The 2026 FIFA World Cup produced another night of stunning drama as traditional heavyweights Germany and the Netherlands suffered shocking Round of 32 exits, while Brazil and Paraguay booked their places in the Round of 16 after nerve-racking victories.
Germany’s campaign came to a heartbreaking end after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay following a 1-1 draw after extra time in Boston. The four-time world champions entered the clash as overwhelming favourites after topping Group E, but Gustavo Alfaro’s resilient Paraguay side produced one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.
Former Brighton midfielder Julio Enciso gave Paraguay the lead in the first half before Arsenal forward Kai Havertz restored parity after the break. Germany thought they had completed a remarkable turnaround in the 116th minute when Jonathan Tah headed home, only for the goal to be ruled out following a VAR review for a foul on Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
The match eventually went to penalties, where Germany faltered. Misses from Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Tah handed Paraguay a famous 4-3 shootout victory, setting up a Round of 16 showdown against either France or Sweden.
Germany Left Devastated
Germany captain Joshua Kimmich admitted the team deserved their early exit, lamenting their disappointing performances throughout the tournament.
“It feels terrible,” Kimmich said after the defeat.
“We didn’t play well against any of our opponents. We struggled badly in all three matches against teams that aren’t world-class. That’s a fact. We deserved to be eliminated.
Veteran defender Antonio Rudiger described the atmosphere in the dressing room as one of complete disbelief.
“It’s very difficult to explain the elimination, he said.
“In the locker room there was only silence.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp also questioned the VAR decision that disallowed Tah’s late winner, comparing the incident to Arsenal’s set-piece goals during their Premier League-winning campaign.
“If the goal is illegal, then Arsenal won’t be English champions, Klopp said.
“They’ve scored 60 per cent of their goals that way. We win the game when the ball goes in. So, of course, this is brutal.
Morocco Dump Out Netherlands
Elsewhere, Morocco continued Africa’s impressive World Cup run by eliminating the Netherlands after another tense penalty shootout.
The Dutch appeared to be heading into the Round of 16 after Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute. An emotional Gakpo celebrated tearfully after scoring, with teammates surrounding him in support following the recent loss of his unborn son.
However, Fulham defender Issa Diop dramatically equalised in stoppage time with a powerful header to force extra time.
Neither side could find a winner during the additional 30 minutes, sending the contest to penalties.
The Netherlands’ hopes collapsed after Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville all failed from the spot, while Morocco goalkeeper Bono once again emerged as the hero with another crucial save.
Ismael Saibari calmly converted the decisive penalty to seal Morocco’s victory and book a Round of 16 meeting with Canada.
Saibari’s outstanding World Cup campaign has also transformed his club future. The Moroccan attacker, who scored in all three group-stage matches before converting the winning penalty against the Netherlands, is set to complete a reported £47 million move from PSV Eindhoven to Bayern Munich after attracting interest from Everton and Crystal Palace before the tournament.
Brazil Survive Japan Scare
Five-time champions Brazil were pushed to the brink before producing a dramatic comeback against Japan.
The Samurai Blue stunned Brazil by taking the lead through Kaishu Sano in the first half, raising the prospect of one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history.
Brazil responded after the interval, with Casemiro restoring parity before Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli struck a dramatic stoppage-time winner in the 95th minute to secure a 2-1 victory.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted his side had endured a difficult night but insisted suffering is part of tournament football.
World Cup 2026: Germany, Netherlands Crash Out as Brazil and Paraguay Reach Round of 16
The 2026 FIFA World Cup produced another night of stunning drama as traditional heavyweights Germany and the Netherlands suffered shocking Round of 32 exits, while Brazil and Paraguay booked their places in the Round of 16 after nerve-racking victories.
Germany’s campaign came to a heartbreaking end after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay following a 1-1 draw after extra time in Boston. The four-time world champions entered the clash as overwhelming favourites after topping Group E, but Gustavo Alfaro’s resilient Paraguay side produced one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.
