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World Cup LIVE: Saibari sends Morocco through on penalties against the Netherlands

Updated
Neil El Aynaoui hits the bar with his penalty
Neil El Aynaoui hits the bar with his penaltyRaquel Cunha / Reuters

The Round of 32 continues at the FIFA World Cup today with Brazil facing Japan before Germany and the Netherlands also look to reach the last 16. Follow all the build-up and the day's play with our live updates here!

Today's matches:

Brazil 2-1 Japan

Germany 1-1 Paraguay (Paraguay win 4-3 on penalties)

Netherlands 1-1 Morocco (Morocco win 3-2 on penalties)

Live updates:

06:00 CET - What a day of action in the round of 32 today. Two penalty shootouts and a last-minute winner in the other game. Both European teams are heading home in what could be seen as a changing of the guard in world football.

We will have all the reaction as well as our World Cup highlights, which will be coming soon, and we will be back later today for more live coverage of this enthralling World Cup.

The Dutch side react after their World Cup exit
The Dutch side react after their World Cup exitEloisa Sanchez / Reuters

05:54 CET - Ismael Saibari has the coolest head in Monterrey to send his Morocco side through to the round of 16. They beat the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties, as the PSV striker capitalises on Bono's save from Crysencio Summerville.

They will take on Canada in the next round!

Read the report now.

Ismael Saibari celebrates his winning spot kick
Ismael Saibari celebrates his winning spot kickDaniel Becerril / Reuters

05:50 CET - Three rounds of the shootout gone, and it's 2-2 with both teams hitting the upright early on. This calls for calm heads, in this pressure cooker.

05:40 CET - You can cut the tension with a knife in Monterrey, but we're going to get more of it now, as the referee brings the contest to a close, meaning it will finish 1-1, and we go to penalties.

Another head cut open, with Ismael Saibari needing to be patched open.

He will likely take one of the kicks, and you can follow it kick-by-kick with the link above.

Netherlands - Morocco final match stats
Netherlands - Morocco final match statsOpta by StatsPerform

05:31 CET - Tired legs and tired minds as Justin Kluivert enters the fray in place of Dutch goalscorer Cody Gakpo. The pace of the game has slowed, but both teams are still chasing a winner.

05:23 CET - Back underway for the second half of extra time, no changes from either side. Maybe one of these sides will pull a 'Paraguay' and make a late sub for penalties?

05:19 CET - Half-time in extra time and it's still 1-1 with Morocco still on the front foot with the Netherlands trying to target Wout Weghorst up top with middling success.

Fifteen minutes left to find a winner, otherwise we are heading to penalties for the second time today.

05:10 CET - Six minutes in, and Bart Verbruggen produces a save for the ages. Soufiane Rahimi bears down on goal with just the keeper to beat, but Verbruggen produces his best Peter Schmeichel impression, spreading himself wide to tip it wide with his fingertips. Brilliant from the Brighton man.

Bart Verbruggen makes a spectacular save
Bart Verbruggen makes a spectacular saveDaniel Becerril / Reuters

05:04 CET - Back underway in Monterrey for 30 minutes of extra time!

05:00 CET - For the second time today, we have extra time at the World Cup. Issa Diop saved Morocco's campaign with that last-ditch header to cancel out Cody Gakpo's opener in the 72nd minute.

What drama awaits us?

Morocco - Netherlands match stats
Morocco - Netherlands match statsOpta by StatsPerform

04:53 CET - Morocco have life! As we enter the 90th minute, Issa Diop, up from the back, gets his head onto a cross to score his first international goal to make it 1-1 in Monterrey. We have a new game!

04:47 CET - A huge tackle from Virgil van Dijk. He sprints across to cut off Ismael Saibari and snuff out the danger. He celebrates it like a goal, as he should. Into the final five minutes. Can Morocco find a leveller?

04:42 CET - Into the final 10 minutes, and the Dutch still hold a slender lead over a frustrated Morocco. They've had 81% of the ball in the second half, but they cannot break down the Oranje. 

