The thrilling and competitive Round of 16 matches of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile continue, with Paraguay facing Norway at 2 AM early Thursday, while Japan takes on France at the same time.

At Talca Stadium, Paraguay enters this match as the runner-up of Group B after an exciting win over Panama in the opening round, followed by a goalless draw with South Korea—during which their star Enso Gonzalez received a direct red card and remains suspended—and a loss to Ukraine, concluding a turbulent group stage. Paraguay will face Norway, who are playing their first knockout match in the U-20 World Cup after finishing the group stage undefeated and nearly topping Group F, conceding only one goal throughout. Paraguay’s captain Lucas Quintana, a defensive pillar who played every minute of the first round and performed notably against South Korea, stands out. Norway’s player Rasmus Holten also shines with his defensive solidity; their goal conceded was the only one, and he scored the winning penalty against Nigeria.

At Santiago Stadium, attention turns to the anticipated clash between Japan, who advanced from the group stage with a perfect record and a clean sheet, making them one of the top contenders, and France, who enter this match after a single setback in the first round with a loss to the USA but bounced back with a tough win over South Africa and a crushing victory against New Caledonia. France’s star Lucas Michel, who scored the late winning goal against South Africa and a brace against New Caledonia, ends the group stage as a leading scorer candidate. Japan’s captain Ryon Ishihara was pivotal on both ends, delivering strong defensive performances and scoring two crucial penalties during the group stage.