The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada already has its first Round of 16 qualifiers. Ten teams prevailed in the Round of 32, the new knockout stage introduced by FIFA with the 48-team format. The action continues, and the pots are being set for the next round.
Paraguay pulled off the biggest upset of the day by eliminating four-time world champion Germany 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes. Julio Enciso opened the scoring for the Guaraníes, and Kai Havertz equalized for the Europeans. In the shootout, San Lorenzo goalkeeper Orlando Gill became a hero by saving shots from Havertz and Nick Woltemade, while Jonathan Tah sent his effort wide. Lanús defender José Canale sealed the series for Gustavo Alfaro’s team. Paraguay will now face France, which thrashed Sweden 3-0 with a brace from Kylian Mbappé and another goal from Bradley Barcola.
Morocco also caused a shock by eliminating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Cody Gakpo put the Dutch ahead with an emotional goal he celebrated in tears, but Issa Diop equalized with a header in the 91st minute. In the shootout, only five of ten shots found the net: Yassine Bounou saved one, and the other four were missed. Ismael Saibari sealed the series. Morocco’s Round of 16 opponent will be Canada, which beat South Africa 1-0 in Los Angeles with a goal from Stephen Eustáquio.
Brazil, the all-time leader with five titles, qualified by beating Japan 2-1 in Houston. The Japanese took the lead with a goal from Kaishu Sano, but the Canarinha turned it around with a header from Casemiro and a stoppage-time goal from Gabriel Martinelli. Brazil’s next hurdle will be Norway, which eliminated Ivory Coast 2-1 in Dallas. Antonio Nusa opened the scoring with a brilliant goal, Amad Diallo equalized for the Africans, and Erling Haaland gave the Vikings the win late on.
Mexico won a World Cup knockout match for the first time in 40 years by beating Ecuador 2-0. The Aztecs will face England in the Round of 16, which struggled to beat the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1. Belgium, meanwhile, was on the brink of elimination: trailing 2-0 to Senegal in the 85th minute, they mounted a dramatic comeback to win 3-2 in extra time. Their opponent will be the United States, which defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0.
Argentina, the reigning world champion after its title in Qatar 2022, has yet to debut in the Round of 32. With three stars on its crest, the Albiceleste ranks third all-time, behind Brazil (5) and Germany and Italy (4 each). France and Uruguay have two titles each, while England and Spain complete the list of champions with one each.
The Round of 16 bracket promises intense emotions. The remaining Round of 32 matches will determine the other six qualifiers. World Cup fever continues, and fans are already dreaming of seeing their teams in the next round.
para mi es increible que paraguay elimine a alemania los yankees re contentos porque se van los imperialistas pero la alemania esa no merecia ni estar aca viva el sur ahora brasil avanza siempre los mismos de siempre menos mal que mexico gano despues de 40 años aunque juegan como el orto aguante latinoamerica carajo
jajaja alemania llorando por penales bien merecido la argensuela de europa no da mas paraguay sos un orgullo brasil arraso como siempre mexico resucito pero no me importa viva la patria y la raza superior carajo