Germany and Netherlands knocked out of World Cup by Paraguay and Morocco

Germany and Netherlands knocked out of World Cup by Paraguay and Morocco

Two of football's traditional powers were eliminated from the World Cup on Monday, June 29, 2026, as Germany and the Netherlands suffered shock Round of 32 defeats to Paraguay and Morocco.

In Boston, Germany fell to Paraguay in a match defined by high possession but ultimate frustration. Despite entering the tie as strong favorites after topping Group E, Julian Nagelsmann's side was defeated 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra-time. Paraguay had entered the knockout stage as the seventh best third-place team.

Julio Enciso gave the South Americans a first-half lead, but Arsenal's Kai Havertz equalized in the second half by flicking on a cross from Florian Wirtz. The match reached a boiling point in the 116th minute when Jonathan Tah scored a header that appeared to give Germany a 2-1 lead. However, referee Jalal Jayed overturned the goal following a VAR review, ruling that Waldemar Anton had fouled goalkeeper Orlando Gill in the build-up.

The fallout from the disallowed goal sparked a sharp reaction from former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. Speaking to MagentaTV, Klopp claimed Arsenal scored 60 per cent of their goals that way while winning the Premier League title, adding, If the goal is illegal, then Arsenal won't be English champions.

Germany's exit was sealed in the shootout after misses from Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Tah. Joshua Kimmich told Sky Sport Germany that Germany deserved to be eliminated due to struggles against non-world-class opponents. Antonio Rudiger described the locker room as stunned to silence following the result.

Meanwhile, in Guadalupe, Mexico, Morocco secured a 3-2 penalty victory over the Netherlands after a 1-1 draw through 120 minutes. The Dutch had led in the 72nd minute through Cody Gakpo, who broke down in tears after scoring following the recent loss of his unborn son. Morocco equalized in the 91st minute when Issa Diop powered home a header from a Chemsdine Talbi cross.

The subsequent shootout was chaotic. Justin Kluivert hit the post, and both Quinten Timber and Achraf Hakimi missed their attempts. Morocco keeper Yassine Bounou saved a spot-kick from Crysencio Summerville to set up the winning moment. Ismael Saibari scored the decisive penalty to send Morocco through.

Saibari has emerged as a breakout star of the tournament, becoming the first African player to score in three World Cup group games. His performance has already resulted in a £47million deal with Bayern Munich from PSV Eindhoven, ending interest from Everton and Crystal Palace.

Morocco's manager, Mohamed Ouahbi, oversaw a side that dominated possession—controlling 70% of the ball compared to 30% for the Netherlands. Achraf Hakimi told beIN Sports that the team remained focused to prove that their previous success in Qatar was not merely luck.

For the Netherlands, the exit marks a continuing trend of late tournament heartbreak. They have not lost a World Cup match in regulation since the 2010 final, but have been eliminated via penalty shootouts in 2014, 2022, and now 2026.

In other action on Monday, Brazil advanced to the next round after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Japan in Houston. Kaishu Sano opened the scoring for Japan in the 30th minute, but Brazil responded with a goal from Casemiro and a 95th-minute winner by Gabriel Martinelli. Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti noted that suffering is part of the game and admitted that Brazil flirted with the possibility of failing to reach the last 16 for the first time in history.

The tournament continues with the following schedule:

• Ivory Coast vs. Norway (1 p.m. ET), France vs. Sweden (5 p.m. ET), and Mexico vs. Ecuador (9 p.m. ET).
• Morocco will face Canada at NRG Stadium in Houston at 1 p.m. ET.

Paraguay will now face either France or Sweden in the Round of 16.