Two of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolded on Tuesday as Morocco and Paraguay knocked out former champions the Netherlands and Germany in dramatic penalty shootouts to secure places in the Round of 16.
Morocco edged the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after a thrilling 1-1 draw following extra time in Monterrey, while Paraguay stunned four-time champions Germany 4-3 in another shootout after the sides also finished 1-1.
The Atlas Lions will face Canada in the Round of 16 in Houston on Saturday, while Paraguay await the winner of the France versus Sweden clash in Philadelphia.
Morocco dominated large spells of their encounter, with Achraf Hakimi marking his 100th international appearance by inspiring a series of attacking moves. However, Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen kept his side in the contest with outstanding saves to deny Neil El Aynaoui, Hakimi and Soufiane Rahimi, while the woodwork also came to the Netherlands’ rescue.
The Dutch eventually broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute after coach Ronald Koeman introduced Wout Weghorst. The striker flicked on a long ball from Verbruggen into the path of Crysencio Summerville, who squared for Cody Gakpo to finish.
Gakpo had earlier revealed the loss of his unborn son but chose to remain with the squad and feature in the match.
Morocco refused to give up and forced extra time deep into stoppage time when Issa Diop powered home a header from Chemsdine Talbi’s cross.
Neither side found a winner during the additional 30 minutes despite several opportunities, with Verbruggen again denying Rahimi before the contest headed to penalties.
The shootout swung dramatically as Teun Koopmeiners converted the Netherlands’ first kick before Neil El Aynaoui struck the crossbar. Justin Kluivert then hit the post, allowing Soufiane Rahimi to level after Verbruggen failed to keep out his effort.
Wout Weghorst restored the Dutch advantage before Talbi converted for Morocco. Quinten Timber dragged his penalty wide, while Hakimi hit the post, leaving the contest finely balanced.
Crysencio Summerville then saw his penalty brilliantly saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, paving the way for Ismail Saibari to calmly score the decisive kick and seal Morocco’s place in the last 16.
The victory extends Morocco’s remarkable World Cup story following their historic semi-final run in 2022.
Earlier, Paraguay produced another major upset by eliminating Germany 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Julio Enciso stunned the Germans by heading Paraguay in front in the 42nd minute before Julian Nagelsmann’s side responded after the break, with Kai Havertz heading home Florian Wirtz’s cross in the 56th minute.
Germany thought they had completed the comeback during extra time when Jonathan Tah found the net, but the goal was ruled out after Waldemar Anton was adjudged to have fouled goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
Gill proved to be Paraguay’s hero in the shootout, saving penalties from Havertz and Nick Woltemade.
Although Antonio Sanabria fired wide and Fabian Balbuena’s effort was saved by Manuel Neuer, Germany failed to take advantage as Jonathan Tah blasted his penalty over the crossbar.
Defender Jose Canale then converted the decisive spot-kick to send Paraguay into the Round of 16.
The defeat continues Germany’s disappointing recent World Cup record. Since winning the title in 2014, the four-time champions have failed to progress beyond the group stage in 2018 and 2022 before suffering another early exit in 2026. It also marked Germany’s first-ever defeat in a World Cup penalty shootout after winning each of their previous five.
