Germany and the Netherlands have become the first high-profile casualties of the revamped 2026 World Cup format, crashing out in the round of 32 after penalty shootout defeats to Paraguay and Morocco, respectively.
Both matches ended 1-1 after extra time, with Germany losing 4-3 on penalties to Paraguay and the Netherlands falling to Morocco in a tense shootout. Under the previous 32-team format, both sides would have advanced comfortably after topping their groups, but the expansion to 48 teams introduced a new round of 32 featuring the top two from each of 12 groups plus the eight best third-placed teams.
Germany's Historic Penalty Heartbreak
Paraguay, who qualified as one of the best third-placed teams, handed Germany their first-ever penalty shootout defeat at a World Cup. Julio Enciso opened the scoring against the run of play in the first half, before Kai Havertz equalised shortly after the interval. In extra time, Jonathan Tah had a header ruled out by VAR, and the Bayern Munich defender later missed the decisive penalty, blazing over the bar to allow Jose Canale to seal the 4-3 shootout victory.
Netherlands Fall to Morocco
The Netherlands suffered a similarly heartbreaking exit, with Morocco's Ismael Saibari slotting home the winning spot-kick after a tense shootout marked by misses and fine saves at both ends. The Dutch had topped their group but could not overcome a disciplined Moroccan side.
Controversial Format Divides Opinion
The tournament's expansion, which extends beyond five weeks and finishes on July 19, has split opinion. Supporters argue it gives smaller nations like Wales and Scotland better qualification chances, and point to Cape Verde becoming the smallest country ever to reach the knockout rounds. Detractors cite watered-down quality and reduced stakes, noting teams can advance despite losing twice. Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz, whose side also benefited from the format, called it "vulgar and ordinary."
Despite the criticism, FIFA has confirmed the format will remain. The round of 32 continues this week, with England facing DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday.
