Morocco and Paraguay produced two of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after eliminating the Netherlands and Germany respectively to book places in the Round of 16, while Brazil survived a major scare to edge Japan in dramatic fashion.
At Boston Stadium, Germany’s remarkable record in FIFA World Cup penalty shootouts came to an end as Paraguay triumphed 4-3 after a 1-1 draw. Julio Enciso gave the South Americans an early advantage with a well-placed header before Kai Havertz restored parity for the Germans. A second-half header by Jonathan Tah was ruled out, forcing the contest into penalties.
Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerged as the hero after saving two spot-kicks to put his side in control. Although veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer kept Germany’s hopes alive with crucial saves, Jose Canale calmly converted the decisive penalty to send Gustavo Alfaro’s men into the last 16, where they will face the winner of the France-Sweden clash.
In Monterrey, Morocco once again relied on the penalty-saving brilliance of goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to eliminate the Netherlands after a pulsating 1-1 draw. Cody Gakpo appeared to have secured victory for the Dutch, but Issa Diop struck a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to force extra time.
With neither side able to find a winner after an additional 30 minutes, the match was decided from the penalty spot. Bounou denied two Dutch penalties, while Morocco converted three to seal a 3-2 shootout victory and advance to a Round of 16 showdown against Canada.
Earlier in Houston, five-time champions Brazil recovered from the brink of elimination to defeat Japan 2-1. Kaishu Sano stunned the South Americans with a first-half opener, but Casemiro levelled the scores before Gabriel Martinelli struck a dramatic late winner after a clever assist from Bruno Guimarães.
The victories ensured Brazil, Morocco and Paraguay joined the growing list of teams progressing to the knockout stage, while Germany and the Netherlands became the latest European heavyweights to suffer unexpected exits from the tournament.
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