Matchday 19 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 delivered a night of high drama with two penalty shootouts, two comeback victories, and one of the tournament’s biggest upsets so far.

Here’s a detailed round-up of Monday’s action, including the overnight shocks that rocked the football world.

The knockout stage saw its first major upset when Paraguay, considered one of the weakest sides in the round of 32, knocked out four-time champions Germany in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.

La Albirroja stunned the crowd in Foxborough by taking the lead just before halftime, as former Brighton forward Julio Enciso finished a well-constructed move to give Paraguay a surprise advantage.

Germany responded swiftly after the break when Kai Havertz headed home the equaliser in the 54th minute. It looked like the perfect springboard for Julian Nagelsmann’s side to push for the win, but Die Mannschaft’s attack lacked sharpness and failed to find the decisive goal.

In extra time, Jonathan Tah thought he had given Germany the lead with a powerful header, but it was disallowed after VAR confirmed a foul by Waldemar Anton on goalkeeper Orlando Gill during the corner kick. The referee’s decision to penalise the infringement was a refreshing change, especially given how similar fouls are often ignored in the Premier League.

The clash went to penalties — a scenario where Germany had historically excelled, having never lost a World Cup shootout before. However, it started poorly when Kai Havertz’s hesitant run-up ended with his shot being easily saved by Gill.

Paraguay remained composed from the spot, confidently dispatching their kicks while Nick Woltemade’s weak attempt was saved after the Newcastle United striker failed to fool Gill. Yet, as the pressure mounted, even the South Americans began to falter; Antonio Sanabria missed a chance to seal the win by dragging his shot wide.

Fabian Balbuena then had the opportunity to clinch victory after Nadiem Amiri scored for Germany, but Manuel Neuer produced a brilliant save to force sudden death. The momentum seemed to swing back to the Germans, but Jonathan Tah sent his penalty over the bar, giving Jose Canale the chance to etch his name in history. The Paraguayan defender coolly sent Neuer the wrong way, smashing his effort into the roof of the net to send Paraguay into the round of 16.

The post-match celebrations were euphoric for Paraguay but heartbreaking for Germany, who once again exited early — they haven’t progressed beyond the last 32 since winning the title in 2014. Paraguay now await France or Sweden in the next round.

In Guadalupe, another thriller unfolded as Morocco edged past the Netherlands in a penalty shootout after a tense 1-1 draw. The match was finely balanced from the outset, and it seemed inevitable that it would be decided from the spot.

Morocco created the better chances during normal time, but it was the Netherlands who struck first in the 72nd minute when Crysencio Summerville broke free to set up Cody Gakpo for the opener. The Liverpool forward, still grieving the loss of his unborn child, was visibly emotional after scoring.

The Oranje couldn’t hold their lead, though, as Fulham defender Issa Diop met a perfect cross from Chemsdine Telbi to head home the equaliser deep into stoppage time.

Extra time provided little excitement, with just one attempt in the entire 30 minutes — a one-on-one chance for Soufiane Rahimi, brilliantly saved by Dutch keeper Bart Verbruggen.

In the shootout, Neil El Aynaoui missed Morocco’s first attempt, but Justin Kluivert hit the post to keep things level. Rahimi’s luck turned when his effort was initially saved but deflected in off Verbruggen’s heel. Quinten Timber then missed for the Dutch, giving Achraf Hakimi a chance to put Morocco ahead, but he struck the post. Summerville’s subsequent effort was saved, leaving Ismael Saibari to calmly slot home the winning penalty.

Morocco continue to build their reputation as big-tournament specialists. Following their historic semi-final run in 2022, they’ve since lifted the AFCON title earlier this year and have won three of the last four African Nations Championships. Co-hosts Canada await them in the round of 16.

Meanwhile, Brazil fought back from a poor first half to defeat Japan 2-1 in Houston and secure their spot in the next round.

Japan took a deserved lead in the 29th minute through Kaishu Sano, who intercepted the ball in midfield before driving forward and firing a low strike past Brazil’s defence — a goal that will live long in their World Cup memories.

Casemiro, already on a yellow card, was outpaced and could only watch helplessly as the ball nestled in the net. Despite a difficult first half, coach Carlo Ancelotti kept faith in him, and the midfielder repaid that trust in the 56th minute by heading home the equaliser from a superb Bruno Guimarães cross.

Vinicius Junior struck the post soon after as Brazil piled on the pressure. Japan held firm but struggled to regain their attacking rhythm, managing just one shot in the second half.

As extra time loomed, a costly error from Ao Tanaka on the edge of the box handed Brazil the winner. After losing possession, Bruno Guimarães found Gabriel Martinelli, who curled his shot past goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and in off the post.

It was a cruel end for Japan, who had impressed throughout the tournament, but Brazil marched on, continuing their quest for a record-extending sixth World Cup crown.