What happened at the World Cup on June 29, 2026?
A brutal day for the European giants. Germany, four-time world champions, were knocked out by Paraguay on penalties, and the Netherlands were eliminated by Morocco in another shootout — two of the biggest names in the sport gone in a single afternoon. Brazil survived a real scare against Japan, winning 2-1 with a goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
- 1Germany, four-time world champions, were knocked out by Paraguay after a 1-1 draw and a 4-3 penalty shootout.[1]
- 2Morocco eliminated the Netherlands after a 1-1 draw and a 3-2 penalty shootout to reach the Round of 16.[2]
- 3Brazil beat Japan 2-1, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring the winner in the fifth minute of stoppage time.[3]
- 4Two European giants — Germany and the Netherlands — were both eliminated on the same day, both on penalties.[4]
- 5The Round of 16 is set: Brazil will face Paraguay, and Morocco will face co-hosts Canada.[5]
1. Paraguay knock out Germany — one of the great World Cup shocks
The headline result of the tournament so far. Germany — four-time world champions — were dumped out by Paraguay after a 1-1 draw went to a penalty shootout, which Paraguay won 4-3. Julio Enciso put Paraguay ahead, Kai Havertz equalized, and then goalkeeper Orlando Gill became the hero in the shootout. For a casual fan: this is a genuine David-and-Goliath story — a South American underdog eliminating one of the most successful nations in World Cup history.
2. Morocco send the Netherlands home — on penalties too
Lightning struck twice. Morocco, the surprise semifinalists of 2022, knocked out the Netherlands after a 1-1 draw and a 3-2 penalty shootout. Cody Gakpo had put the Dutch ahead, but Issa Diop headed a 91st-minute equalizer to force extra time and, ultimately, spot kicks. Morocco — backed by huge, passionate support across North America — march on as the tournament's standard-bearers for the underdog. The Netherlands are out.
3. Two giants gone in one day
Step back and look at the big picture: Germany and the Netherlands, two of European football's most storied nations, were both eliminated on the same day, both on penalties. It's the kind of carnage that makes the World Cup knockout rounds so compelling — no reputation is safe, and the bracket can be blown wide open in 90 (or 120) minutes. The tournament suddenly looks a lot more open.
4. Brazil survive a Japan scare
It wasn't comfortable for the five-time champions. Japan, superbly organized, led through Kaishu Sano's 29th-minute goal and looked set for a famous result. Casemiro equalized for Brazil after the break, and then Gabriel Martinelli snatched the winner in the fifth minute of stoppage time to make it 2-1. Brazil are through, but Japan can hold their heads high after pushing the favorites to the brink.
5. A stat worth sharing
Penalty shootouts decided two of the three knockout ties on Monday — a reminder that at this stage, the finest margins separate glory from going home. The Round of 16 is now taking shape: Brazil will face Paraguay in an all-South American clash, while Morocco meet co-hosts Canada. With Germany and the Netherlands gone, the path to the final just opened up for everyone left.
What to Watch Today
The Round of 32 continues with more knockout ties. Key kickoffs run roughly 12:00 PM / 3:00 PM / 6:00 PM ET — about 1:00 AM / 4:00 AM / 7:00 AM JST and KST the next morning. Check WorldCupExplain.com for the full bracket and schedule in your time zone.
Key Takeaways
- Germany were stunned by Paraguay on penalties — a huge upset.
- Morocco knocked out the Netherlands, also on penalties.
- Brazil survived a Japan scare with a stoppage-time winner.
- World Cup 2026 live: Paraguay upsets Germany in penalties, Brazil defeats Japan — NBC News(accessed 2026-06-30)
- Netherlands vs Morocco: Atlas Lions stun Oranje 3-2 on penalties to reach Round of 16 — Outlook India(accessed 2026-06-30)
- World Cup Round of 32 live updates: Morocco tops Netherlands in PKs; Paraguay beats Germany; Brazil tops Japan — Yahoo Sports(accessed 2026-06-30)
- Netherlands and Morocco head to penalty shootout after 1-1 draw — WRAL(accessed 2026-06-30)
- 2026 FIFA World Cup bracket, results, scores: Round of 32 results, Round of 16 matchups — CBS Sports(accessed 2026-06-30)