World News Update: FIFA World Cup 2026 Stunned as Germany and Netherlands Crash Out in Round of 32 Shockers

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The Pakistan Times Live | Islamabad Times — Islamabad, June 30, 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 delivered one of its most dramatic nights yet as two of football's traditional powerhouses, Germany and the Netherlands, were eliminated from the tournament on the same evening, both falling in heart-stopping penalty shootouts during the opening round of the knockout stage.

Germany suffered what is being called one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history, losing to Paraguay 4۔3 on penalties after the match ended 1.1 following extra time. The result marked an early and painful exit for a team appearing in its first knockout-stage match since lifting the trophy back in 2014. Paraguay's victory sent shockwaves through the tournament, with the South American side now advancing to face a red-hot French team that is expected to be one of the toughest remaining opponents in the bracket. For Germany, questions are already being raised about tactical decisions made throughout the match, including a lineup change that saw a key attacking player left out of the starting eleven.

In an equally stunning result, the Netherlands were eliminated by Morocco in another penalty shootout, with the African side prevailing 3-2 after a tense 1.1 draw through extra time. The match had appeared to be heading toward a Dutch victory after a second-half goal gave them the lead, but Morocco found a dramatic equalizer deep into stoppage time to force extra time, setting up the decisive shootout. Morocco's goalkeeper produced a crucial save during the penalty kicks before his teammate stepped up to seal the historic win, sending the Netherlands home despite their remarkable record of not losing a single World Cup match in regulation time since 2010.

Elsewhere on the same day, Brazil narrowly defeated Japan 2.1 in a tightly contested match that saw Japan take an early lead before Brazil fought back to seal a stoppage-time winner, continuing their pursuit of a record-extending sixth World Cup title.

These results highlight the unpredictable nature of this expanded 48.team tournament, the largest in World Cup history, where established football powers can no longer take their path through the knockout rounds for granted. Morocco now advances to face co-host Canada in the next round, while Paraguay's clash with France is being billed as one of the most anticipated fixtures remaining in the competition.

As the tournament progresses toward the quarterfinals, fans and analysts alike are reassessing which nations stand the best chance of lifting the trophy, with several pre-tournament favorites already eliminated and underdog nations proving they belong on football's biggest stage. The Pakistan Times Live will continue to bring updates as the knockout rounds intensify in the coming days.

2026 The Pakistan Times Live. All rights reserved.

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