sports

Paraguay, Morocco Advance as Four Teams Reach 2026 World Cup Last 16

Published

1 week ago

June 30, 2026

Paraguay and Morocco have joined Brazil and Canada in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup after dramatic penalty shoot-out victories over Germany and the Netherlands

Paraguay and Morocco became the latest teams to qualify for the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday 30 June 2026, joining Brazil and Canada after securing dramatic penalty shoot-out wins against strong opponents.

Also read: Morocco Triumph as First African Team into 2026 World Cup Last 16

In a stunning upset, Paraguay defeated Germany 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

Julio Enciso gave the South Americans the lead before Kai Havertz equalised with a header.

Several German players, including Havertz, missed their spot-kicks in the decisive shoot-out.

Morocco matched that feat by overcoming the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes.

Cody Gakpo opened the scoring for the Dutch in the 72nd minute, but Issa Diop struck a late equaliser for the Atlas Lions with a powerful header to force extra time. Quentin Timber, Crysencio Summerville and Justin Kluivert missed for the Netherlands.

Morocco thus became the first African team to progress to the last 16 in this tournament.

The Atlas Lions will now face co-hosts Canada for a place in the quarter-finals. Paraguay’s impressive run continues against top-level competition.

These results highlight the competitive balance in the expanded 2026 World Cup format, with underdogs delivering memorable performances. Brazil and Canada had earlier secured their places in the knockout stage.

The exciting round of 32 matches adds to the positive sporting spirit across Africa and South America, providing a welcome contrast to intense domestic political developments in Nigeria, including the Federal High Court’s new Pre-Election Practice Directions, cabinet changes in Kwara State, and the ongoing NDC registration saga involving Peter Obi.