France takes center stage in Philly heat as Round of 16 begins

PHILADELPHIA -- The World Cup Round of 16 has arrived.

With it comes intensifying pressure and, in some places, stifling heat.

The second round of the knockout stage commences Saturday with Canada facing Morocco in the opener in Houston, while powerhouse France and Kylian Mbappé will meet Paraguay in the nightcap in Philadelphia.

There will be two games per day over the next four days to determine the eight quarterfinalists.

Mbappé has been one of the hottest players in the World Cup as he chases the career goals record currently held by Argentina's Lionel Messi.

In Philadelphia, Mbappé, his teammates, and Paraguay will play in sweltering conditions at Lincoln Financial Field.

The game coincides with a heat wave that's expected to bring temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius).

More than 68,000 fans are expected to endure those conditions, which could drain the energy of Mbappé and every other player on the pitch.

Mbappé scored his 17th and 18th World Cup goals in France's 3-0 rout of Sweden last weekend in East Rutherford, New Jersey, when it was 90 degrees for the 5 p.m. kickoff.

"I'm looking forward to the changing room and the AC," Mbappé said as he came off the field.

For the July 4 game, misting fans will be available for fans approaching the stadium, and cooling tents will be available to fans within the stadium footprint at the fan experience.

All fans are allowed to bring one disposable, plastic water bottle into the stadium, as they are at any match in this World Cup in the U.S. and Canada.

Water fountains are available in nine sections on the concourse.

Heat should not be a factor for the other match on Saturday in Houston because NRG Stadium has a retractable roof that will remain closed.

Round of 16 schedule

Saturday, July 4:

• Canada vs. Morocco, 1 p.m. EDT in Houston

• Paraguay vs. France, 5 p.m. EDT in Philadelphia

Sunday, July 5:

• Brazil vs. Norway, 4 p.m. EDT in East Rutherford, New Jersey

• Mexico vs. England, 8 p.m. EDT in Mexico City

Monday, July 6:

• Portugal vs. Spain, 3 p.m. EDT in Arlington, Texas

• United States vs. Belgium, 8 p.m. EDT in Seattle

Tuesday, July 7:

• Argentina/Cape Verde winner vs. Egypt, noon EDT in Atlanta

• Switzerland vs. Colombia/Ghana winner, 4 p.m. EDT in Vancouver, British Columbia