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Morocco Stun Netherlands on Penalties, Paraguay Knock Out Germany to Reach World Cup Last 16
by Onota Christian
Morocco and Paraguay produced the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage on Monday, eliminating the Netherlands and Germany respectively in dramatic penalty shootouts to book places in the Round of 16.
Morocco prevailed 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands at Monterrey Stadium, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou once again emerging as the hero.
Morocco knockout Netherland 3:2 on penalties
The Atlas Lions looked destined for elimination after Cody Gakpo gave the Dutch the lead. However, Issa Diop headed home a dramatic late equaliser deep into stoppage time to force extra time.
With neither side able to find a winner after an additional 30 minutes, the contest went to penalties, where Bounou saved two spot-kicks to seal Morocco’s place in the last 16. They will next face Canada.
In Boston, Paraguay ended Germany’s long-standing unbeaten record in FIFA World Cup penalty shootouts, winning 4-3 after a 1-1 draw.
Julio Enciso opened the scoring with a well-taken header before Germany responded through Kai Havertz. The Germans thought they had won the match when Jonathan Tah found the net, but the effort was ruled out.
Goalkeeper Orlando Gill saved two German penalties in the shootout, while veteran Manuel Neuer briefly kept his side alive with crucial saves. Paraguay eventually secured victory when Jose Canale converted the decisive penalty, setting up a last-16 clash with either France or Sweden.
Earlier, Brazil survived a major scare to defeat Japan 2-1 in Houston and also progress to the Round of 16.
Japan took a surprise lead through Kaishu Sano before Casemiro restored parity with a headed effort. Just as extra time loomed, Bruno Guimarães set up Gabriel Martinelli, whose late strike secured Brazil’s comeback victory.
Fulltime 2:1 in favour of Brazil
The five-time world champions will face the winners of the Côte d’Ivoire versus Norway encounter in the next round.