The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 just witnessed absolute chaos. Penalty shootouts had stayed completely away from the tournament — until one legendary night changed everything. Within hours of each other, two European heavyweights, Germany and the Netherlands, were sent packing by Paraguay and Morocco in back-to-back spot-kick dramas. It was a brutal reminder that once the tournament reaches sudden death, tactical control means nothing without composure under pressure.
Paraguay Stuns Die Mannschaft
Germany completely dominated the stats against Paraguay, controlling a massive 75% of the ball and firing 21 shots. Kai Havertz initially put the Germans ahead, but Paraguay's Julio Enciso struck back to level it.
After a tense 120 minutes ended 1-1, it went the distance. Havertz missed Germany's opening spot-kick, and though they fought to stay in it, Jonathan Tah's late effort was saved. Julio César Canale stepped up with ice in his veins to bury the winner, sending Paraguay through 4-3 on penalties and leaving the Germans in absolute heartbreak.
Paraguay knock out Germany on penalties (4-3) after a 1-1 draw through extra time — the first shootout of the 2026 tournament.
The Atlas Lions Break Dutch Hearts
If you thought that was wild, the second match followed a near-identical script of pure drama. Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock for the Netherlands in the 72nd minute, and the Dutch thought they had one foot in the next round. But Morocco, who had outplayed the Netherlands with 70% possession, refused to go home.
Deep into extra-time stoppage time, Ismael Diop scored a dramatic, last-gasp equalizer to force penalties. When the pressure amplified, the Dutch side completely crumbled, missing three of their spot-kicks (Kluivert, Timber, and Summerville). Ismael Saibari clinically buried his shot to seal a 3-2 shootout win, sending Morocco into absolute delirium.
Morocco knock out the Netherlands on penalties (3-2) after a 1-1 draw through extra time.
The Scripts Are Out the Window
It's a rare, massive double blow for European football early in the knockout stages. Both giants dictated long stretches of play, but football doesn't always reward possession. Paraguay and Morocco showed the grit and nerves of steel required on the big stage, and they fully deserve their unforgettable tickets to the Round of 16. What a night for the neutrals!
Key Takeaways
- First two penalty shootouts of FIFA World Cup 2026, both in the Round of 32
- Paraguay beat Germany 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw (Havertz, Enciso)
- Morocco beat the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw (Gakpo, Diop)
- Both European sides dominated possession and shots but couldn't convert control into a winner
- Paraguay and Morocco advance to the Round of 16