The 2026 FIFA World Cup was the first time in history that two of the top 10 teams in the world were eliminated in the first round of knockout rounds. Both 10th-ranked Germany and 8th-ranked Netherlands ended their campaigns via penalty shootouts, making the round of 32 one of the most dramatic knockout stages of the tournament. Germany’s disappointing performance at major tournaments continues after Paraguay beat the four-time world champions on penalties. The game ended 1-1 after extra time and Germany believed they had found the winner in the 101st minute when Jonathan Tah headed home from a corner. However, after a VAR review, referee Jalal Jajed ruled that defender Valdemar Anton had obstructed Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gil during the attack, thus disallowing the goal. The decision forced the game into a penalty shootout, which Paraguay ultimately won 5-3. The defeat marked the first time in German history that fifa world cup Eliminated through penalty kicks, the previous four penalty shootouts were won. It was also their second penalty shootout defeat at a major international tournament, the first being against Czechoslovakia in the 1976 European Cup final. This result also continues Germany’s difficulties since winning the World Cup in 2014. The previous two World Cups were eliminated in the group stage. Subsequently, the Moroccan team eliminated the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout, writing another unforgettable chapter in the World Cup journey. The Netherlands looked destined to reach the last 16 after Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute. But Morocco refused to give in and equalized in the 91st minute of stoppage time when Chemsdine Talbi’s cross was headed in by Issa Diop. Neither side could decide the winner in overtime, forcing the game to a penalty shootout. Both teams missed two penalties, but Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou once again showed his talent when he saved Crissencio Somerville’s shot from 12 yards. In the penalty shootout, Ismael Sabari calmly took the penalty kick and Morocco sealed the victory 3-2 and advanced to the last 16. The joint elimination of Germany and the Netherlands ensured a landmark moment in the history of the FIFA World Cup, as never before had two top ten countries been eliminated in the first knockout round of a World Cup.
