Paraguay knocked Germany out of the 2026 World Cup in a penalty shootout, marking Germany's first-ever shootout loss in the tournament. Orlando Gill emerged as the hero for Paraguay, aided by a controversial foul call that shifted momentum. The result has prompted analysts to declare Germany 'no longer a soccer superpower.'
Morocco also delivered a seismic upset, defeating the Netherlands on penalties in a chaotic shootout capped by Saibari's winning strike. The loss represents the Netherlands' earliest World Cup exit, sparking celebrations—and clashes with police—in The Hague. The victory extends Morocco's reputation as a giant-killer on the global stage.
In the other half of the bracket, the U.S. Men's National Team faces Bosnia and Herzegovina after acing the group stage. Team USA's strategy is 'simple: attack, grab an early lead, and add on,' according to one report. However, the match carries added pressure: the U.S. must end a five-year winless streak against European opponents.
Ticket prices for the U.S.-Bosnia match in the Bay Area have dropped sharply, suggesting shifting demand or fan hesitation. The U.S. captain has issued a warning ahead of the knockout clash, underscoring the high stakes. A win would silence critics of the team's European struggles, while a loss would deepen doubts.
Counter_argument: Germany's exit may be overstated as a decline; the team faced a determined Paraguay side on an inspired night, and shootouts remain a lottery even for historically strong squads.