The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 got underway in dramatic fashion, with two stoppage-time winners and two penalty shootouts producing an unforgettable 1st four games of knockout football. Canada and Brazil booked their places in the Round of 16 with late goals, while Paraguay and Morocco pulled off stunning upsets to eliminate Germany and the Netherlands respectively.
Canada Make History with Last-Gasp Winner
Canada reached the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 for the first time in their history after a dramatic 1-0 victory over South Africa.
South Africa produced another disciplined defensive display and looked set to force extra time, frustrating the Canadian attack for much of the contest. However, just as penalties seemed inevitable, Stephen Eustáquio struck in the 92nd minute to finally break the deadlock and send Canada into the next round.
It was a heartbreaking end to a remarkable tournament for South Africa, whose historic World Cup campaign came to a close despite another resilient performance.
Brazil Leave It Late to Overcome Japan
Five-time world champions Brazil survived a major scare before defeating Japan 2-1 thanks to a dramatic 95th-minute winner.
Japan took the lead and looked capable of producing another famous result, but Brazil responded through Casemiro to level the scores. With extra time looming, substitute Gabriel Martinelli, who entered the match in the 66th minute, scored the decisive goal deep into stoppage time to complete the comeback and send Brazil into the Round of 16.
Japan exited the tournament with their heads held high after another spirited display against one of football’s biggest nations.
Paraguay Eliminate Germany in Tournament Shock
One of the biggest upsets of the tournament unfolded as Paraguay knocked four-time world champions Germany out of the FIFA World Cup after winning 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
Paraguay once again demonstrated their resilience before holding their nerve in the shootout to seal a famous victory. Julio Enciso continued his outstanding tournament by scoring against Germany, becoming the first Paraguayan player to score in a FIFA World Cup knockout match. The young forward has now recorded a goal against Germany and assists against Türkiye and the United States during an exceptional campaign.
Germany’s elimination marks one of the biggest shocks of the tournament, ending their World Cup journey far earlier than expected.
Morocco Complete Stunning Comeback Against Netherlands
Morocco produced another memorable World Cup moment by defeating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
The Dutch appeared destined for the Round of 16 before Morocco found a dramatic equaliser in the 90th minute to force extra time. Neither side could find a winner over the additional 30 minutes, sending the contest to penalties where the Atlas Lions kept their composure to complete a remarkable comeback.
The victory sends Morocco into the Round of 16 and continues their impressive run, while the Netherlands’ unbeaten campaign came to a heartbreaking end.
The opening four Round of 32 matches have already delivered unforgettable drama, proving once again that knockout football offers no guarantees. With giants falling, underdogs rising and late goals deciding matches, the race for the FIFA World Cup 2026 title is becoming more unpredictable than ever.
Confirmed MatchUps In The Round of 16
1. Canada v Morocco on the 4th Of July, Saturday at 10:30 PM
