Germany eliminated on penalties, Haaland knocks out Brazil: 2026 World Cup quarter-finals take shape

The knockout phase of the 2026 World Cup began on June 28 and immediately reshuffled the deck: Germany fell in the round of 16, Brazil was knocked out in the round of 8 by Erling Haaland, and all three host nations exited before the quarter-finals.

Round of 16: Germany stumbles, favorites struggle

The new 48-team format, which introduces an extra round, immediately proved capable of catching out major nations. Germany paid the price against Paraguay: trailing, the Mannschaft equalized but failed to take the lead in regular time. Three misses from the penalty spot sealed their elimination. England and Brazil also had to battle to overcome the Democratic Republic of Congo and Japan respectively, while Argentina, the defending champions, needed extra time to eliminate Cape Verde.

Round of 8: Haaland stuns Brazil, hosts head home

Brazil’s difficulties in the previous round foreshadowed a perilous round of 8 clash against Norway. Erling Haaland confirmed those fears with a brace, eliminating an unrecognizable Seleção. The three host nations also packed their bags: Canada fell 0-3 to Morocco, the United States were dominated 4-1 by Belgium, and Mexico lost 3-2 to England. Argentina avoided disaster by overturning Egypt in the dying minutes (3-2), while Switzerland secured qualification against Colombia on penalties.

Quarter-finals: France-Morocco and Spain-Belgium on the agenda

The quarter-final draw features several top-tier matchups. Spain will face Belgium in an all-European clash, as will Norway against England. France will meet Morocco again, a confrontation that will revive memories of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, won by the Blues. Argentina, meanwhile, will face Switzerland after two qualifications secured under very different circumstances.

Kylian Mbappé, still in contention for the Golden Boot, will be one of the central figures in these quarter-finals, as France aims for a third star under Didier Deschamps.