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Paraguay and Morocco booked their places in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday after knocking out Germany and the Netherlands in dramatic penalty shootouts.
Paraguay will face the winner of France and Sweden in the next round, while Morocco takes on co-host Canada.
Paraguay produced one of the tournament's biggest upsets by beating Germany 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Boston Stadium, eliminating the four-time world champions despite spending much of the match defending.
Germany dominated possession from the outset but struggled to break down Paraguay's disciplined defense. Instead, the South Americans struck first in the 42nd minute after Manuel Neuer punched away a corner. Paraguay recycled the ball before Matias Galarza picked out Julio Enciso, who powered a header into the net for Paraguay's first-ever goal in a World Cup knockout match.
Germany hit back in the 54th minute when Florian Wirtz whipped in a cross for Kai Havertz, who headed beyond Orlando Gill to level the score. The sides remained deadlocked through regulation, sending the tournament's first knockout match requiring extra time into an additional 30 minutes.
Jonathan Tah thought he had put Germany ahead late in the first period of extra time, but the goal was ruled out for a foul on Gill. Paraguay created more chances in the closing stages of extra time but could not find a winner either, leaving the tie to be decided on penalties.
Gill saved Germany's opening spot kick before Nick Woltemade also missed, putting Paraguay in control. Neuer briefly kept Germany alive with a save, but Tah fired over the crossbar to hand Paraguay a famous victory. Germany lost a World Cup penalty shootout for the first time and Paraguay advanced to face either France or Sweden in the Round of 16.
Morocco also reached the last 16 after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw at Monterrey Stadium.
The Netherlands appeared on course for victory when Cody Gakpo opened the scoring in the 72nd minute. Morocco, however, forced extra time through Diop's equalizer in stoppage time before holding their nerve in the shootout to secure qualification.
Morocco's latest success continues the momentum from its historic semifinal run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Gakpo's goal carried added emotion after the Dutch forward recently lost his child. Teammates and substitutes rushed to embrace him as he broke down in tears after scoring.
The defeat extended the Netherlands' recent World Cup disappointment. After missing the 2018 tournament and losing to Argentina on penalties in 2022, the Dutch exited on penalties once again, making it three consecutive World Cup appearances ending in shootout defeats.
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