Germany, Netherlands Exit World Cup in Shootouts

Goals remained scarce as the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage continued to produce major upsets, with four-time champions Germany and the Netherlands crashing out after penalty shootouts.

Germany was eliminated by Paraguay following a 1-1 draw through regulation and extra time before losing 4-3 in the shootout. The Netherlands became the second European team to exit the tournament after falling to Morocco 3-2 on penalties following another 1-1 stalemate.

Former champions Brazil, meanwhile, survived a determined challenge from Japan to secure a 2-1 victory and advance to the next round.

So far, every knockout match has featured no more than three goals in regulation time. Both the Germany-Paraguay and Netherlands-Morocco matches remained tied after 90 minutes and extra time, forcing penalty shootouts to determine the winners.

Morocco’s victory set up a Round of 16 clash against Canada in Houston on Saturday. Canada had produced the opening upset of the knockout stage by eliminating South Africa to reach the Round of 16 for the first time.

The Netherlands took the lead in the 72nd minute through Cody Gakpo, but substitute Diop Issa equalized with a header in the 90th minute to force extra time. Neither side could find a winner over the next 30 minutes before Morocco prevailed in the shootout.

Japan also threatened an upset against Brazil. Kaishu Sano gave Japan the lead in the 29th minute, but Casemiro leveled the score before Gabriel Martinelli netted the winner in stoppage time to send Brazil into the next round. Japan exited the tournament after a spirited performance.

Germany and Paraguay delivered one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament. The contest became the first at the 2026 World Cup to require both extra time and a penalty shootout.

Paraguay stunned Germany by taking the lead in the 42nd minute when Julio Enciso headed home after a second-chance opportunity from a corner kick. Germany responded early in the second half through Kai Havertz to make it 1-1.

Despite dominating possession, creating numerous chances, and earning 16 corner kicks, Germany was repeatedly denied by Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill. He finished with six saves during the match and stopped two German penalties in the shootout.

Paraguay’s defense also played a crucial role, recording eight blocks to frustrate Germany’s attack and preserve the deadlock through regulation and extra time.

Germany appeared to have found the decisive goal in the 102nd minute when defender Jonathan Tah headed the ball into the net. However, a VAR review ruled out the goal after determining that Waldemar Anton had fouled Gill, preventing the goalkeeper from making a save.

The decision kept the score level, and Paraguay eventually completed the upset in the penalty shootout. The victory marked the first time Paraguay has defeated a European team in the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup.

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