SEOUL, June 30 (AJP) - Brazil ended Japan's upset bid with a dominant second-half comeback, Germany suffered another World Cup collapse and Morocco extended its recent run of strong international results as the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32 continued on Monday.
Brazil came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 at Houston Stadium in Houston, Texas, in a match that kicked off at noon local time.
Japan took the lead in the 29th minute through Kaishu Sano, whose long-range strike rewarded a disciplined first-half display by Hajime Moriyasu's side.
For much of the opening half, Japan looked compact and confident, matching Brazil's intensity and troubling the five-time champions in transition.
But Brazil took control after halftime. Carlo Ancelotti adjusted his approach, leaning more heavily on width, crosses, aerial power and pace, and Japan spent much of the second half pinned back.
The equalizer came in the 56th minute, when Casemiro headed in Gabriel Magalhaes' cross.
Japan failed to register a single shot on target after halftime and struggled to regain control after Casemiro's goal, with Brazil continuing to stretch the back line through the flanks and fresh legs off the bench.
The pressure finally told in stoppage time. Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner in the 95th minute after being set up by Bruno Guimaraes, ending Japan's hopes of a first World Cup knockout-stage victory.
Japan had previously reached the round of 16 in 2002, 2010, 2018 and 2022, only to lose to Turkey, Paraguay, Belgium and Croatia, respectively. This time, under the expanded 48-team format, Japan advanced to the round of 32 but again failed to clear the knockout barrier after falling to Brazil.
Brazil advanced to the round of 16, where it will face the winner of Ivory Coast and Norway in New Jersey on July 5.
Paraguay took the lead through Julio Enciso before Kai Havertz equalized for Germany with a header.
Germany had more possession and pushed for a winner, but Paraguay stayed compact, absorbed pressure and forced the match into extra time and then penalties.
In the shootout, Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill made two key saves. Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Jonathan Tah failed to convert for Germany.
Jose Canale then scored Paraguay's first sudden-death penalty to seal a 4-3 shootout win.
It was Germany's first defeat in a World Cup penalty shootout.
The result extended Germany's prolonged World Cup decline. The four-time champions were eliminated in the group stage in 2018 after defeats to Mexico and South Korea, and again failed to advance from the group stage in 2022.
This time, Germany exited in the round of 32, meaning it has failed to reach the last 16 in three consecutive World Cups.
Paraguay will face the winner of France and Sweden in the round of 16 on July 4.
The Netherlands went ahead in the 72nd minute through Cody Gakpo, who finished from Crysencio Summerville's assist before celebrating in tears.
Gakpo had remained with the Dutch squad after he and his partner suffered the loss of their unborn child during the tournament.
Morocco refused to fade. In the first minute of stoppage time, Issa Diop headed in a cross to send the match into extra time.
Neither side could find a winner in the additional 30 minutes.
The shootout was tense and erratic. Achraf Hakimi and Neil El Aynaoui failed for Morocco, while Jurrien Timber and Justin Kluivert missed for the Netherlands. Yassine Bounou also saved Summerville's attempt.
Ismael Saibari converted the decisive kick to send Morocco through.
Morocco extended a run of strong results on the international stage. The Atlas Lions became the first African team to reach a World Cup semifinal in Qatar in 2022 and won bronze in men's football at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
They also reached the Africa Cup of Nations final this year and later lifted the trophy after being awarded a forfeited win following their defeat to Senegal.
With players such as Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui and Bounou, Morocco again showed the depth, physicality and tournament resilience that have made it one of the most credible knockout-stage teams outside the traditional European and South American powers.
The Netherlands, which reached the quarterfinals in Qatar before losing to eventual champion Argentina on penalties, exited one round earlier this time.
Morocco will face co-host Canada in Houston on July 4.
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