04:34 CET - A poignant moment for Cody Gakpo as he gives his side the lead against Morocco. He announced two days ago that he and his partner had tragically lost their unborn son, and he nets from close range, he is overcome with emotion, circled by his teammates as his emotions spill over.

Cody Gakpo's goal against Morocco
Cody Gakpo's goal against MoroccoDaniel Becerril / Reuters / Opta by StatsPerform

04:29 CET - Into the second hydration break, still goalless between Morocco and the Netherlands. Since the break, it's been the African side's game, with Achraf Hakimi proving to be a menace in an advanced position. We expect some changes from Ronald Koeman soon...

04:23 CET - It's all Morocco now, but the Netherlands' back five are holding firm against the siege. Bart Verbruggen has to be at his alert best to deny a whipped corner at the near post. 

04:17 CET - Achraf Hakimi in again, but this time, Micky van de Ven produces one of the challenges of the tournament to block the shot. The pair share a handshake, Hakimi showing the respect the tackle deserved.

Micky van de Ven's challenge on Achfraf Hakimi
Micky van de Ven's challenge on Achfraf HakimiEloisa Sanchez / Reuters

04:13 CET - Off the bar! Achraf Hakimi - the right back - is the furthest player forward, and he gets in behind the Netherlands defence. From a tight angle, the PSG player fires an effort at goal, only for it to cannon off the crossbar.

04:09 CET - No yellows was a surprise in the first half, and the referee has wasted no time in getting them out at the start of the second, booking Issa Diop for a foul on Brian Brobbey.

04:06 CET - Back out for the second half in Monterrey in what has been a tight tussle so far. Can someone find a goal in the second half?

03:50 CET - Morocco should score as we go to the break goalless. With the final action, Achraf Hakimi whips in a delicious free-kick that somehow crosses the six-yard box without anyone getting a touch on it.

It's been a bruising encounter, and we are locked at 0-0.

Netherlands - Morocco match momentum
Netherlands - Morocco match momentumOpta by StatsPerform

03:44 CET - A superb hit from Micky van de Ven forces Bono into a great, diving stop to keep it goalless. It's been a quiet game so far from the wing-back, and that would have changed the script.

03:38 CET - That physicality we spoke about earlier, it's come home to roost with Jan Paul van Hecke bleeding profusely from the top of his head. Noussair Mazraoui catches him on the head with a stud at a corner.

03:30 CET - Still plenty of big challenges flying in from both sides with the referee yet to brandish a card. It doesn't feel like he has total control of the game, and the players are taking advantage of that.

Nathan Ake challenges Brahim Diaz
Nathan Ake challenges Brahim DiazReuters / Daniel Becerril

03:25 CET - The hydration break has come and gone, with Ronald Koeman seemingly more animated of the two coaches. He will want his midfielders to get on the ball more.

03:20 CET - Two big saves from Bart Verbruggen to keep out Morocco. Both great reflex efforts as the African side start to pile on the pressure.

03:15 CET - Prolonged spell of possession from the Netherlands, who look to have Crysencio Summerville in behind, but the flag is up. That pace from the West Ham winger could be a real weapon in this game.

Meanwhile, Chad Riad has already had to change his shirt twice in the opening 17 minutes, caught in a wrestling match with Brian Brobbey. The Dutch striker has already started limping as this physical duel gets going.

Chad Riad and Brian Brobbey tussle
Chad Riad and Brian Brobbey tussleRaquel Cunha / Reuters

03:08 CET - An early flashpoint between Ismael Saibari and Jan Paul van Hecke, who are squaring up after a tussle between the pair. The referee tries to calm it down, but this could get spicy.

An early tussle in the match
An early tussle in the matchDaniel Becerril / Reuters

03:03 CET - Early corner for the Netherlands, which Morocco deal with. That could be a key set-piece this evening.

03:00 CET - Here we go then! Who will win this mammoth clash!

The Dutch team huddle before kick-off
The Dutch team huddle before kick-offRaquel Cunha / Reuters

02:30 CET - Just 30 minutes to go in Monterrey for the final game of the day, with both players out warming up.

Opta are predicting that the Dutch are marginal favourites for the clash, despite Morocco's run to the semi-finals in 2022.

