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The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage is in full swing across North America, and the action has been nothing short of spectacular. From Morocco continuing their giant-killing tradition to Paraguay eliminating four-time champions Germany on penalties, here’s everything you need to know about the latest results and what’s coming next.
Morocco 3-0 Canada – Atlas Lions Roar Again
Morocco, the historic semi-finalists from 2022, proved their run was no fluke as they dismantled co-hosts Canada 3-0 in Houston to book a quarter-final berth. Azzedine Ounahi scored twice in the second half, while Soufiane Rahimi added a late third to send the Canadian fans home heartbroken.
Canada, playing in their most successful men’s World Cup campaign ever, started brightly. Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi both forced saves from Morocco keeper Bono inside the opening 11 minutes. But the Atlas Lions weathered the storm and struck decisively after the break.
Canada becomes the first co-host nation to be eliminated from the 2026 tournament, but coach Jesse Marsch left with his head held high. “There was one team on the pitch in that first half,” Marsch said. “We were better than the number seven team in the world today.”
Colombia 1-0 Ghana – Jhon Arias Sends Los Cafeteros Through
In sweltering Kansas City (temperatures above 30°C), Colombia booked their Round of 16 date with Switzerland thanks to Jhon Arias’ 14th-minute volley. The South Americans dominated throughout, registering 20 attempts and 8 on target, while Ghana failed to register a single shot on target — making them the seventh of nine African sides eliminated at this stage.
Colombia are now unbeaten in 90 minutes across their last seven World Cup matches — their longest streak ever — and have kept three straight clean sheets. Nestor Lorenzo’s side looks increasingly like a dark horse for the title, though concerns remain over Jhon Cordoba’s groin injury and veteran James Rodriguez’s fitness after being substituted at half-time.
Germany 1-1 (3-4 PENS) Paraguay – Historic Upset in Boston
In one of the biggest shocks of the tournament, Paraguay knocked out four-time World Cup winners Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in Boston. Julio Enciso headed Paraguay into a shock lead before half-time, but Kai Havertz equalized for Germany with a glancing header early in the second half.
The shootout was pure theater. Havertz and Nick Woltemade both missed for Germany, while Paraguay missed two chances to seal it before defender Jose Canale kept his composure to slot the winning penalty past 40-year-old Manuel Neuer.
Paraguay now faces a Round of 16 clash against two-time champions France, who were locked 0-0 at half-time in their match in Philadelphia at the time of writing.
Upcoming Round of 16 Schedule
| Match | Venue | Date | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paraguay vs France | Philadelphia Stadium | July 4 | 6:00 PM |
| Colombia vs Switzerland | Vancouver Stadium | July 5 | 9:00 PM |
| Winner P/F vs Morocco (QF) | TBD | July 9 | TBD |
FAQ
Q: Which teams have already qualified for the quarter-finals?
A: Morocco is the first confirmed quarter-finalist after beating Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16. They await the winner of France vs Paraguay.
Q: Where is the 2026 World Cup being hosted?
A: The tournament is being co-hosted across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico — the first World Cup hosted by three nations.
Q: Has a host nation ever been eliminated this early before?
A: Canada is the first co-host to exit the 2026 tournament. While host nations have been eliminated in the group stage before (South Africa 2010, Qatar 2022), Canada’s exit marks a historic disappointment for the tournament’s joint hosts.
Q: How does the expanded 48-team format work?
A: The 2026 World Cup expanded from 32 to 48 teams. The top two from each of the 16 groups advance to a Round of 32 (the “Last 32”), followed by the traditional Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final.
Final Verdict
The 2026 World Cup knockout rounds have already delivered unforgettable moments — Morocco’s continued rise, Colombia’s quiet confidence, and Paraguay’s stunning upset over Germany. With France still to play and the quarter-finals taking shape, the next few days promise even more drama.
Catch up on all the World Cup action and gear up for the big matches. Whether you’re watching from home or hosting a watch party, make sure your setup is ready for the biggest tournament on earth.
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