World Cup round of 32 delivers dramatic upsets and late winners
Paraguay produced one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Germany 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Boston Stadium in the United States.
Germany controlled possession for long spells, but Paraguay struck first just before half-time when Julio Enciso headed home from a Matias Galarza cross in the 42nd minute after a corner sequence involving Manuel Neuer.
Germany responded in the 54th minute through Kai Havertz, who headed in a precise cross from Florian Wirtz to level the match.
Despite Germany’s dominance, Paraguay’s disciplined defensive structure held firm through regular time and extra time. A disallowed German goal from Jonathan Tah in extra time added to the tension before the match went to penalties.
In the shootout, Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill made crucial saves as Germany missed key opportunities, marking Germany’s first-ever World Cup penalty shootout defeat. Paraguay advanced to face France or Sweden in the Round of 16.
Morocco edge Netherlands in chaotic shootout
Morocco booked their place in the Round of 16 after a dramatic 3-2 penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands following a 1-1 draw.
Cody Gakpo gave the Netherlands the lead in the 72nd minute before Issa Diop struck a stoppage-time equalizer to force extra time.
The match saw missed chances on both sides in a chaotic shootout, with multiple penalties saved or hitting the woodwork. Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou played a decisive role as pressure mounted on both teams.
Ismael Saibari scored the winning penalty to send Morocco through. Morocco will face Canada in the Round of 16 in Houston.
Brazil strike late to eliminate Japan
Brazil secured a 2-1 comeback win over Japan in Houston to reach the Round of 16 after a dramatic stoppage-time winner.
Japan took a surprise lead in the 29th minute when Kaishu Sano intercepted a pass from Danilo and scored from distance.
Brazil equalized in the 56th minute through Casemiro, who headed in a cross from Gabriel Magalhães.
Just as extra time appeared likely, Gabriel Martinelli scored in the 90+5th minute after a precise assist from Bruno Guimarães, completing Brazil’s late turnaround. Brazil will face either Norway or Ivory Coast in the next round.
Canada reach historic milestone with late winner
Canada advanced to the Round of 16 for the first time in their history after a 1-0 win over South Africa in Los Angeles.
The match was tightly contested, with South Africa struggling to create chances and Canada pressing throughout.
The decisive moment came in stoppage time when Stephen Eustaquio scored a powerful strike from the edge of the area in the 90+2nd minute.
The victory sets up a Round of 16 clash between Canada and Morocco.
Source:AA