Netherlands - Morocco win probability
Netherlands - Morocco win probabilityOpta by StatsPerform

01:50 CET - Let's take a look at the starting XIs for the round of 32 clash.

Ronald Koeman has made two changes from his side that beat Tunisia 3-1 in their final group game. Micky van de Ven and Crysencio Summerville are back in as the Dutch revert to a back three with Tijjani Reijnders and Donyell Malen back on the bench.

Meanwhile, Morocco rotated for their game against Haiti, and are now back to full strength. Issa Diop, Noussair Mazraoui, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Azzedine Ounahi are all back in as they stick to a 4-2-3-1 system.

Netherlands - Morocco lineups
Netherlands - Morocco lineupsFlashscore

01:40 CET - Have you all calmed down? After that shocking result in Boston, we head to Monterrey, south of the border, which is billed as the game of the round, pitting two top 10-ranked nations against each other in the Netherlands and Morocco.

World Championship 2026: Netherlands - Morocco (video preview)
Flashscore

01:33 CET - One of the biggest shocks we will see at this World Cup. Paraguay defended resolutely for 120 minutes to keep themselves in the game, and held their nerve in the shootout. It's Germany's first-ever loss in a World Cup penalty shootout.

They will now take on France or Sweden on July 4th.

Paraguay celebrate
Paraguay celebrateBrian Snyder / Reuters

01:29 CET - PARAGUAY HAVE DONE IT! Jonathan Tah blazes the sixth German penalty of the shootout way over the bar, giving Jose Canale the golden opportunity to seal it. He's the third player to be able to do it, and he does, sending Manuel Neuer the wrong way and sending his team, his nation, into delirium.

Unbelievable scenes in Boston!

01:27 CET - My word, what drama! Germany are basically out of the tournament, with Paraguay having two chances to win the shootout, but they miss both to send us to sudden death.

01:22 CET - After three each, Paraguay hold the advantage, after Kai Havertz had his saved...

Mauricio celebrates his goal in the shootout
Mauricio celebrates his goal in the shootoutIMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Paul Rutherford

01:12 CET - That's it, we will have a penalty shootout to see whether Germany or Paraguay will make it to the round of 16. Follow it shot by shot using the link above. What drama we have at the World Cup!

Germany - Paraguay match stats
Germany - Paraguay match statsOpta by StatsPerform

01:08 CET - Fouls flying in now, yellow cards being dished out by the bucketload as this nears penalties...

Another corner swung into the Paraguay box, and it's a free header for Waldemar Anton, but it's straight at Orlando Gill, who clutches the ball gratefully.

01:00 CET - Into the final 10 minutes, as Germany make their final changes. They also have a corner where Joshua Kimmich tries his luck, forcing Orlando Gill into a smart save. He's made five saves in the contest, showing just how robust his backline has been to keep their opponents at bay.

00:53 CET - Paraguay have survived until half-time in extra time, just 15 minutes away from penalties.

Germany - Paraguay match stats so far
Germany - Paraguay match stats so farOpta by StatsPerform

00:45 CET - The resistance is broken! Germany are ahead, finally! A corner goes to the back post, and Jonathan Tah is there to power home a header. Heartbreak for Paraguay. Can they find something?

They do, through VAR! Waldemar Anton is impeding the goalkeeper, and the referee decides to overturn the goal. We're back at 1-1!

It's a huge call, and brings back hope for the South Americans.

Jonathan Tah heads home for Germany before VAR intervenes
Jonathan Tah heads home for Germany before VAR intervenesPeter Cziborra / Reuters

00:43 CET - The attack vs defence training exercise continues, Germany keep flinging the ball into the box, but nothing is sticking. The tension is rising in the stadium...

00:36 CET - On we go into extra time, and it's the same pattern of play - Paraguay sitting deep to frustrate Germany. Nick Woltemade is a big presence up top now alongside Kai Havertz - could he be the match-winner?

Nick Woltemade on the ball for Germany
Nick Woltemade on the ball for GermanyPilar Olivares / Reuters

00:28 CET - That's the final whistle, as Paraguay have forced extra time against Germany. It hasn't been pretty from the South Americans, but they are still in with a chance of causing a huge upset.

