Germany’s players react after losing the penalty shootout against Paraguay.
Doha, Qatar: The FIFA World Cup entered the knockout stage with 32 teams still dreaming of glory. Over 16 matches played across the United States, Canada and Mexico, football’s biggest names were forced to fight for survival, big nations were sent home, and several nations celebrated the greatest victories in their World Cup history.
The biggest shock came with Germany’s exit at the hands of Paraguay. The four-time world champions were held to a 1-1 draw before Paraguay prevailed in a dramatic penalty shootout, eliminating one of the pre-tournament favourites and producing one of the biggest upsets of the competition.
Morocco followed with another statement victory. After frustrating the Netherlands throughout 120 minutes, the Atlas Lions kept their composure in the penalty shootout to knock out the Dutch and book their place in the Round of 16 for the second consecutive FIFA World Cup.
History was also made as Egypt produced one of the defining moments of the Round of 32 by defeating Australia on penalties after a fiercely contested 1-1 draw. The victory secured the Pharaohs’ first-ever World Cup knockout win and booked a Round of 16 meeting with Argentina.
Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha applauds fans after the defeat. (PICS AFP)
Norway continued their impressive campaign by defeating Ivory Coast to reach the Round of 16, while Switzerland ended an 88-year wait for a World Cup knockout victory with a 2-0 win over Algeria. Canada also made history, edging South Africa 1-0 to book their place in the Round of 16 for the first time.
While several emerging nations celebrated historic nights, the tournament’s biggest names discovered that progress would have to be earned.
Argentina survived one of the most entertaining matches of the knockout stage, overcoming a fearless Cape Verde side 3-2. Making their World Cup debut, Cape Verde once again refused to be overawed, pushing the defending champions until the closing stages before eventually falling short in a performance that further enhanced their reputation despite elimination.
Brazil were similarly tested by Japan before securing a 2-1 victory with a late winner, while Portugal also needed a goal in the closing stages of extra time to edge Croatia by the same scoreline. England, meanwhile, were pushed by a determined DR Congo side before captain Harry Kane inspired a second-half comeback, scoring twice to seal a 2-1 victory and book their place in the Round of 16.
France and Spain were among the few teams to enjoy relatively comfortable evenings. France swept aside Sweden 3-0, while Spain produced their most complete performance of the tournament in a commanding 3-0 victory over Austria. Belgium survived an entertaining five-goal thriller against Senegal, scoring twice in three minutes late in the game before converting a penalty deep into extra time to seal a 3-2 victory.
The United States defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0, while Mexico continued their impressive campaign with a 2-0 win over Ecuador, maintaining their perfect record in the tournament. Colombia completed the Round of 16 lineup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ghana, extending their unbeaten run in the World Cup to four matches.
Six of the 16 ties went beyond 90 minutes, with three requiring penalty shootouts to separate the sides. Five other matches were settled by late goals in normal time, underlining just how little separated victory from elimination.
Goalkeepers emerged as heroes, experienced players delivered under pressure and fine margins, rather than outright domination, determined which teams kept their World Cup dreams alive.
The knockout stage also belonged to football’s biggest stars. From veterans Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to the new generation led by Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, football’s biggest stars delivered when it mattered most, keeping their nations in contention and ensuring the race for both the World Cup trophy and the Golden Boot remains wide open.
The Round of 32 has left the competition with a fascinating mix of nations. World champions Argentina, France, Spain, Brazil and England remain firmly in contention, but they are now joined by teams that have already shown they can overcome the odds.
All three host nations the United States, Mexico and Canada have progressed to the Round of 16, alongside Belgium, Paraguay, Morocco, Colombia, Egypt, Norway and Switzerland, each earning their place through composed performances under pressure.
The World Cup now moves into the Round of 16 with the field reduced from 32 teams to 16. The opening knockout round delivered major upsets, historic firsts and unforgettable drama, leaving a tournament that has become increasingly difficult to predict and ensuring every remaining nation believes it still has a genuine chance of lifting football’s biggest prize.
