Brazil advance as Germany and Netherlands exit World Cup on penalties

Brazil survived a tense round-of-32 clash with Japan to win 2-1 and advance to the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 29, while Paraguay and Morocco sent Germany and the Netherlands home in penalty shootouts.

Japan took the lead through a strike from outside the box after Brazil lost possession in midfield, with Casemiro unable to recover in time. Carlo Ancelotti's side levelled when Casemiro headed home after Brazil overloaded the left flank, and Gabriel Martinelli sealed victory with what analysts said was the latest winning goal in normal time of a World Cup knockout match since 1966. Brazil finished with 69% possession, 19 shots and seven on target.

Head coach Germaine Thomas said Japan were well organised in a low block but sat too deep after equalising, allowing Brazil to increase tempo and ball speed in the second half. Former Trinidad and Tobago World Cup player Brent Sancho credited Ancelotti's halftime changes, including bringing on Hendrick and Martinelli, though he noted Casemiro's positioning had left Brazil exposed for Japan's opener.

Germany's campaign ended in a shootout after a 1-1 draw with Paraguay. Julio Enciso put Paraguay ahead in the 42nd minute before Kai Havertz equalised in the 54th. Jonathan Tah thought he had won it in extra time, but the goal was disallowed when Anton was judged to have fouled Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill during a set-piece screen. Germany missed three penalties; Paraguay missed two but held their nerve in sudden death.

Former FIFA referee Victor Stewart said contact with the goalkeeper occurred but questioned whether it affected the goal, arguing Tah's header was beyond Gill's reach. Sancho called the decision soft.

Morocco also progressed on penalties, eliminating the Netherlands after Cody Gakpo had put the Dutch ahead and Morocco equalised in extra time. Morocco will face Canada in the round of 16; Paraguay meet the winner of France versus Sweden.

Brazil next play the winner of Ivory Coast against Norway. Panelists debated whether Ancelotti can solve ongoing midfield balance issues, with Sancho doubting Brazil can go all the way despite today's comeback.