The World Cup 2026 has been anything but predictable. Heavyweights have fallen, minnows have soared and the knockout bracket has been blown wide open. Here are the biggest shocks of the World Cup 2026 so far. For the full picture, see our World Cup 2026 hub.
Germany dumped out by Paraguay
The biggest shock of the lot. Four-time world champions Germany were beaten on penalties by Paraguay in the Round of 32, drawing 1-1 after extra time before losing the shootout 4-3. Julian Nagelsmann’s side dominated the ball and racked up 21 shots, but Julio Enciso‘s opener put Paraguay ahead; Havertz levelled to send the tie to penalties, but Paraguay held their nerve to pull off a stunning giant-killing.
Morocco send the Netherlands home
Another fancied side fell on spot-kicks: the Netherlands lost on penalties to Morocco in the Round of 32. Cody Gakpo had put the Dutch ahead, but Morocco — inspired by captain Achraf Hakimi — levelled late through defender Diop and won the shootout 3-2 to march into the last 16.
Norway knock out Brazil
The shock of the knockout rounds. Five-time world champions Brazil were beaten 2-1 by Norway in the Round of 16, Erling Haaland striking twice — including a 90th-minute winner — to send the Seleção crashing out and book Norway’s place in the last eight.
Canada make history
Not every surprise is a disaster. Co-hosts Canada beat South Africa 1-0 in the Round of 32, Stephen Eustaquio’s 92nd-minute winner sending them into the last 16 for the first time in their men’s World Cup history — though their run was ended by Morocco in the last 16.
Cape Verde’s fairytale
One of the smallest nations ever to reach a World Cup, Cape Verde announced themselves by holding Spain to a goalless draw in their opener and going on to reach the knockout rounds — a remarkable achievement that ranks among the stories of the tournament.
The bracket is wide open
With Germany, the Netherlands and now five-time champions Brazil all eliminated — and all three co-host nations (the USA, Mexico and Canada) knocked out in the last 16 — the road to the final has never looked more open. With the semi-finals done, Spain and Argentina will contest the final.
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Germany, the four-time world champions, being knocked out by Paraguay on penalties in the Round of 32 is the biggest shock of the tournament so far.
Germany (Paraguay) and the Netherlands (Morocco) went out on penalties in the Round of 32, and five-time champions Brazil were beaten 2-1 by Norway in the last 16. Portugal also exited, losing to Spain.
Co-hosts Canada reached the last 16 for the first time in their men’s World Cup history, beating South Africa 1-0 in the Round of 32 before losing to Morocco in the last 16.
Yes. Cape Verde held Spain to a goalless draw and reached the knockout rounds, one of the smallest nations ever to do so.