2026 World Cup: The first 4 matches in the Round of 32, with penalties and two late goals, have been excellent.
We are four games away from the 2026 World Cup qualifying round, but something has changed.
The opening games of the Round of 32 have been fantastic.
If that’s any indication – with two penalties and two stoppage-time matches already in the books – we’re in for a very exciting World Cup break.
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Let’s start with Canada, which was both the first game in the playoff round and somehow not so exciting.
Stephen Eustáquito lifted Canada to a 1-0 win over South Africa on Sunday with a big goal in the 92nd minute of their game in Southern California. He brought it in from outside the box, too, after a headed clearance left him with plenty of room to work after a slow contest up to that point.
This was already Canada’s deepest World Cup race. Now, they have entered the Round of 16 and will face Morocco on July 4 in Houston.
Remember, this late game-winner was the most boring end to the opening two days. It’s hard to call that finish boring.
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Paraguay is struggling
Monday’s match between Paraguay and Germany was incredibly exciting, and it ended with another impressive outing for the Germans.
Paraguay struck first in the 42nd minute with a header from Julio Enciso, although Germany tied the game early in the second half. Albirroja’s defense shut down from that point on, and had eight incredible blocks to keep Germany from getting the win.
Germany almost scored in the 102nd minute, but a VAR review disallowed the goal after a foul by Waldemar Anton.
In the end, that sent the game to a shootout where Paraguay was able to win. That marked Germany’s first penalty shootout loss at the World Cup, and another early exit for the nation that won the tournament in 2014.
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While the penalty shootout is exciting enough, it came after a game of lockdown and a controversial discussion at the end.
Okay, now for the real fun.
Japan looked ready to surprise the Brazilians and knock them out of the tournament this morning after taking a 1-0 lead thanks to Kasha Sano’s goal on Monday afternoon. But their first advantage fell completely in the second half with just enough time to rest.
Gabriel Martinelli saved the day for the Brazilians and buried the game-winner in the right corner with almost a minute left in stoppage time. That goal, after a poor conversion from Japan at the top of the box, completed the comeback and sent the five-time champions into the Round of 16.
Brazil were really pushing, too, as stoppage time approached. Although they had all the momentum in the second half, the win was almost too close for the Brazilian fans packed into NRG Stadium.
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Morocco rally to defeat Netherlands
And finally, it’s time to talk about Morocco.
The Netherlands looked like they would steal this away on Monday night after Cody Gakpo’s goal in the 72nd minute. That came just two days after Gapko and his girlfriend announced the death of their unborn son, and, adding to a special, emotional moment for him on the pitch after the goal.
But, after what seemed like a good finish, the Netherlands let the win go. Issa Diop got the equalizer with a header from the right as stoppage time began to turn the game around for Mexico.
In the end, the Moroccans got the win on penalties which striker Ismael Saibari finished off. That sent them to the next round to face Canada.
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Quite a start, isn’t it? We’ll see what Tuesday’s games bring.
