FIFA World Cup 2026: Morocco, Brazil, Paraguay Reach Round of 16 as Germany, Japan, Netherlands Crash Out
Paraguay, Morocco and Brazil secured places in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic night of knockout football that saw Germany, the Netherlands and Japan eliminated.
Paraguay produced one of the tournament’s biggest upsets by knocking out four-time world champions Germany 4-3 on penalties after a gripping 1-1 draw following extra time.
Julio Enciso gave Paraguay the lead before Kai Havertz restored parity for Germany in the second half.
Both teams failed to find a winner in extra time, but goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerged as Paraguay’s hero in the shootout, helping send his country into the last 16. It marked Germany’s first-ever defeat in a World Cup penalty shootout.
Morocco also progressed after edging the Netherlands on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
The Atlas Lions fought back from behind, with Issa Diop scoring a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser after Cody Gakpo had put the Dutch in front.
In the shootout, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made the decisive save before Ismael Saibari converted the winning penalty, making Morocco the first African nation to reach the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Brazil left it late to book their place in the next round, defeating Japan 2-1 thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s dramatic 95th-minute winner.
Japan had taken the lead through Kaishu Sano before veteran midfielder Casemiro headed Brazil level early in the second half.
Just as extra time seemed inevitable, Martinelli capitalised on a late defensive error to seal victory for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Brazil will now face either Ivory Coast or Norway in the Round of 16, while Morocco and Paraguay await confirmation of their next opponents as the knockout stage continues.
