The 2026 World Cup has reached its knockout rounds, and France have emerged as an early front-runner. Didier Deschamps' side beat Sweden 3-0 in one of the most convincing performances of the group stage, sealing their place in the round of 16 with a display built on attacking power.

The result drew attention from across the game, including from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was struck by the depth of France's attacking talent as he weighed up the tournament's leading contenders.

Not all smooth in the French camp

Even in victory, the French camp had a flashpoint. After the Sweden match there was a reported disagreement between Deschamps and young forward Rayan Cherki, the kind of managing-egos moment that follows every deep tournament run. How it is handled will be worth watching.

Mexico advance, a coach departs

On the host side, Mexico reached the last 16 by beating Ecuador 2-0 at a charged Estadio Azteca, a fourth straight win in a run without conceding a goal. The defeat cost Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece his job, as he acknowledged the team had not delivered what was promised and stepped away.

Norway also progressed, rounding out a run of results that reshaped the bracket.

Why this matters stateside

With the tournament played across North America, US coaches have a rare chance to study elite international football up close. France's blend of physicality and speed in transition, Mexico's disciplined defensive record and the man-management stories unfolding in every camp all offer teaching material. The 2026 edition is not a distant event on television, it is happening in the region, and the coaching lessons are right there to be taken.