The FIFA World Cup 2026 The round of 32 has only just begun, but the playoffs have already resulted in plenty of drama, excitement and heartbreak. Europe’s two biggest nations, the Netherlands and Germany, were surprisingly eliminated, while tournament favorites Brazil and France comfortably secured their places in the round of 16.
The Netherlands and Germany played with penalties
Both the Netherlands and Germany enter the knockout stage as potential dark horses after impressive group stage campaigns. But their World Cup dreams ended on penalties.
After Morocco equalized late in the match through Issa Diop, the Netherlands failed to protect Cody Gakpo’s first-half lead. Neither side could find a winner in extra time until the Atlas Lions held their nerve to win on penalties, sending Ronald Koeman’s men home.
Germany suffered a similar fate. Julian Nagelsmann’s team drew 1:1 with Paraguay after normal and extra time and lost on penalties. It marked another disappointing World Cup performance for Die Mannschaft, despite another strong overall performance.
Brazil, France and Hosts Relive their Dreams
In contrast, Brazil and France advanced with convincing performances.
France comfortably beat Sweden 3-0 thanks to a brace from Kylian Mbappe and a goal from Bradley Barcola. Meanwhile, Brazil led Japan 2-1 before Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic late winner before Casemiro equalised.
The two host countries also qualified. Canada qualified for the round of 16 after Steven Eustáquio’s last-gasp strike sealed a 1-0 victory over South Africa. Meanwhile, Mexico comfortably beat Ecuador 2-0 to continue their impressive tournament campaign.
🏆 FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 32 results
| History | Encounter | Is it round? | Scorers |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 28 | Canada 1:0 South Africa | 32nd round | ⚽ Stephen Eustaquio 90+2′ |
| June 29 | Brazil 2-1 Japan | 32nd round | ⚽ Casemiro 56′, Gabriel Martinelli 87′ | Kaishu Sano 18′ |
| June 29 | Germany 1-1 Paraguay (Paraguay won 4-3 on penalties) | 32nd round | ⚽ Leroy Sane 2′ | Julio Enciso 41′ |
| June 29 | Netherlands 1-1 Morocco (Morocco won 3-2 on penalties) | 32nd round | ⚽ Cody Gakpo 39′ | Issa Diop 85′ |
| June 30 | Norway 2-1 Ivory Coast | 32nd round | ⚽ Antonio Nusa 24′, Erling Haaland 87′ | Amad Diallo 74′ |
| June 30 | France 3-0 Sweden | 32nd round | ⚽ Kylian Mbappe 14′, 54′, Bradley Barkola 66′ |
| June 30 | Mexico 2:0 Ecuador | 32nd round | ⚽ Julian Quinones 22′, Raul Jimenez 31′ |