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The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage is in full swing, and the drama has already reached peak levels. Three Round of 32 matches went down on Monday — and two of them were decided by penalty shootouts, including a massive upset that sent Germany packing.
Round of 32 Results — Monday, June 29
| Match | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil vs. Japan | NRG Stadium (Houston, TX) | Brazil 2–1 🇧🇷 |
| Paraguay vs. Germany | Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA) | Paraguay 1–1 (4–3 pens) 🇵🇾 |
| Morocco vs. Netherlands | Estadio BBVA (Monterrey, Mexico) | Morocco 1–1 (3–2 pens) 🇲🇦 |
| Canada vs. South Africa | SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA) | Canada 1–0 🇨🇦 |
Key Moments & Highlights
### 🇵🇾 Paraguay Shocks Germany
The biggest story of the tournament so far: Paraguay knocked out four-time world champions Germany on penalties. The match ended 1–1 after extra time, but Paraguay held their nerve from the spot to win 4–3. It marks Germany’s third consecutive early World Cup exit following group-stage failures in 2018 and 2022 — and the first time they’ve ever lost a World Cup penalty shootout.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann addressed his future after the defeat, saying he wants to continue but that the decision is “no longer in my hands.”
### 🇧🇷 Brazil Scrapes Past Japan
Brazil needed a dramatic late goal to break Japan’s resistance in Houston. The five-time world champions dominated possession but found Japan’s defense stubborn. A 78th-minute winner finally unlocked the Samurai Blue, sending Brazil through to face the winner of Ivory Coast vs. Norway in the Round of 16.
### 🇲🇦 Morocco Repeats Penalty Heroics
Morocco, the 2022 semi-finalists, showed their penalty prowess once again, defeating the Netherlands in a shootout in Monterrey. After a 1–1 stalemate through extra time, Morocco converted 3 of their 4 penalties while the Dutch faltered. They’ll now face Canada in the Round of 16 on July 4.
### 🇨🇦 Canada Makes History
Co-hosts Canada defeated South Africa 1–0 at SoFi Stadium, securing their first-ever knockout stage win in men’s World Cup history. They advance to face Morocco in Houston on July 4.
Today’s Matches — Tuesday, June 30
Three more Round of 32 matches are scheduled:
| Match | Venue | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Ivory Coast vs. Norway | AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX) | TBD |
| France vs. Sweden | MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ) | TBD |
| Mexico vs. Ecuador | Estadio Azteca (Mexico City, Mexico) | TBD |
All eyes will be on France vs. Sweden — Les Bleus were dominant in the group stage, but Sweden’s physical style could cause problems. Meanwhile, Mexico will have the home crowd advantage at the iconic Estadio Azteca as they take on Ecuador.
Looking Ahead — Round of 16 Matchups Set
Already confirmed Round of 16 fixtures:
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| July 4 | Canada vs. Morocco | NRG Stadium (Houston, TX) |
| July 4 | Paraguay vs. France/Sweden | Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, PA) |
| July 5 | Brazil vs. Ivory Coast/Norway | MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ) |
FAQ
Q: When is the World Cup 2026 final?
The final will be played on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Q: Which teams have been eliminated so far?
In the Round of 32: South Africa, Japan, Germany, and the Netherlands. At group stage: Qatar, Panama, Tunisia, Turkey, Haiti, Jordan, Czechia, Curacao, Iraq, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, Scotland, Uzbekistan, and Iran.
Q: When does the USMNT play?
The United States faces Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, July 1 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Q: Where can I watch the World Cup 2026?
Matches are broadcast on Fox Sports in the US. You can also stream via fuboTV (affiliate link).
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