Former Brighton midfielder Julio Enciso gave Paraguay the lead in the first half before Arsenal forward Kai Havertz restored parity after the break. Germany thought they had completed a remarkable turnaround in the 116th minute when Jonathan Tah headed home, only for the goal to be ruled out following a VAR review for a foul on Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
The match eventually went to penalties, where Germany faltered. Misses from Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Tah handed Paraguay a famous 4-3 shootout victory, setting up a Round of 16 showdown against either France or Sweden.
Germany Left Devastated
Germany captain Joshua Kimmich admitted the team deserved their early exit, lamenting their disappointing performances throughout the tournament.
“It feels terrible,” Kimmich said after the defeat.
“We didn’t play well against any of our opponents. We struggled badly in all three matches against teams that aren’t world-class. That’s a fact. We deserved to be eliminated.”
Veteran defender Antonio Rudiger described the atmosphere in the dressing room as one of complete disbelief.
It’s very difficult to explain the elimination,he said.
In the locker room there was only silence.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp also questioned the VAR decision that disallowed Tah’s late winner, comparing the incident to Arsenal’s set-piece goals during their Premier League-winning campaign.
If the goal is illegal, then Arsenal won’t be English champions, Klopp said.
“They’ve scored 60 per cent of their goals that way. We win the game when the ball goes in. So, of course, this is brutal.
Morocco Dump Out Netherlands
Elsewhere, Morocco continued Africa’s impressive World Cup run by eliminating the Netherlands after another tense penalty shootout.
The Dutch appeared to be heading into the Round of 16 after Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute. An emotional Gakpo celebrated tearfully after scoring, with teammates surrounding him in support following the recent loss of his unborn son.
However, Fulham defender Issa Diop dramatically equalised in stoppage time with a powerful header to force extra time.
Neither side could find a winner during the additional 30 minutes, sending the contest to penalties.
The Netherlands’ hopes collapsed after Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville all failed from the spot, while Morocco goalkeeper Bono once again emerged as the hero with another crucial save.
Ismael Saibari calmly converted the decisive penalty to seal Morocco’s victory and book a Round of 16 meeting with Canada.
Saibari’s outstanding World Cup campaign has also transformed his club future. The Moroccan attacker, who scored in all three group-stage matches before converting the winning penalty against the Netherlands, is set to complete a reported £47 million move from PSV Eindhoven to Bayern Munich after attracting interest from Everton and Crystal Palace before the tournament.
Brazil Survive Japan Scare
Five-time champions Brazil were pushed to the brink before producing a dramatic comeback against Japan.
The Samurai Blue stunned Brazil by taking the lead through Kaishu Sano in the first half, raising the prospect of one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history.
Brazil responded after the interval, with Casemiro restoring parity before Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli struck a dramatic stoppage-time winner in the 95th minute to secure a 2-1 victory.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted his side had endured a difficult night but insisted suffering is part of tournament football.
World Cup 2026: Germany, Netherlands Crash Out as Brazil and Paraguay Reach Round of 16
The 2026 FIFA World Cup produced another night of stunning drama as traditional heavyweights Germany and the Netherlands suffered shocking Round of 32 exits, while Brazil and Paraguay booked their places in the Round of 16 after nerve-racking victories.
Germany’s campaign came to a heartbreaking end after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay following a 1-1 draw after extra time in Boston. The four-time world champions entered the clash as overwhelming favourites after topping Group E, but Gustavo Alfaro’s resilient Paraguay side produced one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.
Former Brighton midfielder Julio Enciso gave Paraguay the lead in the first half before Arsenal forward Kai Havertz restored parity after the break. Germany thought they had completed a remarkable turnaround in the 116th minute when Jonathan Tah headed home, only for the goal to be ruled out following a VAR review for a foul on Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
The match eventually went to penalties, where Germany faltered. Misses from Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Tah handed Paraguay a famous 4-3 shootout victory, setting up a Round of 16 showdown against either France or Sweden.
Germany Left Devastated
Germany captain Joshua Kimmich admitted the team deserved their early exit, lamenting their disappointing performances throughout the tournament.
It feels terrible, Kimmich said after the defeat.
“We didn’t play well against any of our opponents. We struggled badly in all three matches against teams that aren’t world-class. That’s a fact. We deserved to be eliminated.”
