FIFA World Cup 2026- Heavyweights Germany & Netherlands crash out , Morocco, Paraguay in next round

 


 The World cup 2026 saw the exits of two Football heavyweights in Germany & Netherlands and both in the tiebreaker . Paraguay surprised Germany and Netherlands could not get past an impressive and determined Morocco as the knockouts stages hot up.

Germany 1–1 Paraguay (Paraguay won 4–3 on penalties)

One of the biggest shocks of the FIFA World Cup 2026 unfolded in Foxborough as Paraguay stunned four-time world champions Germany, prevailing 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout after a fiercely contested 1-1 draw. Germany entered the match as heavy favourites after topping Group E, but Paraguay produced a disciplined and resilient display that ultimately earned them a famous victory. 


Germany dominated possession from the outset but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against Paraguay's compact defensive shape. The South Americans struck the first decisive blow in the 42nd minute. A well-delivered cross into the penalty area found Julio Enciso, who rose unmarked to power a header beyond Manuel Neuer, giving Paraguay a surprise 1-0 lead heading into halftime. It was Paraguay's first-ever goal in a World Cup knockout match and silenced the large German contingent in the crowd. 


Germany responded with far greater urgency after the break and found their equaliser in the 54th minute. A dangerous attack down the flank ended with Kai Havertz meeting a cross inside the six-yard box and glancing a header into the net to level the scores at 1-1. The goal energized Julian Nagelsmann's side, who then pushed relentlessly for a winner. 


The Germans thought they had completed the comeback during extra time when Jonathan Tah headed home from a corner. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was disallowed for a foul on goalkeeper Orlando Gill, sparking huge controversy and frustration among German players and supporters. Paraguay survived the scare and held firm to force penalties. 


The shootout produced more drama. Paraguay appeared to be in control before missing two opportunities to clinch victory, but Germany failed to capitalize. Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade saw their penalties saved by the outstanding Gill, while Jonathan Tah blasted his effort over the crossbar. That left José Canale with the chance to win it, and he calmly converted the decisive penalty to send Paraguay into the Round of 16 and eliminate Germany. 


Goals:

Paraguay: Julio Enciso (42')

Germany: Kai Havertz (54')

Penalty Shootout: Paraguay won 4-3. Decisive penalty: José Canale. 


Netherlands 1–1 Morocco (Morocco won 3–2 on penalties)

In Monterrey, Morocco continued their remarkable World Cup journey by defeating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after an enthralling 1-1 draw. The Atlas Lions once again demonstrated their resilience and determination, recovering from a late deficit before triumphing in a nerve-racking shootout. 


The match was a tactical battle for long periods, with both sides enjoying spells of possession but finding opportunities difficult to create. The Dutch gradually gained control in the second half and finally broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute. A flowing attacking move ended with Cody Gakpo receiving the ball inside the area before producing a composed finish beyond Yassine Bounou to give the Netherlands a 1-0 lead. The goal appeared to have put Ronald Koeman's side on course for the Round of 16. 


Morocco refused to surrender and launched wave after wave of attacks in the closing stages. Their persistence paid off dramatically in stoppage time. In the 91st minute, a deep cross into the penalty area was met by defender Issa Diop, whose powerful header found the net and sparked wild celebrations among Moroccan players and fans. The equaliser forced extra time and completely changed the momentum of the contest. 


Neither side could find a winner during the additional 30 minutes, although both had chances in an increasingly open encounter. The tie therefore went to penalties, where goalkeepers played a crucial role. Morocco held their nerve better, while Bounou once again proved decisive with an important save from Crysencio Summerville. After misses on both sides, Ismael Saibari stepped forward and confidently converted the winning penalty, sealing a famous Moroccan victory. 


The result sent Morocco into the Round of 16, where they will meet Canada, while the Netherlands joined Germany among the major casualties of a dramatic day in the knockout stage. 


Goals:

Netherlands: Cody Gakpo (72')

Morocco: Issa Diop (90+1')

Penalty Shootout: Morocco won 3-2. Decisive penalty: Ismael Saibari. 


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