Morocco and Paraguay shocked Netherlands and Germany in dramatic penalty shootouts, while Brazil escaped a stunning upset against Japan with a late winner to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 last 16.
WEBDESK – SHARJAH NEWS
The FIFA World Cup 2026 delivered another unforgettable night of football as Morocco and Paraguay produced sensational upsets against European powerhouses Netherlands and Germany, while Brazil narrowly avoided elimination after a dramatic comeback victory over Japan.
Morocco defeated the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw in Monterrey, booking a place in the round of 16 against co-hosts Canada.
The Dutch looked set to progress after Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute following a swift counterattack orchestrated by Crysencio Summerville.
The Liverpool forward celebrated emotionally after scoring, days after he and partner Noa van der Bij publicly shared news of a pregnancy loss.
However, Morocco fought back in dramatic fashion as Issa Diop headed home a stoppage-time equalizer in the 90th minute to force extra time.
Morocco nearly sealed victory before penalties when Soufiane Rahimi was denied by an outstanding point-blank save from Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
The match eventually went to penalties, where Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero by saving Summerville’s spot-kick. Ismael Saibari calmly converted the winning penalty to send Mohamed Ouahbi’s side through.
In another major upset, Paraguay knocked out four-time champions Germany 4-3 on penalties after a gripping 1-1 draw.
Paraguay took an early lead through Julio Enciso before Kai Havertz equalized for Germany.
Germany believed they had secured victory late in extra time when Jonathan Tah headed in from a corner, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review for a foul inside the box.
The penalty shootout proved disastrous for Germany as Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill saved efforts from Havertz and Nick Woltemade, while Tah blasted his penalty over the crossbar.
Jose Canale converted the decisive spot-kick to complete one of the tournament’s biggest shocks and send Paraguay into the next round, where they will face either France or Sweden.
Germany’s elimination also marked the first time in the country’s history that the national team lost a World Cup penalty shootout.
Following the defeat, Havertz apologized to supporters and admitted he was “lost for words” after another disappointing World Cup campaign for Germany.
Meanwhile in Houston, Brazil survived a massive scare to defeat Japan 2-1 thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time winner from Gabriel Martinelli.
Japan stunned the five-time world champions after Kaishu Sano capitalized on defensive mistakes to fire home from outside the box in the first half.
Brazil struggled to break down Japan’s disciplined defense before veteran midfielder Casemiro restored parity with a powerful header early in the second half.
Vinicius Junior came close to scoring the winner after a dazzling solo run, but Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki produced a brilliant save to push the effort onto the post.
Just as the match appeared destined for extra time, substitute Martinelli struck in the 95th minute, poking home from close range to rescue Brazil and send Carlo Ancelotti’s side into the last 16.
Ancelotti praised Brazil’s patience and second-half response after the match, while also acknowledging Japan’s defensive discipline and physical intensity.
Brazil will now face either Ivory Coast or Norway as the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage continues to produce dramatic twists and unforgettable moments.