Veteran defender Antonio Rudiger described the atmosphere in the dressing room as one of complete disbelief.
“It’s very difficult to explain the elimination,” he said.
“In the locker room there was only silence.”
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp also questioned the VAR decision that disallowed Tah’s late winner, comparing the incident to Arsenal’s set-piece goals during their Premier League-winning campaign.
“If the goal is illegal, then Arsenal won’t be English champions,” Klopp said.
“They’ve scored 60 per cent of their goals that way. We win the game when the ball goes in. So, of course, this is brutal.”
Morocco Dump Out Netherlands
Elsewhere, Morocco continued Africa’s impressive World Cup run by eliminating the Netherlands after another tense penalty shootout.
The Dutch appeared to be heading into the Round of 16 after Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute. An emotional Gakpo celebrated tearfully after scoring, with teammates surrounding him in support following the recent loss of his unborn son.
However, Fulham defender Issa Diop dramatically equalised in stoppage time with a powerful header to force extra time.
Neither side could find a winner during the additional 30 minutes, sending the contest to penalties.
The Netherlands’ hopes collapsed after Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville all failed from the spot, while Morocco goalkeeper Bono once again emerged as the hero with another crucial save.
Ismael Saibari calmly converted the decisive penalty to seal Morocco’s victory and book a Round of 16 meeting with Canada.
Saibari’s outstanding World Cup campaign has also transformed his club future. The Moroccan attacker, who scored in all three group-stage matches before converting the winning penalty against the Netherlands, is set to complete a reported £47 million move from PSV Eindhoven to Bayern Munich after attracting interest from Everton and Crystal Palace before the tournament.
Brazil Survive Japan Scare
Five-time champions Brazil were pushed to the brink before producing a dramatic comeback against Japan.
The Samurai Blue stunned Brazil by taking the lead through Kaishu Sano in the first half, raising the prospect of one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history.
Brazil responded after the interval, with Casemiro restoring parity before Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli struck a dramatic stoppage-time winner in the 95th minute to secure a 2-1 victory.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted his side had endured a difficult night but insisted suffering is part of tournament football.
“This was by far the most complete game that we’ve played,” Ancelotti said.
“You have to suffer, that’s part of it. There is no novelty there. Suffering is part of the game, as is relief.
“There is no ‘not making mistakes’ because nobody is perfect, but you have to overcome them and push forward. That’s what the team did.”
World Cup Round of 32 Results
Paraguay 1-1 Germany (Paraguay won 4-3 on penalties)
Morocco 1-1 Netherlands (Morocco won on penalties)
Brazil 2-1 Japan
With the latest results, Paraguay, Morocco and Brazil advance to the Round of 16, while Germany, the Netherlands and Japan bow out in one of the most dramatic knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far.
“This was by far the most complete game that we’ve played,” Ancelotti said.
“You have to suffer, that’s part of it. There is no novelty there. Suffering is part of the game, as is relief.
“There is no ‘not making mistakes’ because nobody is perfect, but you have to overcome them and push forward. That’s what the team did.”
World Cup Round of 32 Results
Paraguay 1-1 Germany (Paraguay won 4-3 on penalties)
Morocco 1-1 Netherlands (Morocco won on penalties)
Brazil 2-1 Japan
With the latest results, Paraguay, Morocco and Brazil advance to the Round of 16, while Germany, the Netherlands and Japan bow out in one of the most dramatic knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far.
“This was by far the most complete game that we’ve played,” Ancelotti said.
“You have to suffer, that’s part of it. There is no novelty there. Suffering is part of the game, as is relief.
There is no ‘not making mistakes’ because nobody is perfect, but you have to overcome them and push forward. That’s what the team did.”
World Cup Round of 32 Results
Paraguay 1-1 Germany (Paraguay won 4-3 on penalties)
Morocco 1-1 Netherlands (Morocco won on penalties)
Brazil 2-1 Japan
With the latest results, Paraguay, Morocco and Brazil advance to the Round of 16, while Germany, the Netherlands and Japan bow out in one of the most dramatic knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far.
