FIFA World Cup: Paraguay, Morocco, Brazil Reach Last 16
Jun 30, 2026
Paraguay, Morocco and Brazil have secured their places in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after winning their respective Round of 32 matches.
Paraguay stunned Germany with a 4-3 victory in a penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1 following extra time in Boston. The defeat marked Germany's first-ever loss in a World Cup penalty shootout. Julio Enciso gave Paraguay the lead late in the first half before Kai Havertz equalised in the 52nd minute. Jose Canale converted the decisive sudden-death penalty, while goalkeeper Orlando Gill made two crucial saves to send Paraguay into the last 16.
In another Round of 32 encounter, Morocco defeated the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes. Cody Gakpo opened the scoring for the Netherlands, while Morocco fought back to force extra time. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced a series of outstanding saves, and Ismael Saibari scored the winning penalty after a tense shootout to seal Morocco's place in the next round.
Earlier, five-time champions Brazil booked their spot in the Round of 16 with a dramatic 2-1 win over Japan in Houston. Substitute Gabriel Martinelli scored the winning goal in the sixth minute of stoppage time, just as the match appeared destined for extra time. Brazil will face either Ivory Coast or Norway in the Round of 16 on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
