Germany and Netherlands Knocked Out of World Cup; England Survives Scare

The 2026 World Cup just delivered one of its most chaotic and entertaining rounds yet — and if you're a football fan, you're going to want to know what went down.

Germany: Knocked out for real this time

Germany fell to Paraguay in one of the more stunning results of the tournament. Paraguay went ahead through Julio Enciso in the 42nd minute with a header off a cross. Germany hit back after the break when Florian Wirtz set up Kai Havertz, who headed in the equaliser in the 54th minute. From there, it stayed level and headed to extra time. A Jonathan Tah header that looked to have put Germany ahead was overturned by VAR for a foul on Paraguay's keeper, a decision that proved decisive. Then came the shootout — and that's where German football history was made, in the worst way. It was the first time Germany had ever lost a penalty shootout at the World Cup. The Germans missed three penalty kicks to lose the shootout 4–3. For a team that has long been synonymous with penalty shootout ice-coolness, that stings.

After winning the 2014 World Cup, Germany failed to advance past the group stage in both 2018 and 2022. This time they made it out of the groups — but given the expanded 48-team format, Germany still finds itself outside the top 16 in the world. That context matters: progress on paper, embarrassment in practice.

Netherlands: Penalty heartbreak, again

The Dutch went the same way. The Netherlands broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute via a Cody Gakpo goal, but Issa Diop then scored in the 91st minute to take the match to extra time. Morocco held firm and took it to spot-kicks. Ismael Saibari scored the decisive penalty as Morocco sent the Netherlands home 3–2 on penalties. With the shootout tied at 2–2, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made a strong save, and Saibari then sent the winner into the low left corner.

Losing late is almost a Netherlands tradition at this point — the nation has not lost a World Cup match in regulation since 2010, with 10 wins and five draws entering this tournament. They keep going deep, and they keep breaking hearts on penalties.

England: Through, but barely

England fans, take a deep breath. DR Congo knocked out England despite taking the lead — Congo DR gave England a scare by taking a 1–0 lead into half-time, but ultimately saw their World Cup end in the first knockout clash. England turned it around in the second half to win 2–1. England eked through with a comeback victory. It wasn't pretty, but it counts.

Up next for England? A daunting one. England's next game is on the night of Sunday July 5/early hours of Monday July 6, against tournament co-hosts Mexico, who maintained their impressive 100% record with a composed 2–0 win over Ecuador.

The bigger picture

Germany and the Netherlands — teams with a rich history and regular appearances in the tournament's knockout stages — were eliminated after nerve-wracking penalty shootouts. Meanwhile, teams from South America, Asia, and Africa are providing further evidence that the gap between traditional soccer powerhouses and new competitors is narrowing.

All three co-hosts — the US, Canada, and Mexico — have advanced to the Round of 16. The home crowds are loving it, and the tournament is very much alive.