The primary spherical of the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup continued on Monday with three matches.
Beneath are our takeaways as Brazil, Paraguay and Morocco punched tickets to the Spherical of 16.
Brazilian magic
Selecao sweated out a troublesome Japan squad in its first 2026 World Cup knockout stage match, getting back from a one-goal deficit to advance to the Spherical of 16 for the eleventh straight match on the anniversary of Brazil’s first World Cup title.
Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner within the last minute of stoppage time, his right-footer simply getting previous Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki’s prolonged arms.
For a rustic that is skilled extra success on the World Cup stage than some other nation, Monday’s consequence is not but among the many most memorable targets within the crew’s historical past. However with 4 extra victories, will probably be.
Germany-Paraguay places USMNT in new mild
As nice because the U.S. regarded in its World Cup opening 4-1 win over Paraguay, it wasn’t clear till Monday simply how spectacular the consequence was.
Paraguay pulled off a stunner in its 2026 knockout stage debut, taking part in Germany to a 1-1 draw and successful on penalty kicks, 4-3, handing Germany its first loss by way of penalty shootout in 50 years.
Regardless of being 31 spots decrease within the FIFA/Coca-Cola world rankings coming into the Spherical of 32 match, Los Guaranies outplayed its counterpart within the first half, even because the Germans constructed an amazing benefit in ball possession, 79-21 %. Paraguay had two pictures on the right track whereas conceding none by means of 45 minutes and took a 1-0 lead into the halftime break, due to largely to a different wonderful defensive effort.
Over its previous three matches, Paraguay has solely allowed one purpose, placing the USMNT’s four-goal outburst in its opener in larger context. La Albirroja has efficiently stymied different assaults, however the U.S. minimize by means of with its aggressive strategy. Even on an off-day, the Stars and Stripes ought to have gained confidence seeing Paraguay, which completed third in Group D, go toe-to-toe with a European large. No different crew on this match has made Paraguay look as pedestrian.
Summer season of Arsenal
On a excessive after a UEFA Premier League title and a visit to the Champions League Closing, the whole lot continues to be arising roses for Arsenal. Martinelli scored the successful purpose for Brazil, whereas center-back Gabriel Magalhaes notched an help. Striker Kai Havertz had the tying purpose for Germany in opposition to Paraguay, including to a exceptional day on the World Cup for The Gunners, who’re nonetheless discovering causes to have a good time.
Netherlands-Morocco a real heavyweight bout
The 2 Goliaths met in Monterrey, taking part in to a 1-1 draw earlier than Morocco received an exhilarating penalty shootout, 3-2. For 2 groups ranked within the high 10 on the planet rankings, the Spherical of 32 assembly had the drama of a semifinal or medal match. However make no mistake about it; because the Fox broadcast famous, the perfect crew received. Morocco, which reached the semis on the 2022 FIFA World Cup, led in anticipated targets, 1.4-0.23, whereas being the way more aggressive and sharper crew all through.
The Atlas Lions are standing even taller after sending the Dutch to a untimely exit. Monday revealed Morocco’s ascending nationwide crew has what it takes to match its earlier historic run in Qatar. After taking down one large, Morocco should have no issues going in opposition to others in its weight class.
