World Cup 2026: Paraguay, Morocco and Brazil reach last 16
Paraguay, Morocco and Brazil have reached the World Cup 2026 last 16 after Germany, the Netherlands and Japan were knocked out in the round of 32. Germany and the Netherlands lost penalty shootouts to Paraguay and Morocco, while Brazil eliminated Japan. The Côte d'Ivoire vs Norway tie is still to come, with Erling Haaland expected back for Norway.
Key Takeaways
- Germany and the Netherlands were eliminated after losing penalty shootouts to Paraguay and Morocco.
- Brazil knocked Japan out to secure a last-16 place.
- France vs Sweden and Ivory Coast vs Norway are among the remaining round-of-32 fixtures.
- Haaland is fully expected to return for Norway after being rested against France.
- BBC pundit Chris Sutton predicts Ivory Coast vs Norway could finish 2-2 after extra time and go to penalties.
Which teams reached the World Cup 2026 last 16?
Paraguay, Morocco and Brazil advanced on a dramatic day of knockout football, according to BBC Sport's live coverage. Germany and the Netherlands are out after penalty defeats to Paraguay and Morocco respectively.
Brazil also progressed by knocking out Japan. The results reshuffle the last-16 picture before France face Sweden and Ivory Coast play Norway later in the round of 32.
How did Germany, the Netherlands and Japan exit?
BBC Sport reported that both Germany and the Netherlands were eliminated on penalties in their last-32 ties. Paraguay ended Germany's campaign from the spot, while Morocco prevailed in a shootout against the Netherlands.
Japan's exit came at the hands of Brazil, who advanced to the next round. With three established sides already out, the knockout bracket has opened up ahead of the remaining fixtures.
What should bettors watch in Côte d'Ivoire vs Norway?
Attention now shifts to Ivory Coast vs Norway, a tie that could carry real wagering interest. Ivory Coast reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history, finishing second in Group E with six points after wins over Ecuador and Curacao and a loss to Germany.
Norway also advanced with six points in Group I, with Erling Haaland scoring four goals in two appearances. Manager Stale Solbakken rested Haaland against France once qualification was secured, but he is fully expected to start against Ivory Coast as he chases the Golden Boot.
Chris Sutton predicts a 2-2 draw after extra time, with Norway winning on penalties. For broader context on how knockout shocks move sports-betting markets, see our Fintech & Crypto Alerts hub.
Why does the round of 32 still matter tonight?
BBC coverage notes France face Sweden after Ivory Coast play Norway, with the winners joining Paraguay, Morocco and Brazil in the last 16. Mexico and Ecuador also meet in an early-hours tie, with the victor facing England or DR Congo.
With major nations already eliminated and Haaland back in the Norway lineup, sportsbooks face another volatile night. Fans can follow Ivory Coast vs Norway on BBC iPlayer and BBC Radio 5 Live.