By Nadia Ntiamoah
European heavyweights Germany and the Netherlands have been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering dramatic Round of 32 defeats.
Four-time champions Germany endured one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, losing 4-3 on penalties to Paraguay after a 1-1 draw in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Julio Enciso gave Paraguay the lead before Kai Havertz equalised for Germany, while a late Jonathan Tah goal was ruled out by VAR in extra time.
Germany then missed three penalties through Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Tah, allowing José Canale to convert the decisive spot-kick and send Paraguay into the Round of 16.
The defeat marked Germany’s first-ever World Cup elimination on penalties.
The Netherlands also bowed out of the competition after suffering a surprise defeat to Morocco, ending the Oranje’s hopes of progressing despite an impressive group-stage campaign.
Morocco booked their place in the World Cup round of 16 after defeating the Netherlands on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw after extra time in Monterrey. Cody Gakpo gave the Dutch the lead before Issa Diop headed home a stoppage-time equaliser, with Ismael Saibari converting the decisive spot-kick to send the Atlas Lions through.
Morocco defeated the Netherlands on penalties after a dramatic 1-1 draw following extra time in Monterrey to book their place in the World Cup round of 16. Cody Gakpo’s second-half opener looked set to send the Dutch through before Issa Diop headed home deep into stoppage time.
The Atlas Lions’ goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made the crucial save to block the Netherlands’ fifth penalty from Crysencio Summerville before striker Ismael Saibari stepped up to blast home the winning spot-kick that sealed a 3-2 shootout win.
The result sent the Atlas Lions into the Round of 16, with Canada in Houston on Saturday where they continue Africa’s remarkable run at the expanded 48-team World Cup.
The exits of Germany and the Netherlands underline the unpredictable nature of the knockout stages, with several traditional football powers already sent packing as the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy intensifies.
