The knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered another night of high drama, heartbreak and stunning upsets as Morocco and Paraguay emerged victorious in two tense encounters to book their places in the Round of 16.
While Morocco survived a late scare before overcoming the Netherlands in a nerve-racking penalty shootout, Germany’s hopes of ending years of World Cup disappointment came to another painful end against Paraguay.
Morocco Leave It Late Before Winning Penalty Shootout
Morocco looked the more adventurous side for much of their clash with the Netherlands in Monterrey, but despite creating the better opportunities, they repeatedly found Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen standing in their way.
The Atlas Lions were then punished with less than 20 minutes remaining.
Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, who recently disclosed the heartbreaking loss of his unborn child, finished off a swift Dutch counterattack in the 72nd minute to hand the Netherlands what appeared to be the winning goal.
With time rapidly running out, Morocco refused to surrender.
Deep into stoppage time, defender Issa Diop rose above the Dutch defence to nod home a perfectly delivered cross from Chemsdine Taldi, sending Moroccan fans into celebration and forcing the contest into extra time.
Morocco continued to dominate after the restart and came within inches of completing the turnaround, only for Verbruggen to produce a stunning save to deny substitute Soufiane Rahimi.
Neither side could find a decisive goal over 120 minutes, leaving penalties to separate them.
The shootout proved just as dramatic.
The Netherlands faltered as Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville all failed to convert from the spot, opening the door for Morocco.
Ismail Saibari held his nerve to dispatch the decisive penalty, sealing a famous victory and setting up a Round of 16 meeting with Canada in Houston.
Paraguay End Germany’s World Cup Dream
In another major surprise, Paraguay sent four-time world champions Germany packing after prevailing 4-3 on penalties following an absorbing 1-1 draw.
The South Americans struck first shortly before halftime when Julio Enciso guided a header beyond Manuel Neuer to stun the German side.
Germany eventually found a response after the interval, with Kai Havertz glancing Florian Wirtz’s cross into the net to restore parity and keep his side alive.
The Germans thought they had completed the comeback during extra time after Jonathan Tah headed home, but celebrations were cut short when the referee ruled out the effort for a foul on Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
Penalty Drama Seals Germany’s Exit
With neither side able to produce a winner, the contest moved to penalties, where emotions swung wildly.
Paraguay had opportunities to wrap up victory earlier but Antonio Sanabria missed the target while Fabián Balbuena saw his effort brilliantly saved by Neuer.
Germany, however, failed to capitalise.
Orlando Gill emerged as Paraguay’s hero, saving penalties from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade before Jonathan Tah blazed Germany’s sudden-death effort over the crossbar.
José Canale then stepped forward to convert the decisive kick, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Paraguayan players and supporters.
Germany’s World Cup Struggles Continue
The defeat extends Germany’s difficult run on football’s biggest stage.
Since lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy in 2014, the European giants have repeatedly struggled to rediscover their former dominance, with another early exit adding to a disappointing recent tournament record.
For Paraguay, the victory represents one of the biggest moments in the nation’s modern football history.
Ranked 41st in the world before the tournament, they now march into the Round of 16, where either France or Sweden awaits.