Morocco wins on penalties as FIFA games tomorrow set bracket
Morocco eliminated the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw Monday night, capping a Round of 32 day that also saw Paraguay upset Germany and Brazil beat Japan in stoppage time. Three knockout spots remain, and FIFA games tomorrow — Ivory Coast vs Norway, France vs Sweden, and Mexico vs Ecuador — will finalize the last 16.
Monday's final Round of 32 match at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico, delivered the drama ESPN's live desk had been tracking all evening. Cody Gakpo put the Netherlands ahead, but Issa Diop's stoppage-time header forced extra time. Neither side broke the deadlock until penalties, where Ismael Saibari converted the winner after a nervy shootout.
Key Takeaways
- Morocco beat the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, advancing to face Canada in the Round of 16.
- Paraguay knocked out four-time champion Germany on penalties following a 1-1 tie at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
- Brazil rallied past Japan 2-1 in Houston, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring a stoppage-time winner after Casemiro's equalizer.
- Canada earned its first-ever World Cup knockout victory, beating South Africa 1-0 on Stephen Eustáquio's late goal under Jesse Marsch.
- FIFA games tomorrow close out the Round of 32 with three fixtures across Texas, New Jersey, and Mexico City.
How did Netherlands vs Morocco end in penalties?
The match stayed level through 120 minutes after Diop cancelled out Gakpo's opener in the first minute of stoppage time. Morocco created the better chances early, but Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made crucial saves — including denying Soufiane Rahimi in extra time — to keep his side alive.
In the shootout, both teams missed key kicks. Justin Kluivert hit the post for the Netherlands, and Yassine Bounou saved from Ian Summerville before Saibari sealed Morocco's win. Per ESPN's live coverage, Morocco advanced on spot kicks after the teams could not be separated in regulation or extra time.
Which heavyweights fell on Monday at the World Cup?
Earlier on Monday, Paraguay stunned Germany on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Gillette Stadium. Julio Enciso opened the scoring and Kai Havertz equalized before the shootout decided the tie. Goalkeeper Orlando Gill made key saves as Paraguay knocked the four-time champions out of the tournament.
Brazil joined the comeback club at NRG Stadium in Houston. Kaishu Sano gave Japan a first-half lead, but Casemiro equalized shortly after the break and substitute Martinelli netted a late winner for a 2-1 victory. Yahoo Sports noted Brazil will face the Ivory Coast–Norway winner in the Round of 16.
What FIFA games tomorrow complete the Round of 32?
Three matches remain to fill the last Round of 32 berths on Tuesday, June 30. Ivory Coast faces Norway at 1 p.m. ET at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. France meets Sweden at 5 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey — with the winner set to play Paraguay. Co-host Mexico closes the day against Ecuador at 9 p.m. ET at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
As fans plan viewing around these FIFA games tomorrow, streaming platforms and real-time bracket tools are shaping how knockout football reaches global audiences — a trend we track in our Future Tech & AI Wonders coverage. NBC News will continue live updates as the final three knockout ties decide who advances alongside Morocco, Paraguay, Brazil, and Canada.