World Cup 2026 takeaways: Thrilling penalty shootouts, Brazil magic highlight Day 2 of knockout stage

Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner in the final minute of stoppage time, his right-footer just getting past Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki's extended arms.

For a country that's experienced more success on the World Cup stage than any other nation, Monday's result isn't yet among the most memorable goals in the team's history. But with four more victories, it will be.

Germany-Paraguay puts USMNT in new light

As great as the U.S. looked in its World Cup opening 4-1 win over Paraguay, it wasn't clear until Monday just how impressive the result was.

Paraguay pulled off a stunner in its 2026 knockout stage debut, playing Germany to a 1-1 draw and winning on penalty kicks, 4-3, handing Germany its first loss via penalty shootout in 50 years. 

Despite being 31 spots lower in the FIFA/Coca-Cola world rankings entering the Round of 32 match, Los Guaranies outplayed its counterpart in the first half, even as the Germans built an overwhelming advantage in ball possession, 79-21 percent. Paraguay had two shots on target while conceding none through 45 minutes and took a 1-0 lead into the halftime break, thanks to in large part to another excellent defensive effort.

Over its past three matches, Paraguay has only allowed one goal, putting the USMNT's four-goal outburst in its opener in greater context. La Albirroja has successfully stymied other attacks, but the U.S. cut through with its aggressive approach. Even on an off-day, the Stars and Stripes should have gained confidence seeing Paraguay, which finished third in Group D, go toe-to-toe with a European giant. No other team in this tournament has made Paraguay look as pedestrian.

Summer of Arsenal

On a high after a UEFA Premier League title and a trip to the Champions League Final, everything is still coming up roses for Arsenal. Martinelli scored the winning goal for Brazil, while center-back Gabriel Magalhaes notched an assist. Striker Kai Havertz had the tying goal for Germany against Paraguay, adding to a remarkable day at the World Cup for The Gunners, who are still finding reasons to celebrate.

Netherlands-Morocco a true heavyweight bout

The two Goliaths met in Monterrey, playing to a 1-1 draw before Morocco won a thrilling penalty shootout, 3-2. For two teams ranked in the top 10 in the world rankings, the Round of 32 meeting had the drama of a semifinal or medal match. But make no mistake about it; as the Fox broadcast noted, the best team won. Morocco, which reached the semis at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, led in expected goals, 1.4-0.23, while being the much more aggressive and sharper team throughout. 

The Atlas Lions are standing even taller after sending the Dutch to a premature exit. Monday revealed Morocco's ascending national team has what it takes to match its previous historic run in Qatar. After taking down one giant, Morocco shouldn't have any problems going against others in its weight class.