World Cup Round of 32 Recap: Morocco Edges Netherlands on Penalties; Paraguay Upsets Germany; Brazil Beats Japan

The 2026 World Cup has entered the knockout phase, where every game means elimination or advancement. After intense group play, three Round of 32 clashes have concluded, sending Canada, Brazil, and Paraguay forward.

Brazil's Late Goal Sends Them Through

Japan struck first in their Monday match thanks to Kaishu Sano's 29th-minute goal. But Casemiro equalized for Brazil shortly after halftime. Then, in stoppage time, Gabriel Martinelli delivered a decisive strike, propelling Brazil into the next round.

Paraguay Shocks Germany in Shootout Thriller

The afternoon showdown between Germany and Paraguay stretched beyond regular time, ending 1-1 after extra minutes. The penalty shootout unfolded as a nail-biter with Orlando Gill and José Canale making critical saves, allowing Paraguay to pull off a stunning victory.

Morocco Triumphs Over Netherlands on Penalties

In one of the tournament’s most anticipated matches, Morocco and the Netherlands battled to a 1-1 draw before heading to penalties. The shootout was intense, but ultimately Morocco prevailed 3-2, booking their spot in the Round of 16.

Round of 32 Results from Monday

• Brazil 2, Japan 1
• Paraguay 1, Germany 1 (Paraguay wins 4-3 on penalties)
• Morocco 1, Netherlands 1 (Morocco wins 3-2 on penalties)

Memorable Moments from Morocco vs Netherlands

The match saw relentless physicality and defensive intensity, with neither team scoring during the first half despite several chances. Bart Verbruggen, the Dutch goalkeeper, made crucial saves early on.

Ismael Saibari, Morocco’s striker, had a tough game with some missed opportunities but scored the winning penalty kick. The shootout swung back and forth, marked by misses from both sides including Dutch players Quinten Timber and captain Achraf Hakimi hitting the post.

Final Moments and Extra Time Drama

Extra time was marked by injuries and fatigue, especially for the Netherlands, who used their last subs for players struggling physically. Moroccan forward Saibari suffered a bloody facial injury but returned to help his team advance.

A stunning save from Dutch keeper Bart Verbruggen kept the match tied late in extra time, denying Morocco a potential winner before penalties.

“Cielito Lindo” echoed throughout Monterrey Stadium as Mexican fans cheered on, adding a lively atmosphere to the tense finish.

We think the opening knockout games hint at an intense remainder of the tournament, full of unexpected twists and edge-of-the-seat moments.