The primary spherical of the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup continued on Monday with three matches.
Under are our takeaways as Brazil, Paraguay and Morocco punched tickets to the Spherical of 16.
Brazilian magic
Selecao sweated out a tricky 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 event on the anniversary of Brazil’s first World Cup title.
Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner within the ultimate 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 another nation, Monday’s outcome is not but among the many most memorable objectives within the staff’s historical past. However with 4 extra victories, it is going to be.
Germany-Paraguay places USMNT in new mild
As nice because the U.S. seemed in its World Cup opening 4-1 win over Paraguay, it wasn’t clear till Monday simply how spectacular the outcome was.
Paraguay pulled off a stunner in its 2026 knockout stage debut, taking part in Germany to a 1-1 draw and profitable 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 getting 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 p.c. Paraguay had two pictures on the right track whereas conceding none by way of 45 minutes and took a 1-0 lead into the halftime break, because of largely to a different wonderful defensive effort.
Over its previous three matches, Paraguay has solely allowed one objective, placing the USMNT’s four-goal outburst in its opener in larger context. La Albirroja has efficiently stymied different assaults, however the U.S. reduce by way of with its aggressive method. 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 big. No different staff on this event 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 Ultimate, all the things remains to be arising roses for Arsenal. Martinelli scored the profitable objective for Brazil, whereas center-back Gabriel Magalhaes notched an help. Striker Kai Havertz had the tying objective for Germany towards Paraguay, including to a outstanding day on the World Cup for The Gunners, who’re nonetheless discovering causes to have fun.
Netherlands-Morocco a real heavyweight bout
The 2 Goliaths met in Monterrey, taking part in to a 1-1 draw earlier than Morocco gained an exhilarating penalty shootout, 3-2. For 2 groups ranked within the high 10 on the earth 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, one of the best staff gained. Morocco, which reached the semis on the 2022 FIFA World Cup, led in anticipated objectives, 1.4-0.23, whereas being the far more aggressive and sharper staff all through.
The Atlas Lions are standing even taller after sending the Dutch to a untimely exit. Monday revealed Morocco’s ascending nationwide staff has what it takes to match its earlier historic run in Qatar. After taking down one big, Morocco should not have any issues going towards others in its weight class.
