The World Cup 2026 round of 32 has produced dramatic knockout action, with Germany and the Netherlands both eliminated in penalty shootouts. Co-hosts Canada became the first team to secure a last-16 spot, winning a knockout match on football's biggest stage for the first time thanks to a stoppage-time strike from Stephen Eustaquio against South Africa in Los Angeles.
Germany and Netherlands Fall on Penalties
Germany suffered their first-ever World Cup penalty shootout loss, falling to Paraguay after a 1-1 draw in one of the tournament's biggest upsets. The four-time winners, who have not advanced past the first knockout round since winning the title in 2014, now face intense pressure on head coach Julian Nagelsmann following consecutive group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022.
The Netherlands also exited in a penalty shootout, losing 3-2 to Morocco after a 1-1 draw in Monterrey. Morocco, semi-finalists in 2022, held their nerve from the spot to advance to the last 16.
Late Drama for Brazil and Canada
Brazil needed a last-minute winner from Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli to beat Japan 2-1 in Houston in another thrilling contest. Japan were unlucky to exit after a spirited performance.
Canada's victory over South Africa was sealed by Eustaquio's stoppage-time goal, marking a historic moment for the co-hosts. They will face Morocco in the last 16.
Upcoming Round of 32 Fixtures
The remaining round of 32 matches include Ivory Coast vs Norway, France vs Sweden, Mexico vs Ecuador, England vs DR Congo, Belgium vs Senegal, USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina, Spain vs Austria, Portugal vs Croatia, Switzerland vs Algeria, Australia vs Egypt, Argentina vs Cape Verde, and Colombia vs Ghana.
Last-16 Schedule
The last-16 fixtures begin on July 4 with Canada vs Morocco and Paraguay vs the winner of match 77. Brazil will face the winner of match 78, while other matchups depend on results from the round of 32. The quarter-finals are scheduled from July 9 to July 12, semi-finals on July 14 and 15, the third-place final on July 18, and the final on July 19 in New York/New Jersey.
