FIFA World Cup: Germany, Netherlands Stunned, Brazil Survives

Morocco stunned the Netherlands in a tiebreaker to advance to the pre-quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

In the match held Tuesday morning, Morocco defeated the Netherlands 3–2 in a penalty shootout to reach the last 16. Morocco, who made history by reaching the semifinals in the 2022 World Cup, will now face co-host Canada in the round of 16.

The game ended 1–1 after regulation and extra time, forcing a penalty shootout. Soufiane Rahimi, Chamseddine Talbi, and Ismaïla Saibari scored for Morocco.

Nail El Aynaoui’s shot went wide, while captain Achraf Hakimi’s strike hit the post. For the Netherlands, only Teun Koopmeiners and Wout Weghorst converted their penalties. Justin Kluivert’s shot hit the post, Quinten Timber’s attempt went wide, and Crysencio Summerville’s effort was saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Earlier at Guadalajara Stadium, Cody Gakpo had given the Netherlands the lead in the 72nd minute. But Morocco equalized in injury time when Issa Diop scored in the first minute of stoppage time.

Paraguay also shocked four-time champions Germany, defeating them 4–3 in a penalty shootout to reach the last 16.

The match at Boston Stadium on Tuesday morning ended 1–1 after 90 minutes and extra time, marking the first penalty shootout of the ongoing World Cup. Mauricio, Gustavo Gómez, Mathías Galarza, and José Calane scored for Paraguay, while Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, and Nadiem Amiri converted for Germany.

Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade’s shots were saved, and Jonathan Tah’s effort went wide. Julio Enciso had put Paraguay ahead in the 42nd minute, before Havertz equalized in the 54th. Paraguay will now face the winner of France vs Sweden, scheduled for Wednesday morning. Germany became the second former champion to exit the tournament, after Uruguay’s group-stage elimination.

Meanwhile, substitute left winger Gabriel Martinelli scored in the fifth minute of injury time to send Brazil into the last 16. In the match held Monday night at Houston Stadium, Brazil defeated Japan 2–1.

Kaishu Sano had stunned Brazil with a brilliant solo goal in the 29th minute, intercepting a weak pass from Danilo and firing from outside the box past goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

Despite dominating possession, Brazil failed to score in the first half. Japan played in a 3–4–2–1 formation, shifting to a 5–4–1 low block when out of possession, while Brazil lined up in 4–3–3 and later switched to 4–2–4 to break the block.

Eventually, in the 56th minute, veteran midfielder Carlos Casemiro equalized with a header from Gabriel’s cross.

As the game seemed headed for extra time, Martinelli, who came on in the 66th minute, scored the decisive goal from Bruno Guimarães’ pass, beating goalkeeper Suzuki with a left-footed strike.

For Japan, the defeat was heartbreaking, as they were chasing their first-ever knockout win at the World Cup. Brazil’s strong second-half performance extended Japan’s wait by another four years.

Brazil will now face the winner of Norway vs Ivory Coast in the pre-quarterfinals, scheduled for Sunday midnight at 1:45 AM.