The Germans have looked slightly ponderous on the ball, with just three shots on target throughout the game.

Can someone nick this in the additional 30 minutes, or will we get our first penalty shootout of the World Cup?

Germany - Paraguay match momentum
Germany - Paraguay match momentumOpta by StatsPerform

00:23 CET - Desperate defending blocks a shot from Joshua Kimmich, Paraguay hanging on for extra time as we enter stoppage time.

00:19 CET - Into the final few minutes of the 90, Paraguay continue to defend stoutly - they just about deal with a corner as Leon Goretzka is unmarked. Extra time feels inevitable now, but Japan would have thought that earlier...

00:09 CET - We have 15 minutes left at the Boston Stadium, and Germany continue to struggle breaking down this stubborn Paraguay side, who look dangerous on the counter. Kai Havertz has a header from the six-yard line saved. This could go either way.

23:49 CET - Paraguay have reacted well to falling behind. Rather than crumble, they've continued to defend well and continue to look a threat on the break. This match isn't over yet.

23:48 CET - Germany level things up! Florian Wirtz gets the ball on the left, swings in a cross, and Kai Havertz heads it in!

Kai Havertz celebrates
Kai Havertz celebratesPeter Cziborra / Reuters

23:29 CET - The second half is underway. Can Die Mannschaft turn things around as Brazil did, or will they endure a third disaster of a World Cup in a row?

23:21 CET - That's the end of the first half, and it's ended with a scoreline that next to nobody expected.

For all their possession, Germany have looked utterly toothless, and deserve to be behind. Despite having 79% of the ball, they have a lower xG (0.14 vs 0.25).

As for Paraguay, they've defended well and taken their chance. The game plan is working to perfection.

23:12 CET - PARAGUAY TAKE THE LEAD!

After soaking up all the pressure, the South Americans force a corner, and after it's cleared, star man Julio Enciso heads in a second ball into the box!

An upset is on the cards.

Enciso's goal
Enciso's goalOpta by StatsPerform (Peter Cziborra / Reuters)

22:55 CET - The first hydration break comes after next to no action. Germany have dominated possession, but Paraguay have contained them without too much trouble.

22:25 CET - Right then, bring on the next knockout tie! Germany are looking win one for the first time since they triumphed in the 2014 final, while Paraguay are out to cause an upset with their first since 2010.

We'll bring you regular updates right here, and you can follow every kick by clicking here.

21:25 CET - That game is going to be a tough act to follow, and Germany and Paraguay are the ones who do so.

The big team news is that German super-sub Deniz Undav finally gets a start, with the striker coming on for Jamal Musiala, meaning either he or Kai Havertz will play as a number 10.

Germany vs Paraguay starting XIs
Germany vs Paraguay starting XIsFlashscore

21:17 CET - A lot of people haven't been impressed with Brazil at this tournament, but they showed real spirit and real quality to turn things around in that second half. Write them off at your peril.

Read our full report here.

21:04 CET - Brazil march on!

The five-time champions produced an excellent second half, playing their best football of the tournament to battle into the last 16.

It's heartbreak for Japan, who have been impressive at this tournament but once again fail to make it past the first knockout round - they've still yet to ever do so.

Brazil vs Japan momentum
Brazil vs Japan momentumOpta by StatsPerform

20:58 CET - GABRIEL MARTINELLI SURELY WINS IT FOR BRAZIL!

Bruno Guimaraes plays a lovely through ball on the edge of the box and the Arsenal man's effort hits the post and goes in!

Martinelli celebrates
Martinelli celebratesPhil Noble / Reuters

20:40 CET - With just over 10 minutes to go, Brazil are looking far more likely to get the job done in 90 minutes. Japan can barely get out of their half right now.

20:21 CET - Vinicius Jr almost scores the goal of the tournament! The Real Madrid man produces a sumptuous nutmeg, dances past a few more defenders and drives into the box, but has his shot tipped onto the post by Suzuki!

Boy, do we have a game on our hands now.

