World Cup 2026: Late drama as Netherlands and Germany crash out
Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The Netherlands lost to Morocco 3-2 on penalties in the World Cup Round of 16 after a 1-1 draw.
- Germany was also eliminated, losing to Paraguay 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 tie.
- Brazil secured a late 2-1 victory over Japan with a goal in stoppage time.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 saw dramatic late decisions in multiple matches, with Brazil snatching a victory against Japan in the sixth minute of stoppage time. Meanwhile, both the Netherlands and Germany were eliminated from the tournament after losing their respective matches in penalty shootouts.
The Netherlands are eliminated from the World Cup in the Round of 16 against Morocco.
The Netherlands' World Cup journey ended in the Round of 16 as they fell to Morocco 3-2 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw. Despite Cody Gakpo scoring for the Dutch in the 72nd minute, Issa Diop equalized for Morocco in the 90+1 minute, forcing extra time. Morocco will now face co-host Canada in the next round, continuing their fairytale run after reaching the semifinals in 2022.
The team of Bondscoach Ronald Koeman lost 2-3 on penalties in an intense game.
Germany also experienced a heartbreaking exit, losing 4-3 to Paraguay in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw. Paraguay advances to face the winner of the France vs. Sweden match. The German national team's elimination marks a significant disappointment for the team.
Cody Gakpo gave the Netherlands the lead in the 72nd minute, and Issa Diop equalized for Morocco in stoppage time (90.+1).
In another match, Brazil secured a hard-fought 2-1 win against Japan, with the decisive goal coming in the dying moments of the game. The results highlight the unpredictable nature of the World Cup, with several matches going down to the wire and decided by the narrowest of margins.
The offensive player and his girlfriend had publicly announced shortly before the game that they had lost their unborn child.
Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.