The Paraguayans are in the last 16 after an historic upset on Tuesday afternoon. Paraguay produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to dump out Germany on penalties, and Brazil and Morocco will join them in the Round of 16 following dramatic knockout victories.
The most shocking result of the day came at Boston Stadium, where Paraguay sent the Germans home from penalties following a tight 1-1 draw over 120 minutes. Orlando Gill was the hero of the shootout, denying both Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade before sending the Paraguayans to the brink of success.
They missed two opportunities to wrap up victory, however, once from Antonio Sanabria, who made the same mistake in normal time, and, after Jonathan Tah missed their subsequent kick over the crossbar, Jose Canale converted to hand Germany a first-ever defeat on penalties in a World Cup.
They will face either Sweden or France in the next round. Meanwhile, Morocco came out on top in a titanic shootout with the Netherlands, winning 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Cody Gakpo put the Dutch in front, but Issa Diop came up with a last-gasp stoppage-time equaliser for Morocco. Morocco were the stronger side throughout the 30 additional minutes, with keeper Bono saving Crysencio Summerville’s effort before Ismael Saibari slotted home the winning penalty.
Previously, Brazil, in Houston, barely averted a disaster when they edged past Japan 2-1 thanks to a dramatic late strike.
Kaishu Sano, with a dazzling individual strike, shocked the five-time World Cup winners to put them ahead after 23 minutes. But Brazil got themselves back level through Casemiro, not long after half-time, and substitute Gabriel Martinelli struck in the final seconds to break Japanese hearts and confirm a spot in the Round of 16 for the Brazilians.
Casemiro’s equalizer was created by an all-action performance from Brazil defender Gabriel, who was also a rock defensively, while Sano’s fantastic goal was arguably the highlight of the tournament so far despite the Japanese being eliminated.
