2026 World Cup

The Netherlands and Germany are out of the World Cup; Morocco and Paraguay celebrate after a penalty shoot-out

In the round of 32, Germany came from behind against Paraguay but could only manage a 1–1 draw, before eventually losing on penalties. The same result saw out the Netherlands v Morocco match, with the North African side making fewer mistakes in the decisive penalty shoot-out to progress to the round of 16

by Marco Bellinazzo

30 June 2026

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 32 - Germany v Paraguay - Boston Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts, U.S. - June 29, 2026 Germany's Nick Woltemade and Waldemar Anton look dejected after the match as Germany are eliminated from the World Cup REUTERS/Peter Cziborra REUTERS

4' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Key points

Germany v Paraguay 1–1 (3–4 on penalties)
Netherlands–Morocco 1–1 (2–3 on penalties)

4' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Some sensational upsets in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. Germany came from behind against Paraguay but could only manage a 1–1 draw, before losing 3–4 on penalties. The Netherlands and Morocco also drew 1–1 after normal time, with the North African side making fewer mistakes in the penalty shoot-out to progress to the last 16.

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

Foxborough, Gillette Stadium. Germany are the clear favourites and take control of the game from the very first minutes, maintaining a constant presence in the opposition’s half. Paraguay, however, defend in an organised manner, avoiding excessive passing and biding their time for the right opportunity to strike.

The match really came to life towards the end of the first half. In the 42nd minute, on their first real attacking foray, Paraguay took the lead. Galarza sent a floated ball into the box after the German defence had cleared a corner, and Julio Enciso popped up behind the static defenders to head past Neuer.

Germany came back from the dressing room with greater intensity and equalised in the 54th minute: following a precise cross from the left by Wirtz, Kai Havertz beat everyone to the ball and just nudged it with his head to send it into the corner, leaving the Paraguayan goalkeeper with no chance.

From that moment on, the Germans stepped up the pressure, whilst Paraguay dropped deeper and deeper. In the 77th minute, Havertz came close to scoring a second goal with a powerful header, but goalkeeper Gill made a decisive save.

The match went into extra time with the Mannschaft still in control, even though they couldn’t find the net. In fact, in the 104th minute, Tah scored with a header from a corner, but the VAR ruled it out for a foul on Gill, sparking protests.

In the second period of extra time, the pace slowed, Paraguay held firm and took the match to a penalty shoot-out.

It’s a long shoot-out, full of twists and turns. On the first penalty, Havertz is completely mesmerised by the goalkeeper. The South Americans are clinical from the spot, with Mauricio, Gómez and Galarza keeping the Germans at bay, whilst Kimmich and Musiala score for Germany. With the score at 3–2 to the South Americans, Germany’s Woltemade steps up to the spot, but Gill dives to his left to make the save. It looks all over. Paraguay have two match points. But just when it looks like it’s all over, the South Americans falter: Sanabria shoots wide and Balbuena, following a goal by the German Amiri, sees his effort saved by a superb save from Neuer.

It goes to a penalty shoot-out, with the psychological momentum in Germany’s favour. Defender Tah steps up to take his penalty. He leans back as he takes the kick and sends the ball over the bar. For Paraguay, defender Canale – making his debut for the national team and who had been at fault for being too slow to mark Harvetz during Germany’s equaliser – proves ice-cold, scoring the final penalty and sending Paraguay through to the last 16.

After two group-stage exits for Germany – a team that was too predictable and lacked cutting edge – this marks yet another disappointment at the World Cup. Paraguay put in a flawless performance: a well-organised defence, maximum concentration and composure from the penalty spot.

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

In Monterrey, at the Estadio BBVA, the match is proving to be as evenly matched as expected, although Morocco have started aggressively and are creating the clearest chances.

As early as the first half: around the 20-minute mark, Morocco had two chances: first a header from El Aynaoui, then a shot from Hakimi, but Verbruggen saved both. The Netherlands, on the other hand, struggled to build up play, leaving the initiative to their opponents.

The second half was a more tight-knit affair, with both sides wary of leaving themselves exposed to their opponents’ counter-attacks. It wasn’t until the 72nd minute that the first goal was scored. From their first real clear-cut chance, the Netherlands took the lead: Summerville played the ball into the box to Cody Gakpo, who finished with precision to put the Oranje ahead.

Morocco deserve credit for responding immediately, spurred on by Hakimi, who was unstoppable down the wing, even hitting the crossbar and posing a constant threat.

Just when the match seemed to be over, early in stoppage time, the deserved equaliser arrived: Talbi delivered a cross and Issa Diop rose highest to head home the 1-1 equaliser, sending the match into extra time.

Morocco continued to press and created a great chance for Rahimi, but Verbruggen came to the rescue once again with a decisive save. Neither side managed to take the lead, and the match went to penalties.

Tension is running high and penalty misses are coming thick and fast. Following a goal from the Dutchman Koopmeiners, the first to miss is the Moroccan El Aynaoui. Immediately afterwards, Kluivert hits the post. The Dutchman Weghorst equalises after Rahimi’s goal, and Morocco take the lead through Talbi. Timber steps up to take his penalty but misses. In the penalty shoot-out, Hakimi takes the fourth spot-kick but misses. It is a chance for the Netherlands to level the score, but Summerville’s effort is saved by Bounou. The final, decisive penalty fell to Saibari, who struck the ball fearlessly to secure Morocco – semi-finalists in Qatar four years ago – a place in the last 16.

All in all, a fair result. Morocco played better throughout the match: they had more possession, created more chances and showed greater intensity. The Netherlands seemed too cautious and, after taking the lead, sat back, allowing Morocco to mount a comeback.