Round of 32 delivers dramatic finishes and upsets in 2026 World Cup
Four knockout matches produced two penalty shootouts, three stoppage-time goals and an upset as Paraguay eliminated Germany, while Canada, Brazil and Morocco advanced.
Four matches in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup have produced dramatic conclusions, including two penalty shootouts and three goals scored after regular time.
Canada secured a 1-0 victory over South Africa when Stephen Eustáquito scored in the 92nd minute, sending the North American side to the Round of 16 where they will face Morocco on July 4.
Paraguay eliminated Germany after a 1-1 draw that went to penalties. Julio Enciso gave Paraguay the early lead, and the match was decided by a shootout after a VAR-review overturned a late German goal. This marked Germany’s first penalty-shootout loss in World Cup history.
Brazil advanced past Japan with a 2-1 win, overturning a 1-0 deficit when Gabriel Martinelli scored in the final minute of stoppage time.
Morocco defeated the Netherlands on penalties after a 1-1 draw that was levelled by Issa Diop in stoppage time. The Moroccan side will meet Canada in the next round.
The early knockout round results suggest a competitive remainder of the tournament.
