World Cup 2026: Germany, Netherlands and Japan are out
Germany, the Netherlands and Japan are among the major teams out of the World Cup after the round of 32, as Paraguay, Morocco and Brazil reached the last 16 on a night dominated by penalty drama. Two European heavyweights crashed out on spot kicks, while Brazil survived a late scare in Houston. The results reshape the knockout bracket and leave several pre-tournament favourites heading home early.
Key Takeaways
- Paraguay eliminated Germany 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Foxborough, completing one of the tournament's biggest shocks.
- Morocco beat the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Monterrey, with Yassine Bounou's save proving decisive.
- Brazil beat Japan 2-1 in Houston, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring a stoppage-time winner after Casemiro had equalised.
- Germany suffered their first-ever World Cup penalty shootout defeat, while the Netherlands exited at the round of 32.
- Paraguay will face the France or Sweden winner; Morocco meet Canada in Houston on Saturday.
Which teams are out of the World Cup after the round of 32?
Three high-profile sides are heading home. Germany, four-time world champions, were knocked out by Paraguay. The Netherlands fell to Morocco, and Japan lost to Brazil. All three round-of-32 ties were played on Monday 29 June, with two decided from the penalty spot.
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How did Paraguay knock Germany out on penalties?
Paraguay took the lead through Julio Enciso's header before Kai Havertz equalised for Germany with a glancing finish. Germany dominated possession and pushed for a winner, but Paraguay stayed compact and forced extra time.
Jonathan Tah thought he had won it with a header in extra time, only for VAR to rule the goal out for a foul on goalkeeper Orlando Gill. Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann called the decision a "joke" after the match.
In the shootout, Gill saved from Havertz and Nick Woltemade, and Tah blazed over. Substitute Jose Canale converted the decisive kick for a 4-3 victory. It was Germany's first World Cup elimination via penalties, ending a run of four shootout wins at the tournament.
What happened in Morocco vs Netherlands and Brazil vs Japan?
In Monterrey, Cody Gakpo put the Netherlands ahead in the 72nd minute, only for Issa Diop to level in stoppage time with a header. After extra time finished 1-1, Bounou saved Crysencio Summerville's penalty before Ismael Saibari sealed a 3-2 shootout win for Morocco.
At NRG Stadium in Houston, Japan took a first-half lead before Casemiro drew Brazil level. Martinelli then struck in stoppage time to send the five-time champions through 2-1 and end Japan's campaign.
Full live coverage is available from the BBC Sport live page and Sky News.
Who advances to the World Cup last 16 next?
Paraguay will play the winner of France versus Sweden on 4 July. Morocco face Canada in Houston on Saturday, continuing an impressive run that includes reaching the semi-finals in Qatar 2022.
Brazil join them in the round of 16, while Germany and the Netherlands join the growing list of European teams out of the World Cup. With the expanded 48-team format producing unpredictable knockouts, the path to the final is wide open.