The Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026 delivered an unforgettable day of pure footballing drama. Four-time champions Germany suffered a historic exit at the hands of a resilient Paraguay, while Morocco survived a chaotic penalty shootout against the Netherlands. Meanwhile, five-time champions Brazil narrowly avoided extra time thanks to a sensational, last-gasp winner from Gabriel Martinelli against Japan.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the action that shook the footballing world.
The Big Upset: Paraguay Stuns Germany in Historic Shootout
Match Result: Germany 1 - 1 Paraguay (Paraguay won 4-3 on penalties)
In what will go down as one of the biggest upsets in modern World Cup history, Paraguay knocked Germany out of the tournament in Foxborough, Boston. This exit marks Germany's first-ever defeat in a World Cup penalty shootout, breaking a legendary streak that stretched back to 1982.
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How it Happened: Germany dominated possession early on, but Paraguay’s compact defensive unit held firm. In the 42nd minute, Paraguay took a shock lead when Julio Enciso perfectly timed a downward header off a Matías Galarza cross, beating German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
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The Comeback: Germany returned with higher intensity in the second half. Arsenal forward Kai Havertz equalized in the 54th minute, flicking home a cross from Florian Wirtz. Despite heavy pressure and a controversially disallowed extra-time header from Jonathan Tah via VAR review, the teams finished locked at 1-1 after 120 minutes.
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The Shootout Drama: Paraguan goalkeeper Orlando Gill turned into a national hero, saving crucial spot-kicks from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade. After both teams missed opportunities to seal it, Germany's Jonathan Tah blasted his sudden-death penalty over the bar. José Canale calmly stepped up to smash home the winning penalty, sending the South Americans into the Round of 16 against either France or Sweden.
Martinelli Rescues Brazil Against Resilient Japan
Match Result: Brazil 2 - 1 Japan
Brazil booked their place in the Round of 16 with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Japan in Houston, avoiding what looked to be a grueling extra-time period.
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First Half Shock: Japan took a well-deserved lead in the 29th minute when Kaishu Sano ghosted past a passive Brazilian midfield and slotted a low finish past Alisson Becker.
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The Turning Point: Manager Carlo Ancelotti made crucial tactical adjustments at halftime, introducing young prodigy Endrick. The Seleção found their equalizer in the 56th minute when veteran midfielder Casemiro headed home a Gabriel cross at the far post.
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The Winner: Just as the match looked destined for extra time, a Japanese defensive error in the 95th minute allowed Bruno Guimarães to feed Gabriel Martinelli. The Arsenal winger clinically fired past goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to seal a thrilling victory. Brazil moves on to face either Ivory Coast or Norway in East Rutherford.
Morocco Edge Out Netherlands in Chaotic Penalty Thriller
Match Result: Netherlands 1 - 1 Morocco (Morocco won 3-2 on penalties)
Morocco’s hopes of recreating their historic 2022 World Cup run remain alive after a dramatic, nerve-shredding penalty shootout victory against the Netherlands in Monterrey.
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Late Drama in Regulation: Following a tense battle, Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock for the Dutch in the 72nd minute. However, just as the Netherlands thought they had secured passage, Morocco’s Issa Diop scored a sensational stoppage-time header (90+1') to force extra time.
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The Penalty Chaos: A grueling extra 30 minutes couldn't separate the sides, leading to a wildly unpredictable shootout. Stars like Achraf Hakimi, Quinten Timber, Neil El Aynaoui, and Crysencio Summerville all missed their respective spot-kicks. Ultimately, Ismael Saibari kept his composure to score the decisive penalty, sending Morocco through to a Round of 16 clash with co-hosts Canada.
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