Matchday 19 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 delivered another thrilling chapter in the Round of 32 after Matchday 18 featured only Canada’s narrow 1-0 victory over South Africa. Three knockout fixtures on Matchday 19 produced dramatic finishes, including a penalty shootout upset and a late equaliser that kept Morocco’s dream alive.
Results:
- Brazil 2-1 Japan – Brazil advance to the Round of 16, where they will meet the winner of Ivory Coast vs Norway.
- Germany 0 (3) – (4) 0 Paraguay (Penalties) – Paraguay pull off a major upset and will face the winner of France vs Sweden.
- Netherlands 1 (2) – (3) 1 Morocco (Penalties) – Morocco book a Round of 16 clash against Canada.
Netherlands 1 (2) – (3) 1 Morocco
Goals: Cody Gakpo 72′ | Diop 90+1′
Morocco produced a determined display to eliminate the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw that stretched into extra time.
The North Africans controlled much of the contest, enjoying the majority of possession and consistently testing the Dutch defence with quick passing and intelligent movement. The Netherlands, meanwhile, remained patient, sitting deep and looking to strike on the counterattack.
After an evenly contested first half, Morocco continued to dictate the tempo following the break. However, against the run of play, the Dutch found the breakthrough in the 72nd minute. A long ball from defence was flicked on by Wout Weghorst into the path of Crysencio Summerville, who set up Cody Gakpo. The Liverpool forward calmly slotted home before being overcome with emotion, dedicating the goal after the recent heartbreaking loss of his and his partner’s unborn child.
Morocco refused to give up and pushed numbers forward in search of an equaliser. Their persistence paid off in first-half stoppage time when Chemsdine Talbi delivered a pinpoint cross that Diop powered home from close range, forcing the match into extra time.
With neither side able to find a winner, the contest was decided from the penalty spot. Morocco held their nerve despite several missed penalties by both teams. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made crucial saves, while tournament standout Ismael Saibari converted the decisive penalty to send Morocco into the Round of 16, where they will take on Canada.