Brazil Advances in World Cup as Germany and Netherlands Are Shockingly Eliminated

The 2026 World Cup knockout stage delivered dramatic surprises, with Brazil advancing while European powerhouses Germany and the Netherlands were eliminated. Brazil secured a 2-1 victory over Japan thanks to a last-minute goal by Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli in the 95th minute, overturning an early deficit after Japan's Kaishu Sano scored in the 29th minute. Brazil will next face the winner of Norway versus Ivory Coast.

Germany and Paraguay played a tense match ending 1-1, with Paraguay's Julio Enciso scoring first and Germany's Kai Havertz equalizing. The game went to penalties where Germany faltered, missing three shots, including Havertz's, while Paraguay's goalkeeper Orlando Gill made crucial saves. José Canale scored the decisive penalty, eliminating Germany and sending Paraguay forward to face either Sweden or France.

The Netherlands faced Morocco in another intense match that ended 1-1 in regulation. Cody Gakpo scored for the Dutch in the 72nd minute despite personal tragedy days earlier, but Morocco's defender Diop equalized in stoppage time. After a goalless extra time, Morocco triumphed in the penalty shootout, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou making key saves. Morocco will next play one of the host nations, Canada.

The group stage standings were also finalized, with notable teams like Mexico, Switzerland, Brazil, and France topping their groups. The tournament continues to showcase unexpected outcomes and thrilling matches as it progresses to the round of 16.