The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 has only just begun, yet the knockout stage has already delivered plenty of drama, excitement, and heartbreak. Two of Europe’s biggest nations, the Netherlands and Germany, suffered surprise eliminations, while tournament favorites Brazil and France comfortably secured their places in the Round of 16.
Netherlands and Germany Exit on Penalties
Both the Netherlands and Germany entered the knockout stage as potential dark horses after impressive group-stage campaigns. However, their World Cup dreams ended in penalty shootouts.
The Netherlands were unable to protect Cody Gakpo’s first-half lead after Morocco equalized through Issa Diop late in the match. Neither side could find a winner during extra time before the Atlas Lions held their nerve to prevail in the penalty shootout, sending Ronald Koeman’s men home.
Germany endured a similar fate. Julian Nagelsmann’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Paraguay after normal and extra time before losing in the penalty shootout. It marked another heartbreaking World Cup exit for Die Mannschaft despite another strong overall performance.
Brazil, France and Hosts Keep Their Dreams Alive
In contrast, Brazil and France progressed with convincing performances.
France comfortably defeated Sweden 3-0 thanks to a Kylian Mbappe brace and Bradley Barcola’s goal. Meanwhile, Brazil came from behind to edge Japan 2-1, with Casemiro equalizing before Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic late winner.
The two host nations also celebrated qualification. Canada booked their Round of 16 place after Stephen Eustáquio’s late strike secured a 1-0 victory over South Africa. Meanwhile, Mexico comfortably defeated Ecuador 2-0 to continue their impressive tournament campaign.
🏆 FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 32 Results
| Date | Match | Round | Goalscorers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 June | Canada 1-0 South Africa | Round of 32 | ⚽ Stephen Eustáquio 90+2′ |
| 29 June | Brazil 2-1 Japan | Round of 32 | ⚽ Casemiro 56′, Gabriel Martinelli 87′ | Kaishu Sano 18′ |
| 29 June | Germany 1-1 Paraguay (Paraguay won 4-3 on penalties) | Round of 32 | ⚽ Leroy Sané 2′ | Julio Enciso 41′ |
| 29 June | Netherlands 1-1 Morocco (Morocco won 3-2 on penalties) | Round of 32 | ⚽ Cody Gakpo 39′ | Issa Diop 85′ |
| 30 June | Norway 2-1 Ivory Coast | Round of 32 | ⚽ Antonio Nusa 24′, Erling Haaland 87′ | Amad Diallo 74′ |
| 30 June | France 3-0 Sweden | Round of 32 | ⚽ Kylian Mbappé 14′, 54′, Bradley Barcola 66′ |
| 30 June | Mexico 2-0 Ecuador | Round of 32 | ⚽ Julián Quiñones 22′, Raúl Jiménez 31′ |
