By: Precious Miracle Kargbo Snr
Two European heavyweights, Germany and the Netherlands, have been sensationally eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Round of 32 stage after dramatic penalty shootout defeats on the same night, marking one of the biggest shocks of the tournament so far.
Germany’s campaign came to a heartbreaking end after a 1–1 draw with Paraguay, before losing 4–3 on penalties in a tense shootout. The match swung both ways in regulation time, but neither side could find a winner before extra time, sending the game to penalties where Paraguay held their nerve to eliminate the four-time world champions. It marks Germany’s earliest exit in recent memory and a major setback for Julian Nagelsmann’s side.
Shortly after, the Netherlands also suffered elimination in equally dramatic fashion, falling 3–2 on penalties to Morocco after a 1–1 draw. Morocco took the lead in a tightly contested match before the Dutch responded, but neither side could be separated over 120 minutes. In the shootout, Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou played a decisive role, making a crucial save as Morocco held their nerve to secure a historic victory.
The Dutch exit is a major disappointment given their strong group-stage form and attacking dominance earlier in the tournament, while Morocco continue to build on their growing reputation as one of the most dangerous teams outside Europe and South America.
Both results underline the increasing competitiveness of the expanded World Cup format, where traditional powerhouses are no longer guaranteed progression beyond the early knockout rounds.
As the tournament continues, Paraguay and Morocco move into the Round of 16, while Germany and the Netherlands exit earlier than expected in what will be remembered as one of the most dramatic nights in World Cup knockout history.