The Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup delivered high drama, stunning upsets, and penalty shootout heartbreak as Morocco, Brazil, and Paraguay booked their places in the knockout stage.
Morocco eliminated the Netherlands in a gripping penalty shootout, winning 3-2 after a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time.
Ismael Saibari scored the decisive penalty, sending the ball into the bottom-left corner after goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made a crucial save on Crysencio Summerville’s attempt. With the shootout tied 2-2 after four rounds, Bounou’s strong left-handed stop set the stage for Saibari’s winner.
Cody Gakpo had given the Netherlands the lead in the 72nd minute, but Morocco’s Issa Diop equalized in the 91st minute with a powerful header from a long cross by Chemsdine Talbi. Neither side created clear chances during extra time at Estadio BBVA.
This marks the Netherlands’ earliest World Cup exit in history, despite reaching at least the Round of 16 in their previous 11 appearances, including a quarterfinal run four years ago. It was the second shootout of the tournament.
Paraguay Pull Off Massive Upset Against Germany
In one of the biggest shocks of the 2026 World Cup, Paraguay defeated four-time champions Germany 4-3 on penalties.
José Canale converted the first sudden-death penalty, while goalkeeper Orlando Gill delivered key saves as Paraguay held their nerve. The victory came after a tense match that ended with Germany missing three of their six penalties, the last by Jonathan Tah, who sent his effort over the bar.
For the landlocked South American nation of 7 million surrounded by powerhouses Argentina and Brazil the result sparked wild celebrations in Asunción. Fans flooded the streets, singing “Soy Albirrojo,” jumping, hugging, and even dropping to their knees in disbelief.
Paraguay, ranked 41st by FIFA, became the deepest betting underdog to win a match at this World Cup. It was also the first time Germany lost a World Cup penalty shootout.
“We were united… Today was a game we really needed to show our true colors,” said Canale. Paraguay will face the winner of France vs Sweden in the Round of 16 on Saturday in Philadelphia.
Brazil Edges Japan with Late Drama
Japan pushed five-time champions Brazil to the limit but were eliminated for the third straight World Cup in the Round of 32, falling 2-1 on a late injury-time goal.
Despite leading or being competitive in recent knockout exits (against Croatia in 2022 and Belgium in 2018), Japan is still searching for its first-ever World Cup knockout-stage victory. Coach Hajime Moriyasu acknowledged the growing gap is closing but said his team must continue improving.
Brazil advances to the Round of 16 alongside Morocco and Paraguay, completing a dramatic end to the group stage.
Source : myxyzonline/Emmanuel Nettey
