Paraguay produced the biggest shock of the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage on Monday, eliminating four-time champions Germany on penalties after a gripping 1-1 draw that stretched into extra time.
The South Americans held their nerve in the shoot-out, winning after goalkeeper Orlando Gill saved spot-kicks from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade before José Canale buried the decisive penalty. Jonathan Tah’s miss sealed Germany’s exit, marking the nation’s first defeat in a World Cup penalty shoot-out.
It was a bitter end for Julian Nagelsmann’s side, who had entered the tournament with hopes of mounting a serious title challenge.
“We didn’t do enough today,” Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann admitted after the defeat.
The match had swung back and forth throughout the evening. Julio Enciso handed Paraguay the lead just before half-time, only for Havertz to level shortly after the restart. Germany thought they had found a winner in extra time, but Tah’s header was ruled out following a VAR review, sending the contest to penalties.
Gill, who emerged as Paraguay’s hero, said meticulous preparation paid off.
“Obviously, we analysed every player and every detail of the penalty-takers,” the goalkeeper said. “Thank God I was able to save two penalties. This is a privilege; we eliminated a champion.”
Paraguay will now meet either France or Sweden in the Round of 16.
Brazil leave it late against Japan
Brazil also survived a major scare, needing a stoppage-time winner from Gabriel Martinelli to edge Japan 2-1 in Houston.
Japan looked on course for one of the tournament’s biggest upsets after Kaishu Sano finished off a swift counter-attack in the 29th minute to give the Asian side the lead.
Brazil responded through Casemiro, whose far-post header restored parity early in the second half after an inviting cross from Gabriel Magalhães.
As extra time loomed, Japan were caught in possession deep inside their own half. Martinelli seized the opportunity, taking one touch before firing home in the 95th minute to send Brazil through.
“I can’t find the words to describe the joy in my heart,” Martinelli said. “Seeing all those fans on their feet, my parents, my friends… I can’t explain it.”
Despite the heartbreaking finish, Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu praised his players’ effort.
“Even people who don’t really know or pay much attention to football have come to see that Japan is fighting to become world champion and is growing and challenging itself,” he said.
Brazil will face either Ivory Coast or Norway in the next round.
Morocco edge Netherlands in penalty shoot-out
Morocco completed another dramatic evening by defeating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after their match ended 1-1 following extra time.
The Dutch appeared to be heading into the last 16 after Cody Gakpo put them ahead in the 72nd minute. Gakpo was playing just days after he and his partner suffered the loss of their unborn son.
Morocco refused to give in. Issa Diop headed in a stoppage-time equaliser to force extra time before goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made the decisive save in the shoot-out, denying Crysencio Summerville. Ismael Saibari then converted the winning penalty to spark celebrations among the Atlas Lions.
“We needed calm and to realise our abilities,” Morocco coach Mohammed Ouahbi said. “We deserved to qualify. Sometimes you have to accept winning in this way when it is a knockout match.”
Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman was left frustrated by his side’s inability to protect their lead.
“Maybe at times Morocco had the better opportunities, the most dangerous moments, but we were leading and they didn’t really see a solution,” Koeman said. “Then there was a lucky assist that scored a goal, and that’s obviously even more bitter when it’s in injury time.”
Morocco will now face co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16, while Paraguay and Brazil continue their pursuit of World Cup glory after a day filled with tension, resilience and unforgettable drama.
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