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The 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered two of the most dramatic knockout matches in recent memory over the past 24 hours. Paraguay pulled off arguably the greatest upset in World Cup history by eliminating four-time champions Germany on penalties, while Morocco once again proved their knockout-stage resilience by edging the Netherlands in a shootout.
🇵🇾 Paraguay 1–1 Germany (4–3 pens) — The Upset of the Tournament
Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara
Germany entered the round of 32 as heavy favorites — ranked 10th in the world by FIFA and boasting a squad packed with Premier League and Bundesliga talent. Paraguay, ranked 41st, had other plans.
First Half: Paraguay stunned the Germans just before halftime when Julio Enciso powered home a header from Matías Galarza’s cross in the 42nd minute. Germany’s first-half display was unusually limp.
Second Half: Kai Havertz — fresh off helping Arsenal end their 22-year Premier League title drought — equalized in the 53rd minute with a glancing header from Florian Wirtz’s delivery. Germany thought they’d taken the lead through Jonathan Tah, but VAR intervened, ruling it out for a foul on Paraguay’s goalkeeper.
Penalty Shootout: Havertz saw his opening spot-kick saved. Nick Woltemade and Jonathan Tah also missed from 12 yards. José Canale stepped up to smash home the decisive kick, sending Paraguay through 4–3.
Key Stats:
- Germany’s first-ever penalty shootout defeat at a World Cup
- Germany have failed to reach the last 16 since winning the trophy in 2014
- Paraguay’s biggest World Cup win since reaching the quarterfinals in 2010
What’s Next: Paraguay will face either France or Sweden in Philadelphia on July 4.
🇲🇦 Morocco 1–1 Netherlands (3–2 pens) — Late Drama in Monterrey
Location: Estadio BBVA, Monterrey
Morocco continues to write their World Cup fairytale, knocking out the Netherlands in a tense penalty shootout.
The Match: The Netherlands took the lead through Cody Gakpo, who scored just days after his partner confirmed the tragic loss of their unborn child. The Liverpool forward’s emotional celebration moved teammates and fans alike.
But Morocco refused to quit. In the first minute of stoppage time, Issa Diop headed home from substitute Chemsdine Talbi’s cross, sending the match to extra time.
Penalty Shootout: Morocco missed their first spot-kick when Neil El Aynaoui hit the bar. But Yassine Bounou (Bono) made a crucial save to deny Crysencio Summerville’s fourth penalty, and Ismael Saibari blasted home the winner.
What’s Next: Morocco will face Canada in Houston on Saturday.
What This Means for the Tournament
The knockout stage is already delivering chaos. With Germany eliminated and Morocco’s magical run continuing, the 2026 World Cup bracket is wide open.
Upcoming Key Matches
| Match | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| France vs Sweden | June 30 | Mexico City |
| Brazil vs Colombia | July 1 | Los Angeles |
| England vs Italy | July 1 | New York |
| Paraguay vs (France/Sweden) | July 4 | Philadelphia |
| Morocco vs Canada | July 5 | Houston |
FAQ
When did Germany last fail to reach the round of 16 at a World Cup?
This is the third consecutive World Cup where Germany has failed to reach the quarterfinals — they haven’t advanced past the round of 16 since winning the trophy in 2014.
Has Paraguay ever reached the World Cup quarterfinals before?
Yes. Paraguay reached the quarterfinals in 2010 (losing to Spain 1–0) and have now matched that achievement.
Who is Ismael Saibari and why is he Morocco’s star?
Saibari (23) plays for PSV Eindhoven and has been Morocco’s most creative force in the tournament, contributing goals and key passes from midfield.
Was Germany’s defeat to Paraguay the biggest World Cup upset ever?
It’s certainly one of the biggest. Germany are 4-time world champions ranked #10, while Paraguay is ranked #41. Many pundits are calling it the greatest knockout-stage upset in World Cup history.
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