Germany and Netherlands Crash Out as World Cup Delivers Major Upsets

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has produced its biggest shocks yet, with football heavyweights Germany and the Netherlands both eliminated in dramatic Round of 32 encounters.

Two of Europe’s traditional powerhouses saw their World Cup dreams come to an end in penalty shootouts, opening up the knockout bracket as underdogs continued to make headlines.

Germany lose first-ever World Cup penalty shootout

Germany suffered a stunning exit after losing 4-3 on penalties to Paraguay.

The match finished 1-1 after regular and extra time before Paraguay held their nerve from the spot to book a place in the Round of 16.

The defeat made unwanted history for Germany, marking the first time they have ever lost a penalty shootout at the FIFA World Cup.

Morocco knock out the Netherlands

Morocco continued their remarkable World Cup story by eliminating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties.

After the teams were locked at 1-1 following regular and extra time, Morocco converted three penalties to secure another famous victory and advance to the Round of 16.

The result adds another memorable chapter to Morocco’s recent success on the world stage as they continue their impressive run in the tournament.

Brazil and Canada also advance

Brazil secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Japan to reach the Round of 16, while Canada celebrated its first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout stage victory after edging past South Africa 1-0.

Teams through to the Round of 16 so far

The first four nations to secure their places in the last 16 are:

• Brazil
• Canada
• Morocco
• Paraguay

Round of 32 action continues

Three more Round of 32 matches on Tuesday.

The knockout action continues on Tuesday, 30 June, with three more matches set to determine the next teams to reach the Round of 16.

Côte d’Ivoire vs Norway

Dallas Stadium, USA

Kick-off: 19:00 SAST

Ivory Coast will look to keep Africa’s hopes alive when they face Norway for a place in the next round.

France vs Sweden

New York/New Jersey Stadium, USA

Kick-off: 23:00 SAST

One of the biggest fixtures of the day sees France take on Sweden, with the winner progressing to face Paraguay in the Round of 16.

Mexico vs Ecuador

Mexico City Stadium, Mexico

Kick-off: 04:00 SAST (Wednesday, 1 July)

Co-hosts Mexico take on Ecuador in the final Round of 32 fixture of the day.

Confirmed Round of 16 fixtures

Several last-16 ties have already been confirmed following the opening Round of 32 matches.

Canada vs Morocco

Saturday, 4 July

19:00 SAST

Paraguay vs France or Sweden

Saturday, 4 July

23:00 SAST

Brazil vs Côte d’Ivoire or Norway

Brazil will meet the winner of tonight’s clash between Côte d’Ivoire and Norway after progressing past Japan.

With more places in the Round of 16 still up for grabs, the knockout drama is only just beginning.

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