France and Mexico Power Into the Last 16 as Favourites Find Their Feet
As the 2026 World Cup moves deeper into its knockout phase, the tournament's established powers are beginning to assert themselves. France and co-hosts Mexico have both advanced to the round of 16, joining the roll call of heavyweights determined to make a deep run.
For France, perennial contenders and one of the sides most fancied to lift the trophy, reaching the last 16 is the expected first step rather than a cause for celebration. Blessed with depth and match-winners across the pitch, Les Bleus arrive at the knockouts carrying the weight of favouritism — and the knowledge that anything short of a lengthy stay would be judged a disappointment.
Mexico's progress carries a different charge. As co-hosts, playing before fervent home support, they shoulder the hopes of a football-obsessed nation desperate to break past the round-of-16 barrier that has so often marked the ceiling of their tournaments. Home advantage is a powerful thing, and Mexico will hope it can finally carry them further than before.
Their advancement, alongside surprises like Norway, illustrates the shape the tournament is taking: a blend of the expected and the unexpected, with traditional forces navigating through while ambitious outsiders spring the occasional shock. The expanded 48-team format has widened the field, but the latter rounds still tend to reward pedigree.
With the bracket narrowing and the stakes rising, France and Mexico now face the sterner examinations that the knockouts always bring. For the favourites, the real test starts here — and for the co-hosts, a nation waits to see how far this team can go.
