Morocco delivered the biggest upset of the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage on Monday night, stunning the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after a dramatic 1-1 draw to seal a place in the Round of 16.
The Dutch looked set for victory when Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute, but Morocco refused to surrender.
Issa Diop rose highest to head home a stoppage-time equaliser, forcing extra time before goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced a decisive save in the shootout and Ismael Saibari calmly converted the winning penalty.
The victory extends Morocco’s remarkable World Cup journey and sets up a Round of 16 clash with Canada, who edged South Africa 1-0 to book their place in the next round.
Elsewhere, five-time champions Brazil survived a spirited challenge from Japan to secure a 2-1 victory. Kaishu Sano handed Japan an early advantage before Casemiro restored parity for the South Americans.
Gabriel Martinelli then struck deep into stoppage time to complete the comeback and send Brazil into the last 16, where they will face the winner of the Ivory Coast versus Norway encounter.
Paraguay also produced a memorable upset by eliminating four-time world champions Germany. Julio Enciso gave Paraguay the lead before Kai Havertz levelled for Germany, but neither side could find a winner after extra time. Paraguay held their nerve to triumph 4-3 in the penalty shootout, booking a Round of 16 meeting with the winner of France against Sweden.
With Morocco, Brazil, Paraguay and Canada already through, attention now turns to the remaining Round of 32 fixtures as the battle for a place in the last 16 gathers momentum across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
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