Brazil secured their place in the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after Gabriel Martinelli scored a last-minute goal in extra time against Japan.
Meanwhile, four-time champions Germany and the Netherlands suffered unexpected eliminations at the hands of Paraguay and Morocco respectively.
Paraguay, quarterfinalists in 2010, and Morocco, semifinalists in 2022, now have the opportunity to surpass their previous best World Cup performances. These outcomes marked the first time two top-ten ranked nations-Netherlands (ranked 8th) and Germany (ranked 10th)-were knocked out in the first round of the knockout stage.
In the match against Japan, Brazil trailed 1-0 at half-time after Kaishu Sano scored a goal in the 29th minute. Casemiro equalised with a header in the 56th minute, but Brazil was kept at bay until Bruno Guimaraes assisted Martinelli, who finished with precision during extra time. This victory marked Brazil’s first knockout match win after trailing at half-time since the 1978 World Cup.
Casemiro, aged 34 years and 126 days, became the second-oldest Brazilian goal scorer in World Cup history, behind Bebeto. Bruno Guimaraes, with four assists in the tournament, is approaching the record held by Pele from 1970.
Germany were eliminated after losing to Paraguay in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw. Julio Enciso scored for Paraguay in the 42nd minute, with Kai Havertz equalising shortly after. A late goal by Germany’s Tah was disallowed on VAR review due to an offside infringement involving defender Waldemar Anton. Paraguay won the shootout 4-3, with Jose Canale scoring the decisive penalty.
This marked Germany’s first World Cup elimination via penalties, having previously won four shootouts. Their defeat represents their second penalty shootout loss in a major tournament, the first being against Czechoslovakia in the 1976 UEFA European Championship final. The result is considered one of the biggest knockout upsets in modern World Cup history, occurring despite Germany entering the tournament ranked 10th and Paraguay 41st.
Germany’s struggles were compounded by their persistent inability to keep clean sheets, having conceded in each of their last 10 World Cup matches. Manuel Neuer’s return to international football did not prevent goals being conceded, including in matches against debutants Curacao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador.
The Netherlands drew 1-1 with Morocco, with Cody Gakpo scoring in the 72nd minute amidst personal tragedy, having recently lost an unborn child. Issa Diop equalised for Morocco near the end of regular time. The match was decided on penalties, with Morocco prevailing 3-2. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou notably saved two penalties.
Gakpo now has six World Cup goals, tying him with Dutch legends Dennis Bergkamp, Wesley Sneijder, Rob Rensenbrink, Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie. Johnny Rep remains the Netherlands’ all-time top World Cup scorer with seven goals.
Morocco will next face Canada on July 4, while the winners of the round of 32 matches will determine the opponents of Brazil and Paraguay in the round of 16.