Key events

1h agoMorocco finish run of co-hosts Canada
1h agoPreamble
1h agoFrance edge past Paraguay to reach quarter-finals

Brazil star Rodrygo has returned home after experiencing the World Cup in the United States. In his recent column for us, he points out the contrasts between a country enjoying the World Cup and one passionate about it. A reminder that Brazil face Norway in the last-16 today. Kick-off 9pm BST.

“The pace of life in Brazil - the land of football as we know it - follows the team’s journey in the World Cup. Work timetables shift, along with certain public services. Everyday routines continue, yet we adjust them around Brazil’s fixtures. Later, as a local saying suggests, we catch up with normal life.”

Perhaps life does not start at 40 but that does not signal the finish for a top footballer. This comes from Emma Hayes in her newest World Cup column.

Sid Lowe

It is Q&A time with Spain manager Luis de la Fuente! He responds to your queries on guidance for Lamine Yamal, the toughest aspect of coaching and how this squad stacks up against the 2010 champions. Sid Lowe has compiled the answers.

Canada coach Jesse Marsch divides opinion. In fact, some might call his first name Theinsufferable when checking social media and local views. Were Canada superior, as he suggests? Enjoy the reply from Morocco boss Mohamed Ouahbi. It takes some nerve to claim that after a 3-0 defeat. Quotes here following Morocco’s sharp finishing display.

David Hytner

It is past 1.30am in Mexico City. Is there loud noise near the hotel? Can England’s squad get any rest? The match starts at 6pm local time or 1am BST for UK viewers. Here is David Hytner’s latest update from Mexico City.

“England arrived after their seventh flight in 12 days on Friday and will play their fourth match in 13 days. The stretch was set to be tough, simply a matter of getting through it.”

Nick Ames

Our writers are in Mexico City for the key fixture and besides completing 5ks to illustrate altitude impact, they have produced reports. We begin with Nick Ames, who shares comments from both managers: England’s Thomas Tuchel and Mexico’s Javier Aguirre.

Morocco finish run of co-hosts Canada

Jonathan Wilson

Jonathan Wilson attended Houston Stadium to see 2022 semi-finalists Morocco defeat Canada. Three second-half goals decided the contest as Mohamed Ouahbi’s team became the first African side to reach the World Cup quarter-finals on two occasions.

“This was not truly about the fresh approach. This was a classic Morocco display, resilient and stern, highly competitive, with the skill of the creative players shown mostly on the break. Whether their cautious opening was planned or forced by Canada’s intensity remained unclear.”

France edge past Paraguay to reach quarter-finals

Paul MacInnes

We open with Paul MacInnes’ match report from a warm and humid Philadelphia Stadium. The 1-0 victory for France echoed the result from their last-16 game in 1998 and we recall how that World Cup concluded.

“The World Cup favourites had to ease back a level or two yet still possessed too much quality against a Paraguay side that came for a battle but ended up as little more than an irritation.”

Preamble

Good morning, afternoon or evening wherever you may be! It seems we are reaching the serious phase of the World Cup as shown by the first two quarter-finalists appearing. Morocco proved too clinical against co-hosts Canada while France advanced through a physical contest with Paraguay.

We will cover all the reaction to those two last-16 matches and preview the highly anticipated meeting between Mexico and England at the Azteca. There is also Brazil v Norway this evening so the real action is underway. Ready for day 25 of the World Cup? Let us begin!