FIFA World Cup / X@fifamedia

Goals have been on a ration as the knockout round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues to spring surprises. Four times champion Germany bowed out of the competition after losing a battle of penalties following its 1-1 draw with Paraguay in the regulation period.

The Netherlands became the second European team to exit, losing 2-3 in the penalty shootout to Morocco.

Former champions Brazil survived a scare before overcoming a strong Asian challenge from Japan. Brazil won 2-1.

All the games decided so far have witnessed not more than three goals coming in the regulation period. After the Germany-Paraguay game, the Netherlands-Morocco match went to the fullest length, including extra time. Both the games had ended in 1-1 deadlocks in the regulation period. Extra time also failed to resolve the deadlocks and the games had to be decided by penalty shootouts.

In the third game of the day that had the entire Canada watching to know its outcome saw the Netherlands undergoing anxious moments in the first before it allowed dark horse Morocco to draw level at 1-1 at the end of regulation period in the other round of 32 match. Morocco after its penalty shootout win, earned the right to take on Canada on Saturday at Houston.

A goal in the 72nd minute by Gakpo had put the Netherlands ahead. Substitute Diop Issa’s header in the 90^th minute put the teams at level to take the game to extra time that also failed to resolve the deadlock.

As the  knockout round got underway yesterday, Canada sprang the first surprise by eliminating South Africa for its first ever entry into the round of 16. After 17 days of group stage drama, the FIFA World Cup 2026 moved to its next phase where every match is now win-or-go-home.

Japan, who came to this World Cup with high hopes of winning this coveted trophy, got things started early on Monday with a 29th-minute goal from Kaishu Sano, but Brazil’s Casemiro brought his team back into the game. Then, Gabriel Martinelli delivered the winner in stoppage time to send Brazil through to the next round. The Japanese were heartbroken at their loss as they played their hearts out.

In the afternoon matchup, Germany and Paraguay were locked in a titanic battle for supremacy. Incidentally it was the first game that not only went to extra time but also witnessed this World Cup’s first penalty shootout.

Both Germany and Paraguay after engaging in a 120-plus minute thriller that ended 1-1 before a penalty shootout was enforced to decide which of the two teams goes to the round of 16. The Paraguayans pulled all plugs in their control to eliminate four time champions Germany 4-3. It is for the first time that Paraguay has defeated a European team in the knockout round of the FIFA World Cup.

Germany, which entered the match as the favourite, fought back for a second-half equalizer, but could not break through the Paraguayan defence despite numerous chances and a whopping 16 corner kicks. That was largely due to a sensational performance from Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill, who picked up six total saves and blocked two of Germany's penalty kick attempts in the shootout.

Germany had the upper hand throughout most of the game, but especially the first half, holding more possession and putting the ball into the opposing box more often. But it was Paraguay that ended up striking first, stunning Germany with a goal in the 42nd minute.

A second-chance attempt off a corner kick led to a perfect header from Julio Enciso  to give Paraguay a surprising 1-0 lead. Germany equalised through Kai Havertz early in the second half.

With the game back level, Germany continued to put pressure on Paraguay in the attacking third, but simply couldn't connect for a goal. The South Americans defence had a whopping eight blocks to keep the Germans' shots from connecting, with Gill there to do the rest.

As a result, the game headed to extra time, giving both teams another 30 minutes to try and find the go-ahead goal. And in the 102nd minute, it seemed like they'd finally found it, as German defender Jonathan Tah rose above the defence for a decisive header.

But VAR review overturned the goal, citing a foul that Waldemar Anton  committed on Gill to impede his ability to make a save. The somewhat soft foul call kept the game level and returned the ball back to Paraguay.

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