World Cup: Round of 16 takes shape as Paraguay, Morocco Join Brazil, Canada

The knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup produced more drama on Monday as Paraguay and Morocco secured places in the Round of 16 after edging Germany and the Netherlands, respectively, in tense penalty shootouts.

Their victories mean four teams have now confirmed their places in the last 16 of the global football showpiece, with Paraguay and Morocco joining Brazil and Canada in the next phase of the tournament.

Paraguay End Germany’s Campaign

Paraguay booked their place in the Round of 16 after overcoming Germany in a closely contested Round of 32 encounter that ended in a penalty shootout.

The South Americans took the lead through forward Julio Enciso, who found the back of the net to put Paraguay in control during regulation time.

Germany responded through Kai Havertz, whose well-taken header restored parity and forced the match into extra time after neither side could find a winner.

With the deadlock still unbroken after 120 minutes, the match was decided from the penalty spot.

Paraguay held their nerve to win the shootout 3-2, while Germany’s hopes of advancing were dashed after Havertz was among the players who failed to convert their penalties.

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The victory sent Paraguay into the last 16 and brought an early end to Germany’s World Cup campaign.

Morocco Eliminate Netherlands

Morocco also needed penalties to progress after battling back from a goal down to defeat the Netherlands in another thrilling Round of 32 fixture.

The Dutch looked set to advance after Cody Gakpo gave his side the lead, putting Morocco under pressure for much of the contest.

However, Morocco refused to surrender and found a dramatic late equaliser through Issa Diop, forcing the game into extra time.

Neither team could produce a winning goal during the additional 30 minutes, sending the contest to penalties.

Morocco emerged victorious after the Netherlands faltered from the spot, with Quinten Timber, Crysencio Summerville, and Justin Kluivert all missing their penalties.

The shootout triumph ensured Morocco’s progression while ending the Netherlands’ hopes of advancing further in the tournament.

Following Monday’s results, Paraguay and Morocco joined Brazil and Canada, who had earlier secured qualification for the Round of 16.

With several Round of 32 fixtures still to be played, the race for places in the knockout stages continues as the remaining teams battle for a chance to compete for football’s biggest prize.