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The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 has delivered everything we love about football — drama, upsets, last-minute winners, and tears. Taking place across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, this expanded 48-team tournament is already producing iconic moments. Here’s your full roundup of the biggest stories so far.
🇩🇪 Germany SHOCKED by Paraguay on Penalties
The biggest story of the tournament. Four-time World Cup winners Germany are OUT, losing to Paraguay in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.
Julio Enciso (formerly of Brighton) headed Paraguay into a shock 41st-minute lead. Arsenal’s Kai Havertz equalized with a glancing header from a Florian Wirtz cross, but Germany couldn’t find a winner despite extra time. Paraguay’s goalkeeper Orlando Gill saved spot-kicks from Havertz and Woltemade, while 40-year-old Manuel Neuer kept Paraguay in it with a save of his own. In sudden death, Jonathan Tah blazed over, and defender Jose Canale coolly scored the winner.
Paraguay advance to face France in the Round of 16.
🇲🇦 Morocco Becomes First African Nation to Reach Two World Cup Quarter-Finals
Morocco made history by beating co-hosts Canada 3-0 in Houston to reach the quarter-finals. Azzedine Ounahi scored twice, and Soufiane Rahimi added a late third. This marks the first time an African nation has reached the quarter-finals in two separate World Cup tournaments (2022 & 2026).
Canada, who had won their first-ever World Cup match earlier in the tournament, fought hard but couldn’t convert their chances. Jesse Marsch’s side exits as fan favorites, having captured the nation’s imagination.
🇵🇹 Ronaldo Scores First World Cup Knockout Goal as Portugal Beats Croatia
At 41 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first-ever World Cup knockout stage goal from the penalty spot as Portugal came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1.
Ivan Perisic put Croatia ahead, but Ronaldo equalized from the spot after VAR spotted a foul at a corner. Then, with the match heading for extra time, Goncalo Ramos rose above two defenders to head in Rafael Leao’s cross. Croatia thought they had equalized in the 13th minute of stoppage time, but VAR ruled it out for offside.
Portugal will face European champions Spain in the Round of 16 on Monday, July 6.
🇧🇷 Brazil’s Last-Gasp Winner vs Japan
Gabriel Martinelli scored in the 95th minute to snatch a 2-1 win for Brazil against a stubborn Japan side. Japan took the lead through Kaishu Sano, but Casemiro equalized after the break. Just when it looked like extra time was coming, Bruno Guimaraes slipped the ball to Martinelli, who slotted home off the post.
🇳🇴 Haaland Delivers Again for Norway
Erling Haaland scored a late winner as Norway beat Ivory Coast 2-1 to reach the Round of 16 for the first time in 28 years. Captain Martin Odegaard provided an assist — making him only the third player on record to assist a goal in each of his first three World Cup appearances.
🇪🇸 Spain Cruises Past Austria
Spain won a World Cup knockout match for the first time since the 2010 final, beating Austria 3-0 in Los Angeles. Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice, taking his tournament tally to four, and Pedro Porro also got on the scoresheet. Spain faces Portugal next in a blockbuster all-European clash.
📊 Key Remaining Round of 16 Schedule
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Paraguay vs France | July 4 (Today!) | Philadelphia |
| Portugal vs Spain | July 6 | Dallas |
| Colombia vs Switzerland | July 7 | Vancouver |
| Brazil vs Norway | July 7-8 | TBD |
| Morocco vs Paraguay/France | July 9-10 | TBD |
❓ FAQ
When is the 2026 World Cup final?
The final will be played on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.
Who are the favorites after Germany’s elimination?
Brazil (5 titles), France (2 titles), and Spain (1 title) are among the strongest remaining teams. Portugal with Ronaldo and Norway with Haaland are also looking dangerous.
Which teams are still in the tournament?
Remaining teams include Brazil, France, Portugal, Spain, Norway, Colombia, Paraguay, Morocco, Switzerland, and more. The quarter-finals begin July 9-10.
Is this the first time Germany failed to reach the last 16?
Germany were eliminated at the group stage in 2018 and 2022, but this is the first time they’ve lost a knockout match at the Round of 32 stage.
🏆 Final Verdict
The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable tournaments ever. Germany’s shock exit opens the door for new champions, while Morocco continues to make history for African football. With Portugal vs Spain and Brazil still in the mix, we’re in for a thrilling ride.
Whether you’re watching on TV or streaming, make sure your setup is game-ready.
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