Jakarta, ThedailyID — Germany, Japan and South Africa became the first three teams eliminated in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with all three suffering heartbreaking defeats.
South Africa bowed out after conceding a stoppage-time goal in a 1-0 loss to Canada at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
The match appeared destined for extra time before Stephen Eustaquio struck in the second minute of added time, sending Canada into the Round of 16 and ending South Africa’s campaign.
Japan also suffered a dramatic exit after losing 2-1 to Brazil at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Japan took the lead in the 29th minute through Kaishu Sano and held the advantage until halftime. However, Brazil responded after the break as Casemiro equalized in the 56th minute.
Just as extra time looked inevitable, Gabriel Martinelli scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time to seal Brazil’s place in the last 16.
Germany endured one of the tournament’s biggest upsets after losing to Paraguay in a penalty shootout at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
Paraguay opened the scoring through Julio Enciso late in the first half before Kai Havertz equalized for Germany in the 54th minute. Neither side found another goal during extra time, forcing the match into penalties.
Germany missed three spot kicks, including attempts by Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Jonathan Tah. Paraguay converted the decisive penalty through José Canale to claim a 4-3 shootout victory.
The win sent Paraguay into the Round of 16, while Germany exited the tournament earlier than expected.
Teams eliminated in the Round of 32
- Germany
- Japan
- South Africa
