The 2026 FIFA World Cup produced a historic first, with two teams ranked in the top 10 of the FIFA World Ranking being eliminated in the opening elimination round for the first time in the tournament’s history. Germany, ranked No. 10, and the Netherlands, ranked No. 8, both saw their campaigns come to an end on penalties, making the Round of 32 one of the most dramatic knockout stages the competition has witnessed. Germany’s disappointing run at major tournaments continued after Paraguay stunned the four-time world champions in a penalty shoot-out. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Germany believing they had found the winner in the 101st minute when Jonathan Tah headed home from a corner. However, after a VAR review, referee Jalal Jayed ruled out the goal, ruling that defender Waldemar Anton had impeded Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill in the build-up. The decision forced the contest into penalties, where Paraguay held their nerve to win 5-3. The defeat marked the first time in Germany FIFA World Cup elimination via a penalty shootout, having won each of their previous four shootouts in the competition. It was also only their second defeat on penalties at a major international tournament, the first coming against Czechoslovakia in the 1976 UEFA European Championship final. The result also extended Germany’s struggles since the 2014 World Cup, following group exits in the previous two editions. Later, Morocco wrote another memorable chapter in their World Cup journey by eliminating the Netherlands after a dramatic penalty shootout. The Dutch looked destined for the Round of 16 after Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute. But Morocco refused to concede, finding an equalizer in stoppage time when Chemsdine Talbi’s inviting cross was headed home by Issa Diop in the 91st minute. Neither team could find a winner during extra time, taking the game to penalties. Both teams were two points short, but Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou once again showed his brilliance from 12 yards by saving Crysencio Summerville’s effort. With the shootout finely prepared, Ismael Saibari calmly converted Morocco’s decisive penalty to seal a 3-2 victory and send the African team into the round of 16. The combined exit of Germany and the Netherlands ensured a landmark moment in FIFA World Cup history, as never before have two nations ranked in the top 10 been eliminated in the first round of the tournament’s knockout stage.