World Cup Knockout Stage Set: Germany Eliminated, Messi Leads Scoring Race

The final whistle has blown on the round of 16, with Colombia's victory over Ghana confirming all participants for the knockout stage of the World Cup. This year's tournament, hosted across the US, Canada, and Mexico, has seen established powerhouses like Argentina, Brazil, France, England, Spain, and Portugal advance, all considered strong contenders before the competition began.

However, the path to the next round was not without its drama. Germany was eliminated in the round of 16, a surprising exit for one of the tournament's traditional giants. Three matches required the tension of penalty shootouts to determine a winner: Paraguay edged out Germany 4-3 after a 1-1 draw, Egypt defeated Australia by the same scoreline following a 1-1 tie, and Morocco advanced past the Netherlands with a 4-3 penalty victory after a 1-1 stalemate.

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The first two matches of the round of 16 will be today.

Other close contests saw defending champions Argentina require extra time to overcome Cape Verde Islands with a 3-2 scoreline. Belgium also secured their passage after extra time, narrowly beating Senegal 3-2. Canada, Brazil, Norway, France, Mexico, England, the USA, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, and Colombia advanced without the need for additional periods or penalties.

Colombia secured their spot as the final team to advance, defeating Ghana 1-0 in Kansas City. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi has taken sole possession of the all-time top scorer record at the World Cup, with 20 goals. He is closely followed by Kylian Mbappe, who has 18 goals. Harry Kane of England and Erling Haaland of Norway have each scored five goals in the tournament.

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Lionel Messi is at the top of the all-time scorers list at the World Cup with 20 goals, while Kylian Mbappe follows him in second place with 18 goals.