africa, marking their first-ever qualification for the Round of 16. Eustaquio’s stunning strike from inside the penalty area sealed the win. Canada will face either the Netherlands or Morocco in the next round.

Notable quote 🎙️

This candid remark sparked widespread backlash. While reporting live from Long Beach, near Los Angeles, journalist Abigail Vélez commented on the upcoming June 2 match between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina, admitting unfamiliarity with the European nation (a candidate for EU membership but not yet a member).

The clip went viral on social media, with the account “Bosnian Football” sharing the excerpt over 8 million times. The controversy deepened when it was revealed that ABC’s news director, Almin Karamehmedovic, was born in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Vélez later issued an apology in response to the public outcry.

Focus on France 🇫🇷

French supporters can breathe a sigh of relief: the France national team will not play past 11 PM (Paris time) at any stage of the tournament, including a potential final.

The Bleus will kick off their Round of 16 campaign against Sweden on Tuesday at 11 PM. Should they advance, their next match—against the winner of Germany vs. Paraguay—would also kick off at 11 PM on July 4, coinciding with American Independence Day.

A quarterfinal is scheduled for July 9 at 10 PM, with a potential semifinal on July 14 at 9 PM. The final, if reached, would take place on July 19 at 9 PM.

European football news 📰

A bold prediction: England’s former striker Gary Lineker, who scored six goals at the 1986 World Cup, has tipped France as the favorites to lift the 2026 trophy.

In an interview with French sports daily L’Équipe, Lineker confidently asserted that France would comfortably defeat Germany in an upcoming Round of 16 clash, describing the Mannschaft as “one of the weakest German national teams” he had ever seen.

Germany faces Paraguay at Gillette Stadium (Foxborough) on Monday at 10:30 PM in the Round of 16.