Morocco Stun Netherlands, Paraguay Send Germany Packing as World Cup Round of 32 Delivers Late-Night Drama

By BigEyeUg Team

Football fans watching on DStv and GoTV are already enjoying high drama at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the new Round of 32 knockout stage gets underway.

This year’s tournament is bigger than ever. For the first time, the World Cup features 48 teams, and it is being hosted across three countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. With more teams in the mix, the road to the final has grown longer, tougher, and far less forgiving for the world’s best sides.

For fans who went to bed early, they missed a night full of twists. Monday night into the early hours of Tuesday brought missed penalties, late goals, a major European exit, and another unforgettable Moroccan celebration.

Morocco Send Netherlands Packing

Morocco produced the night’s biggest moment, beating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw in Guadalupe, near Monterrey. Ismael Saibari struck the winning penalty, sending the Dutch out of the World Cup at their earliest stage in years.

The Netherlands looked set to advance after Cody Gakpo scored in the 72nd minute. But Morocco refused to give up, forcing extra time through a stoppage-time equaliser from Issa Diop in the 91st minute.

The penalty shootout that followed was far from smooth. Neil El Aynaoui struck the bar, Justin Kluivert hit the post, and Quinten Timber dragged his shot wide. Even Dutch star Achraf Hakimi could not find the target, also striking the woodwork. Morocco’s goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, then made the save of the night, denying Crysencio Summerville, before Saibari calmly finished the job.

Morocco will now face Canada in Houston on July 4.

Every match played on the day went beyond the standard 90 minutes, and two of them needed penalties to be decided. By the end of the night, two European teams had already been sent home.

Paraguay Pull Off the Shock of the Round

The biggest surprise of the round came earlier in Boston, where Paraguay knocked out four-time champions Germany. The match ended 1-1 after normal time, and Paraguay went on to win the shootout 4-3.

Germany controlled long spells of the game, but it was Paraguay who struck first through Julio Enciso. Kai Havertz pulled Germany level in the second half. In extra time, Germany pushed hard for a winner, including a Jonathan Tah header that was ruled out after a VAR review.

The shootout proved costly for Germany, who lost their first-ever World Cup penalty shootout. Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Tah all missed their spot kicks, sealing a stunning exit for the four-time world champions and handing Paraguay one of the greatest results in their football history.

For Paraguay, it was a night built on discipline, patience, and nerve. For Germany, it was another painful tournament ending, one likely to raise fresh questions about coach Julian Nagelsmann and the direction of the national team going forward.

Catch Every Moment on DStv and GoTV

As the world’s biggest football tournament continues, fans are encouraged to keep watching on DStv and GoTV for the best football action for Everything Can Wait, Sleep Can Wait.

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