20:18 CET - CASEMIRO EQUALISES! Gabriel swings a cross into the back post and the veteran midfielder manages to get it in the back of the net this time!

Many would have questioned Ancelotti's decision to keep him on after the break, but it's been justified now.

Casemiro's goal
Casemiro's goalOpta by StatsPerform (Lars Baron / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP / Profimedia)

20:16 CET - Somehow Brazil aren't level! Casemiro heads at goal from close range but a combination of Kion Suzuki and Japanese defenders get the ball off the line!

The Selecao are looking much more lively now.

20:08 CET - The second half is underway, and the Selecao have indeed made changes, with Endrick coming on for the injured Lucas Paqueta.

19:57 CET - Brazil have seen far more of the ball, but have done precious little with it, failing to cause a well-organised Japan backline many problems.

In his desire to change that, will Ancelotti bring Neymar into the fold?

Brazil vs Japan first-half stats
Brazil vs Japan first-half statsFlashscore

19:50 CET - Japan lead at the break, and they're good value for their lead.

The Asian side gave next to nothing away in their own half and only grew in confidence after taking the lead, looking more likely to go 2-0 than to concede.

Carlo Ancelotti needs to make some changes if he wants to keep his side in the World Cup, with Casemiro having a particularly poor time of things out there.

19:30 CET - JAPAN TAKE THE LEAD! Kaishu Sano intercepts the ball in midfield, carries it all the way to the edge of the box and fires into the bottom corner! What a goal!

Sano's goal
Sano's goalOpta by StatsPerform (Torbjorn Tande / DeFodi Images / Profimedia)

19:24 CET - We're at the first hydration break, and there's not a huge amount to report. Brazil have had 74% of the ball, but haven't looked like scoring - they've racked up just four shots and an xG of 0.15.

19:09 CET - Brazil are dominating possession in the opening stages, with Japan sitting deep in a compact block as they did for much of their 2-2 draw with the Netherlands.

19:02 CET - Brazil vs Japan is underway!

Surrounded by a sea of yellow in the stands, the Brazilians have made a strong start, going close in the first minute.

17:35 CET - The lineups are in for Brazil and Japan's Round of 32 clash in Houston; you can see both starting XIs below.

As expected, Neymar is on the bench for Brazil, with Carlo Ancelotti opting for the same side as in their win over Scotland, including a front line of Vinicius Junior, Matheus Cunha and 19-year-old Rayan.

Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu, meanwhile, has been forced to reshuffle his pack from their last match due to injuries, with Takehiro Tomiyasu, Junya Ito, and Daizen Maeda all coming into the starting lineup.

Starting XIs for Brazil vs Japan
Starting XIs for Brazil vs JapanFlashscore

16:20 CET - We're counting down the minutes until the first match of the day between Brazil and Japan - it's now under three hours to kick-off in Houston.

To get geared up and in the know for the clash, take a read of our data-based preview here!

Winning probabilities
Winning probabilitiesOpta by StatsPerform

12:00 CET - Ahead of Brazil's blockbuster clash with Japan this evening, Flashscore's Shina Oludare spoke with former Spurs player Sandro about just how far we can expect the Selecao to go in the tournament, amongst other things.

Read that exclusive interview here!

Brazil vs Japan (video preview)
Flashscore

11:00 CET - Hello and welcome to our coverage of day 19 of the 2026 World Cup! Co-hosts Canada stole the headlines last night by reaching the last 16 of the tournament for the first time in their history, but today some of football's biggest national teams come into focus...

The Round of 32 continues this evening with three massive fixtures to enjoy. First up, Brazil will take on Japan in an enticing clash from 19:00 CET in Houston, before we move to Boston at 22:30 CET for Germany vs Paraguay.

The late game might just be the pick of the lot, though, with the Netherlands taking on African heavyweights Morocco at 03:00 CET in Monterrey in what promises to be the end of the line for one very good side.

Netherlands vs Morocco (video preview)
Flashscore

As always, we will build up to those matches throughout the day, and during them, you will be able to follow every kick with our live audio commentary via the links above.

In case you missed Sunday's game, catch up on the drama as it unfolded in our day 18 live blog!