Morocco and Paraguay Shock Heavyweights to Advance at 2026 World Cup
Morocco edged the Netherlands on penalties to reach the Round of 16 for the second consecutive World Cup, while Paraguay stunned Germany in a historic shootout. Brazil advanced with a narrow win over Japan, and African teams made waves in the standings.
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Morocco and Paraguay delivered major upsets in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32, eliminating European powerhouses Netherlands and Germany in dramatic penalty shootouts.
Morocco defeated the Netherlands 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, advancing to the Round of 16 for the second consecutive tournament. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) acknowledged the achievement, highlighting the Atlas Lions’ resilience. Despite taking a second-half lead through Cody Gakpo, the Netherlands faltered under pressure. Former striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic criticized coach Ronald Koeman for abandoning the team’s identity, citing tactical missteps in the loss.
Paraguay’s 4-3 penalty victory over Germany marked a historic moment, as it was Germany’s first-ever World Cup penalty shootout defeat. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with the South Americans capitalizing on their composure from the spot. The result eliminates Germany in the Round of 32, a rare early exit for the four-time champions.
Brazil progressed with a 2-1 win over Japan in a tightly contested match. The victory, described as a 'thriller' by Daily Maverick, secured Brazil’s place in the next stage. Meanwhile, African football saw broader success beyond Morocco. According to The South African, Africa has shaken up the FIFA rankings, with several European teams falling in the standings. Notably, South Africa (Bafana Bafana) moved up six places despite an early tournament exit.