Brazil, Morocco and Paraguay all secured places in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Morocco and Paraguay producing shock victories over the Netherlands and Germany, while Brazil came from behind to beat Japan.
At Boston Stadium, Paraguay ended Germany’s long-standing dominance in World Cup penalty shootouts with a 4-3 victory after the match finished 1-1 in regulation and extra time. Julio Enciso put Paraguay ahead with an early header, but Kai Havertz equalised for Germany. Jonathan Tah thought he had won it for the Germans in the second half, only for his goal to be disallowed.
The match went to penalties, where Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill made two crucial saves. Germany captain Manuel Neuer also stopped spot-kicks to keep his side in contention, but Jose Canale converted the winning penalty to send Paraguay into the last 16. Gustavo Alfaro’s side will now face either France or Sweden.
In Monterrey, Morocco stunned the Netherlands in another dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. The Dutch looked set for victory when Cody Gakpo scored, but Issa Diop grabbed a stoppage-time equaliser to force extra time.
Neither team could find a breakthrough over the next 30 minutes, leaving penalties to decide the contest. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou once again proved Morocco’s hero by saving two penalties, while his teammates converted three to seal a 3-2 shootout win and book a Round of 16 clash with Canada.
Earlier in Houston, Brazil fought back from a goal down to defeat Japan 2-1. Kaishu Sano gave Japan a surprise first-half lead, but Casemiro restored parity before Gabriel Martinelli netted a late winner after being set up by Bruno Guimarães.
The results saw Brazil, Morocco and Paraguay advance to the knockout stage, while Germany and the Netherlands became the latest European giants to suffer unexpected exits from the tournament.
